Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect - EDC-X762AA

Course Description

Credit Validation for DoWEA Participants Only

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara explores how going beyond basic service to create meaningful, memorable experiences can transform organizations. Drawing on lessons from building Eleven Madison Park into the world’s best restaurant, this course highlights how a “hospitality-first” mindset, rooted in empathy, intentionality, and connection, can be applied across any industry.

For educators and education professionals, this approach is especially powerful. Schools are not only places of learning but also communities built on relationships. By adopting principles of unreasonable hospitality, educators can create inclusive, student-centered environments where learners and families feel seen, valued, and supported. Participants will explore practical strategies for fostering a people-first culture, strengthening relationships with students and families, and enhancing the overall educational experience through intentional and compassionate practices.

This course supports and strengthens several Cognia standards, providing a roadmap for ensuring a high-quality learning environment: Cognia Standard 1 (Culture of Respect and Fairness), Standard 2 (Learner Well-Being), Standard 3 (Stakeholder Engagement), Standard 4 (Positive Relationships), Standard 5 (Professional Collaboration), Standard 17 (Support for Learners), Standard 20 (Motivation and Engagement), and Standard 27 (Intervention and Support System).

Learner Outcomes

• Differentiate between service and hospitality and explain their relevance in educational settings
• Analyze current practices to identify opportunities to improve student and family experiences
• Demonstrate empathy and relationship-building strategies that help students and families feel seen, valued, and supported
• Evaluate how staff culture influences student outcomes and experiences
• Apply strategies that promote collegiality, collaboration, and a supportive professional environment
• Identify key moments in the school experience that can be intentionally designed for greater impact
• Develop strategies to create positive, memorable experiences for students and stakeholders

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

Number of Units: 1.0 - 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for DoWEA Participants.

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Complete the Course 
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)

Step 3: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 4: Partner Organization Submits Grades
After you finish, the partner organization will submit your final grade to USD.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.