Professional & Organizational Development (POD) Restructuring, and What’s Ahead
Beginning today, Professional & Organizational Development (POD) will be undergoing a strategic restructuring of services. This change includes sunsetting several long-standing programs and the difficult decision to eliminate multiple positions. These decisions were not made lightly. They reflect the end of a self-sustaining model for Quarterly Courses that could no longer be supported—despite years of effort, participation, and dedication.
Since the pandemic, POD has struggled financially under its fee-based model. UWHR has used central funds to help sustain operations, but the March 2025 university-wide pause on non-essential spending—including training and consulting—made it clear that the current structure is no longer viable. As part of the reorganization, POD will sunset several programs—including Quarterly Courses, the POD Certificate Program, and the BIPOC Staff Development Program. These changes are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and alignment with the University’s evolving priorities.
Going forward, POD will shift to a leaner, centrally funded structure focused on scalable, equitable leadership development. Core offerings like the Strategic Leadership Program, Welcome Day, and the Consulting Alliance will continue. All UW Management Fundamentals courses will now be offered at no cost to the participant and individual career development will be supported through expanded access to LinkedIn Learning and curated online resources developed by POD.
We know many across the University have partnered with, benefited from, or supported the mission of POD over the years, and we are thankful for this continued trust and patience as we navigate this transition. Please reach out with questions or for support; we’re here to help.