Essentials of Human Resources

SHRM educational products are developed according to the highest quality standards. HR professionals and subject matter experts review each product to ensure accurate, real-life applications. In addition, SHRM programs are “living documents”-improvements and revisions are included in each reprint to incorporate the latest changes in HR practices and legislation.

Course Topics

By covering a breadth of practical HR topics, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course provides the knowledge to perform daily tasks. Through this course, you will also:

• Review key pieces of federal legislation on sexual harassment, age discrimination, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Gain insights into employee recruitment and selection while avoiding legal pitfalls
• Enhance your skills related to total compensation systems, pay increases and incentives, and employee benefits.
• Increase your knowledge of employee orientation, onboarding, professional development, and training.

Eligibility

• Understanding that curriculum is based upon US laws and practices
• Use of personal email address versus a business email address to avoid spam or connectivity issues
• Consistent access to the internet during program 
• A computer with both microphone and camera abilities. The ability to both hear and speak with instructor and other students is required for participation in this program. Lack of such computer capability will require the student to log-in via a smart phone
• Be fluent in the English language (including reading and writing)
• Be familiar with how online programs work and be comfortable using them
• Meet the computer technical requirements specifications listed above
• Be able to open Word and PowerPoint documents if required
• Tuition paid in full prior to the start of the program

Admission is discretionary. Duke Continuing Studies-Professional Certificate Programs- requires students be a least 18 years of age and meet minimum suitability standards. Students are not matriculated Duke University students and university student privileges do not apply to Continuing Studies students.

Duke Continuing Studies reserves the exclusive right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to withhold registration or require withdrawal from the program of, any student or applicant.

The certificate is noncredit and does not apply toward a degree.

Certificate requirements

• Attendance required for all sessions with video “on”
• Participation in class activities and any outside assignments/tests is met to the discretion and timeline of the instructor 
• Minimum score of 70% attained on the in-class exam

Schedule

Wednesdays,  6:00-9:00 PM EST

October 18, 25

November 1, 8, 15

Registration

Registration Methods

1. REGISTER ONLINE using a credit card with our secure, real-time registration system.  Add the course to your shopping cart and follow the instructions for checking out.
2. Register by Phone at 919-684-6259 during our business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm EST) to register.

Who should take this course? 

Designed as an introduction to Human Resource basics, this SHRM course provides a solid foundation in human resources concepts and is effective training across multiple job responsibilities and career paths such as:

• Individuals investigating HR as a career option
• New and junior HR practitioners who need to expand their knowledge base
• Small business owners or office managers who perform the HR function for their company
• Business managers who want to learn basic HR best practices 
• New or experienced managers interested in learning more about employee management skills

International HR professionals desiring to increase their knowledge of U.S. HR practices

Why should I enroll in Duke’s program? 

Offered in partnership with the SHRM, the Essentials of HR course is designed by global subject matter experts and incorporates six key topics from the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK™). This course is designed to help the learner better retain the material by combining use of the SHRM official learning materials with live instruction from a HR certified and industry practitioner.

Is the cost of books and parking permits included in the cost of tuition?

Yes, the official SHRM Learning System® for SHRM-Essentials of Human Resource preparation book will be mailed to the address provided before the start of class. 

After registering, when will I receive additional program details?

Registered students will receive additional program details via email prior to the start of the program.

Is access to a computer required during this program? 

This is an online, virtual (live) class, through Zoom. You must have computer access during the scheduled class times and the ability to both hear/speak and see instructor/classmates via use of a microphone and camera. Lack of such computer capability will require the student to log-in via a smart phone.

What are the requirements to earn a certificate of completion?

To earn a Certificate of Completion from Duke University-Continuing Studies the following criteria must be met:

• Full Attendance at the entire 4-day course with video on
• Participation in class activities/discussions
• Satisfactory test completion as determined by the instructor

Does this program apply toward a degree?

No, this program is a non-credit (non-degree) offering and does not transfer towards a degree.

Will Continuing Studies assist me in finding a position upon completion of this program?

It is incumbent upon the student to seek his/her own employment through their own endeavors. Duke Office of Continuing Studies provides no assistance with career placement and/or internships nor make any claim or warrant this program will result in obtaining a position as a result of completion.

Is this curriculum designed and taught by Duke Faculty?

While, the curriculum is neither designed nor taught by Duke Faculty, it is both designed by SHRM, and taught by SHRM certified professionals best able to address and explain HR concepts applicable to real-world scenarios as they currently practice in the industry themselves. 

Is this program affiliated with any other departments at Duke University?

This program is not affiliated with any other office at Duke and is instead offered exclusively through a collaboration between Duke Continuing Studies and SHRM.

Are the sessions recorded?

No, the sessions are not recorded. Student are expected to attend class to gain the most from the subject matter through live interaction with instructor and classmates.

Barry Brown, B.S, PHR, SPHR

Barry holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University. After working in the private security and staffing industry, he entered the Human Resource (HR) Management profession. With a passion for the HR world, combined with learning and development, he has been instructing part-time for 15 years. He has taught both HR certification exam preparation programs and the Essentials of Human Resources.

Barry enjoys fishing, tennis, and running.

Sandy Epperson, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

In a role as HR Business Partner, Sandy has successfully consulted on numerous projects with a variety of companies. Recent projects have included HR audits, benefit analysis, performance management, HR policy and employee handbook development, training design and facilitation, talent acquisition and workplace investigations. Through the scope of her career, she has worked with many different industries and supported internal functional groups including: healthcare, life sciences, retail, distribution, recreation, hospitality, technology services, restaurant, legal, security, aviation, home services, finance, sales/marketing, education, and county and city governmental entities.

Sandy has a B.S. dual degree in Business Management and Human Resource Management from Franklin University. Additionally, she holds both her SHRM-Senior Professional Certification (SHRM-SCP) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications. Sandy is currently the Eastern District Director for the North Carolina Society for Human Resource Management (NCSHRM). Previously, she served as Past President of the 1100-member Human Resource Association of Central Ohio as well as Chair of the Jacksonville, NC affiliate of the Lower Cape Fear Human Resource Association. Additionally, Sandy is on the board and executive committee for the Twin Rivers YMCA. For the past 3 years, she has participated as a presenter at the Entrepreneur Series at Craven Community College as well as the small business committees of local Chambers of Commerce.

Tuition: $635

The course fee includes:

• Live instruction from a certified and practicing HR professional
• Official SHRM Book(s)
• Access to the SHRM online site to supplement classroom instruction
• Certificate (upon successful completion of requirements)

This class is offered online, virtually (live) via Zoom. 

Books will be shipped the week prior to the start of the program.

Duke Employee Discount

• $50 off the fee of $635; Duke employee pays fee of $585
• Student must register and pay tuition in full prior to the program start date in order to reserve space in the program for that term.
• Questions:  Contact Program Manager at 919-668-1836

Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process and cannot be applied in addition to any other discount that may be offered. You may be asked to verify your status as a Duke employee.

Group Discount

Do you have a group (Duke or non-Duke entity) interested in training? Contact the Program Manager for details.

Company Pay

Many companies will reimburse employees for educational expenses. Contact your manager or HR department for more information.