In Scope: Managing Projects at UW–Madison
In Scope is designed for managers of small- to medium-sized projects at UW–Madison.
In this series, project management experts address managing projects in the university environment, introduce project management methods and resources, and facilitate conversations around common problems and solutions.
Presenters assign minimal prework (e.g., videos or articles) for each discussion; prework materials are accessible through the Canvas learning management system.
Upon the completion of each In Scope session, the event recording and session materials are archived in the corresponding Canvas module to serve as a resource for participants.
All sessions are online. Participants can register for the entire series or select individual sessions.
Past Session Recordings
All In Scope session recordings are archived in Canvas, which requires registration and a valid NetID. Registrants may view recordings after a session has passed.
Spring 2026 Schedule
From Plans to People: Tools for Balancing Tasks and Team Dynamics
February 25 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Online
Presented by Kelly Schumann, project manager, Office of Strategic Consulting
Content level: introductory
Successful projects depend on team engagement, collaboration, and the ability to navigate complexity. In this session, you’ll gain practical tools for organizing and managing projects while addressing the human dynamics that influence success. Discover how to balance a project’s structure with people-centered strategies and make your projects more resilient and effective.
Register
Leading Projects in Turbulent Times
March 5 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Online
Presented by Sabrina Messer, administrative initiatives lead, Administration Innovation & Planning (AIP)
Content level: introductory
We often think of projects as a temporary effort with a clear start and finish. In reality, change is constant, and projects often feel like an endless journey toward an evolving future state. When ongoing tasks and shifting outcomes feel overwhelming, we can anchor ourselves in human networks to stay resilient. This session introduces practical concepts, roles, and language to help support colleagues through continuous process and technology changes. You’ll leave with strategies to make change more manageable and people focused.
Register
Beyond the Timeline: The People in Projects
April 9 | 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Online
Presented by Nancy Kujak-Ford, director of strategy and impact, College of Letters and Science
Content level: introductory
Managing projects often means balancing deadlines, deliverables, and resources—but truly successful projects go beyond the basics. This session explores how human dynamics shape project outcomes and introduces T.R.U.S.T. (transparency, reliability, understanding, support, and timeliness) as a practical framework for building stronger team connections. You’ll learn how to establish trust quickly, align perspectives, and make relationship-building a daily practice. We’ll also cover what to do when trust is missing and how to rebuild it. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to make your projects more people-focused, resilient, and successful.
Register
A Framework for Building Project Sponsor Relationships
May 6 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Online
Presented by Jenny Kvistad, chief advisor, Office of the Deputy CIO, Division of Information Technology (DoIT)
Content level: introductory
Active support from project leadership (sponsors) is the top driver of project success—but it’s often hard to secure. Complex challenges frequently require escalation, but without a clear framework, this can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The “Managing Up” framework helps bridge the gap between project implementation and business strategy by turning leadership relationships into active partnerships. In this session, we’ll explore practical techniques and tools to make the most of leaders’ time and attention, using a research-backed framework focused on alignment, visibility, and decision-making.
Register