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Programs and Workshops

Fifth Fridays

Fifth Fridays is a professional development series offered during months that include a fifth Friday. These sessions create intentional space for employees to step away from day-to-day work, connect with colleagues from across the University, and engage in meaningful learning. The format is interactive and discussion-based, with a low-pressure, whole-group approach that gives participants time to reflect and share perspectives. Employees leave each session with practical, real-world takeaways they can apply to strengthen connection and culture in their everyday work. Fifth Fridays is open to all WVU employees. 

Upcoming Session Dates

Our next session, Start with Why, will be a 90-minute, in-person, interactive session for all WVU faculty and staff anchored in Simon Sinek's Golden Circle framework. We'll explore what brought each of us to this work, where our personal purpose connects to WVU's mission, and what to do when we lose the thread. 


Date: Friday, October 30, 2026

Time: 10:00–11:30 AM

Location: WVU Mountainlair (Mountaineer Room #253) 

Register Here

Testimonials

“I really enjoyed this session and took it to heart to work on what I can do to help the office culture.”
- Participant of 5th Friday: Culture and Connection at WVU

“It was a great training session! I enjoyed the collaboration and hearing stories/suggestions from the room. It provides great perspective.”
- Participant of 5th Friday: Safe to Speak; Building Psychological Safety at WVU

“I thought it was a great topic, definitely something that needs attention. The time went quickly – I could have used another hour on the topic!”
- Participant of 5th Friday: Safe to Speak; Building Psychological Safety at WVU

LOD Reads Book Club

LOD Reads Book Club is a low-pressure space for WVU employees to explore current books on professional growth and workplace learning. Meetings focus on practical insights and real-world application rather than formal instruction, giving colleagues from across campus a chance to connect and learn together. You'll read at your own pace, then join the group every other month for relaxed, engaging discussion.

Our current read is The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink.

Upcoming Virtual Read

Contact LOD@mail.wvu.edu with questions about the program.

Testimonials

“The LOD Book Club connects WVU employees through open dialogue and fresh perspectives. Every book offers something different, but simply joining the conversation is the most rewarding step you can take."
- Book Club Participant

“This book aligns with the courses I'm taking for Corporate and Organizational Communications… I like how this book reinforces what I learned.”
- Book Club Participant

Leading Forward at WVU

Leading Forward is a training designed for new, current, and aspiring leaders at WVU. It is a two-hour live, interactive session where you’ll explore values-based leadership behaviors and discuss practical ways to lead with Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability, and Appreciation. Leadership is something we all practice, whether or not we have a formal leadership title or role. This free training is open to everyone at WVU and provides an opportunity to explore what leadership looks like in our everyday work and interactions.

Upcoming Session Dates

  • Sept. 10, 2026: 10 a.m. to noon (in-person in Morgantown)
  • Nov. 11, 2026: 10 a.m. to noon (virtual via Microsoft Teams)
  • March 11, 2027: 10 a.m. to noon (in-person in Morgantown)
  • May 13, 2027: 10 a.m. to noon (virtual via Microsoft Teams)

Register to attend Leading Forward at WVU or request to be notified of future sessions. Contact LOD@mail.wvu.edu with questions about the program.

Testimonials

"I was skeptical about this course, but I really enjoyed it, which is hard to do with a leadership class. I learned a lot, and I will be putting what I learned into practice."
- Leading Forward Participant, Fall 2025

“I am not someone who usually likes things like leadership trainings (I typically find most of the content fairly common sense), but this was presented very well, and the topics really made me think and consider how I can be better. Thank you!”
- Leading Forward Participant, Spring 2026

“Thank you so much! It was a great time to engage and reflect.”
- Leading Forward Participant, Spring 2026

Lead in 30

Lead in 30 is a four-week, cohort-style development program built around three core competencies: Creating Clarity, Building Alignment, and Generating Movement.

Using the University's Strategic Compass as a guide, participants learn to build their Team Key Results (TKRs) and put them into action across the University. When successfully applied, this framework ensures teams are never confused as to what their top priorities are, and leaders are able to measure success against clearly defined goals and objectives.

The Lead in 30 program is designed for leaders whose roles include responsibility for teams, organizational priorities, and putting strategy into action. Because of the time and investment involved, employees interested in participating are encouraged to talk with their supervisor about whether the program aligns with their current role, responsibilities, and development goals.

Lead in 30 is provided by a partnership between WVU and Lone Rock Leadership. Contact LOD@mail.wvu.edu with questions about the program.

Testimonials

"Thank you for providing this program. I found the classes helpful and appreciated the opportunity to meet new people across campus.”
- Lead in 30 Participant, 2026

"Great job facilitating the content during the in-person sessions. I appreciated the clear, up-front communication throughout the training, and that it was tailored to WVU as much as possible."
- Lead in 30 Participant, 2026

"I'm excited to see more leaders participate and to discover what we can achieve together moving forward."
- Lead in 30 Participant, 2025

"I feel this is a valuable program and should be strongly recommended for all leaders on campus."
- Lead in 30 Participant, 2025

New Mountaineer Orientation

New Mountaineer Orientation provides new employees with a solid foundation as they begin their career as a Mountaineer.

Learn More About New Mountaineer Orientation

Custom Solutions

Beyond our standing programs, LOD has expanded its offerings to meet departments and units where they are, with solutions built specifically for their teams. Custom support is available on a limited basis and is considered based on the identified need, goals, and content to be addressed. Teams with a defined need are encouraged to contact LOD@mail.wvu.edu to explore if and how we can support.

  • Team Experiences: LOD partners with departments and units to design custom team experiences, including team retreats, facilitated events, and CliftonStrengths programming. These experiences help teams build a shared language and strengthen how they work together.
  • Digital Course Design: LOD also offers digital course design services for partners across the University. This collaborative support enables departments to deliver effective training content of their own.