Summer is a time for reflection, renewal, and growth, and at the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies (SWCHRS), we’re excited to offer a range of programs designed to support professionals and leaders who are working to create more equitable, compassionate, and effective systems. Whether you’re planning for the upcoming academic year, seeking CEUs, or simply looking to build your capacity as a changemaker, we invite you to explore what’s ahead.

This summer, we’re launching a five-part live Zoom series, Managing Civil Discourse, beginning Thursday, August 28th at 1:00 p.m. CT. Participants will learn five communication models: (1) Crucial Conversations, (2) Nonviolent Communication (NVC), (3) the Interest-Based Relational Model (IBR), (4) the 4Rs Method (Recognize, Reflect, Reframe, Resolve), and (5) the DESC Script (Describe, Express, Specify, Consequence). Each session equips attendees with concrete skills to lead through tension with empathy and clarity. The series offers 10 CEU credit hours and a digital microbadge for those who complete the full program.

We’re also proud to continue our work through the Continuing Education Hub for Care Providers, which offers a flexible blend of Zoom-based and self-paced learning. Current topics include Foundations of Age-Specific Care, Trauma-Informed Communication, and Ethics. These sessions are especially useful for professionals working across the lifespan in healthcare, social services, and education.

In addition, SWCHRS is bringing our work directly to communities through the Regional Institute Series—in-person events launching in Washington, D.C. (Fall 2025) and Los Angeles (Spring 2026). These full-day events will focus on financial aid access and affordability, student access and opportunity, the transition from learning to work, pedagogical excellence, and the reimagining of higher education. Registration is $99, with CEU credits available.

We invite you to join us this season, and throughout the year, as we continue to invest in leadership, learning, and institutional and personal transformation. You can register, learn more about any of these offerings, or explore additional resources by visiting our website at https:/swchrs.ou.edu.