Ready to level up your communication skills? The Ombuds Office is excited to offer an in-person Crucial Conversations course—an empowering, hands-on training presented by certified trainers Associate Ombuds Pati Montojo and Assistant Ombuds Lana Smith-Hale. This highly regarded course is open to UCSB staff and faculty. The course will run February 3 - 6, 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Wallis Annenberg Conference Room (SSMS 4315). Participants must attend all four sessions to receive a certificate of completion. 

The standard cost of this course is approximately $300; however, thanks to generous funding, we are pleased to offer it for $50. This fee covers the cost of required Crucial Conversations® materials.

The registration deadline is January 26, and additional details are available at this link. Space is limited and the course typically fills quickly, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible (please have your COAA ready).

Cancellations must be received at least six business days prior to the start of the course to allow sufficient time for individuals on the waitlist to enroll. For cancellations received fewer than six business days in advance, refunds can only be issued if we are able to fill your spot by February 1. No-shows will be charged. For questions, please contact lanasmithhale@ucsb.edu