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Training and Development
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CORONA UNIVERSITY
What is Corona University?
Corona University is the City of Corona's internal learning and development program designed to provide employees with a shared foundation of knowledge about the organization, local government, and public service. Through a combination of required courses, leadership development opportunities, and specialized learning experiences, employees gain a deeper understanding of how the City operates, how departments work together, and how their individual contributions support the community.
More than a collection of classes, Corona University serves as a coordinated learning system that helps employees develop professionally while building a stronger understanding of the organization, its mission, and the people who make it possible.
Why Corona University?
Every employee brings unique experiences, skills, and perspectives to the organization. While our day-to-day responsibilities may differ, we are all part of the same system working toward a common purpose.
Corona University was created to provide employees with opportunities to learn beyond the boundaries of their individual roles. Whether learning how local government functions, exploring career pathways, strengthening leadership capabilities, or gaining insight into other departments, employees develop a broader understanding of the organization and the important role they play within it.
By creating shared learning experiences, Corona University helps employees better understand not only what they do, but how their work connects to the work of others throughout the City.
Learning Tracks
Corona University is organized into five learning tracks that support employees in various roles at different stages of their professional development.
- Civic Foundations
- Advanced Organizational Effectiveness (Coming Soon)
- Public Administration Analysis & Operations (Coming Soon)
- Leadership & Organizational Practice Training (Coming Soon)
- Executive Leadership & Strategy (Coming Soon)
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The Corona University Experience
Unlike traditional training programs that focus solely on individual skill development, Corona University is designed to help employees better understand the broader organization in which they work.
Participants learn alongside employees from different departments, career stages, and professional backgrounds. This creates opportunities to exchange perspectives, develop relationships across the organization, and gain insight into how different functions contribute to the City's work.
The result is not only professional growth, but a stronger understanding of the people, processes, and partnerships that make local government possible.
CIVIC FOUNDATIONS
The Civic Foundations Track, equivalent to general education courses at educational institutions, serves as the foundation of Corona University and provides employees with a shared understanding of local government, public service, and the organization they serve.
Every employee arrives at the City of Corona with a unique background, professional experience, and perspective. While our responsibilities may differ, we all contribute to the same mission and serve the same community. Civic Foundations was created to establish a common understanding of how local government functions, how departments work together, and how individual roles contribute to the City's success.
Through a series of engaging and interactive courses, participants explore the principles, systems, and relationships that shape local government while gaining a deeper understanding of the City of Corona and their place within it.
Who Should Enroll?
All employees are encouraged to begin with the Civic Foundations Track, which provides the foundational knowledge needed to navigate the organization and participate in future learning opportunities. The Civic Foundations Track is actually designed for employees across all departments and career stages. Whether you are a newly hired employee learning how the organization operates or a long-tenured employee looking to broaden your understanding of the City, Civic Foundations provides opportunities to learn, reflect, and connect with colleagues from across the organization.
Civic Foundations Courses (Expand to View)
Core Courses:
CF100 You Belong Here: Purpose, Vision, & Values in Action – 4 UNITS
Explore the City's vision, purpose, and values while reflecting on how personal values, workplace behaviors, and day-to-day decisions contribute to organizational culture. Participants will examine how their role supports the City's mission and identify ways to put the City's values into practice.
CF110 Local Government 101: Foundations & Pathways – 2 UNITS
Gain a foundational understanding of how local government operates, how departments work together, and the services provided throughout the City. Participants will explore organizational structure, career pathways, and the interconnected systems that support the community.
CF120 Ethics & Code of Conduct for Local Government Employees – 2 UNITS
Public trust is built on ethical behavior and accountability. This course examines ethical responsibilities, professional standards, and the City's Code of Conduct while providing practical guidance for navigating workplace situations with integrity and transparency.
CF140 Public Service in Practice: Communication & De-Escalation – 2 UNITS
Public service often requires navigating challenging conversations, responding to concerns, and building trust with residents and coworkers. This course introduces communication strategies, de-escalation techniques, and practical approaches for managing difficult interactions while maintaining professionalism and respect.
CF130 Understanding the Public: Corona's Community – 2 UNITS
Who are the residents, businesses, and stakeholders we serve? This course explores the unique characteristics, needs, and perspectives that make up the Corona community. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how community demographics, expectations, and experiences shape public service delivery.
Elective Courses (Coming Soon in Fall 2026):
CF211 Advancing Within: Interview & Resume Effectiveness – 2 UNITS
Learn strategies for preparing competitive applications, developing effective resumes, and approaching interviews with confidence. Participants will explore practical techniques for communicating their skills, experiences, and potential for future opportunities.
CF250 City Budget Basics: Understanding Local Finances – 2 UNITS
Explore the fundamentals of local government budgeting, revenue sources, expenditures, and financial decision-making. This course provides a practical introduction to how public resources are managed and how budget decisions impact City operations.
CF223 Navigating Hybrid Work Expectations – 1 UNIT
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, employees must balance flexibility, communication, accountability, and collaboration. This course explores best practices for succeeding in hybrid work environments while maintaining strong team relationships and performance.
CF274 Personal Finance: Planning for Your Future – 1 UNIT
Financial wellness plays an important role in overall well-being. This course introduces foundational personal finance concepts including budgeting, saving, retirement planning, and long-term financial decision-making.
CF289 Navigating Transitions: From the Field to Office – 2 UNITS
Moving between operational and administrative environments can present unique challenges. This course helps employees navigate workplace transitions, understand organizational expectations, and build confidence in new professional settings.
CF205 Team Dynamics: Strategies for Group Success – 2 UNITS
Successful teams rely on trust, communication, accountability, and collaboration. Participants will examine common team dynamics and explore practical strategies for building stronger working relationships and improving team effectiveness.
CF241 Leadership 101: Do I Want to Lead? – 2 UNITS
Leadership is not the right path for everyone—and that's okay. This course helps employees explore what leadership looks like in local government, the responsibilities that come with leadership roles, and whether pursuing leadership aligns with their interests, strengths, and career goals.