The Purdue University North Central Office of Graduate and Extended Learning has partnered with the Michigan City Center for Creative Solutions to offer a non-credit program for anyone who would like to learn how to harness creativity and creative problem-solving skills to become a better leader and innovator in their lives, careers and communities.
The program will meet on Mondays from June 29 through Aug. 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is $199 and includes the assessment and all other materials. Discounted rates are available for PNC and Purdue University Calumet students, alumni and employees. The registration deadline is June 15 by 4 p.m. Seating is limited.
The program will be taught by Cynthia A. Hedge, founder of the Center for Creative Solutions, and her colleague, Keri Marrs Barron. The Center for Creative Solutions is a non-profit organization offering training to businesses and individuals throughout Northwest Indiana.
During this program, participants will learn what creativity actually is, as well as what it is not. They will discuss the general and economic importance of creativity in our lives and the difference between creativity and innovation. They will discover the true and perceived roadblocks and barriers to creativity, practical ways of removing barriers that they are faced with, and how to support a creative environment.
Students will take a self-assessment that will allow them to learn more about their own problem-solving preferences, as well as each preference’s strengths and weaknesses. They will interact with one another and with the trainers, practicing the use of creative tools, techniques and attitudes to generate innovation in everyday circumstances.
Students will learn about the Creative Problem Solving model, why it is effective and through in-class exercises, learn how to use it to facilitate meetings and other events. Finally, they will learn about how they can strengthen their own creative leadership capacity using the concepts, tools and techniques taught in this class.
To register or obtain further information about this program, visit http://www.pnc.edu/gel/workshops-and-classes or contact Cassandra Boehlke, coordinator of Graduate and Extended Learning, at (219) 785-5748, or cboehlke@pnc.edu. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact (219) 785-5748.