Professional Development

Below are professional development opportunities for faculty and staff available at the University of Maryland and beyond.

Success is achieved by developing our strengths, not by eliminating our weaknesses.
Marilyn vos Savant

For those in a leadership position:

UHR's Foundations of Supervision Initiatives

Details: This workshop provides supervisors with practical tools, such as SWOT analysis, to assess strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. Participants will learn essential management skills, including running effective meetings, performance management, and staff training.
Who It’s For: Supervisors and managers seeking to enhance their leadership skills
Availability: Currently on hiatus (2023-2024); expected return in 2024-2025 as part of a campus-wide supervisor training program.

Details: A detailed professional development blueprint aimed at fostering staff learning and growth. This initiative supports staff at all levels and accommodates various learning styles.
Who It’s For: All staff within the Division of Student Affairs.
Formats: Available in multiple formats, such as workshops, seminars, and online modules
Cost: Free.

Details: A program designed for IT staff, focusing on leadership skills through four tracks: individual development, applied learning, leadership community, and workshops.
Who It’s For: IT professionals interested in leadership development.
Cost: Tuition is covered by the CIO’s office, but participants are responsible for travel, lodging, and per diem expenses.
Application: No formal application process; interested staff should contact their CIO’s office through their supervisor.

Audience: Designed for senior higher education leaders, such as Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans, HR leaders, and IT administrators.
Who It’s For: Higher education leaders aiming to respond effectively to contemporary challenges.
Cost: Varies depending on the program selected.

Details: Offers a blend of journalism insights and practical leadership skills. Courses cover topics relevant to academic leadership and career advancement.
Who It’s For: Higher education staff and faculty interested in advancing their leadership capabilities.
Cost: Varies by course.

For new employees:

Onboarding and orientation information and required training

Details: New employees should complete required training and attend orientation to acclimate to their roles. Additional resources, such as employee handbooks and online training modules, are available.
Who It’s For: All newly hired staff and faculty.

Details: This program is open to all employees, providing diverse learning formats to match different needs and preferences.
Who It’s For: New and existing employees in the Division of Student Affairs.
Cost: Free.

For all employees:

LinkedIn Learning

Details: Employees have unlimited access to a library of over 15,000 instructional videos covering a broad range of topics to enhance skills and job performance.
Who It’s For: All employees looking to develop new skills.
Cost: Free for employees.

Details: A variety of online professional certificates are available, focusing on areas such as project management, data analysis, and leadership.
Who It’s For: Employees interested in earning professional certificates.
Cost: Varies depending on the selected program.

Details: A range of free resources is available to support employees in their roles, including wellness programs, counseling, and access to library services.
Who It’s For: All employees.

Details: Refer to the section above for more details on this comprehensive program.
Who It’s For: All employees in the Division of Student Affairs.
Cost: Free.

Details: A catalog of non-credit courses offered either online (self-paced or synchronous) or in-person at various locations. These courses do not count toward academic credit but may offer Certificates of Completion or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Who It’s For: Faculty and staff seeking to enhance their knowledge through non-credit courses.
Cost: Free or fee-based, depending on the course.

Details: Unlimited access to over 15,000 instructional videos designed to help faculty develop new skills and improve job performance.
Who It’s For: Faculty members seeking continuous professional development.
Cost: Free for employees.

Details: This program is tailored for faculty and leaders in land grant institutions, focusing on leadership development and strategic collaboration.
Who It’s For: Faculty, specialists, program leaders, and department heads in land grant institutions.
Cost: $12,000, covering lodging, most meals, distance learning, faculty, and materials. Additional travel and lodging expenses are the participant’s responsibility.
Duration: 17 days across multiple sessions.

Details: A two-year program focusing on leadership in food systems research, education, and outreach. The curriculum emphasizes individual leadership, organizational change, and food system innovation.
Who It’s For: Leaders in food systems research, education, and outreach.
Cost: $25,500, which includes instruments, books, speaker fees, lodging, and meals during residential sessions.
Application: Currently accepting applications for Cohort 21 (Fall 2025).

Details: Leadership development opportunities specifically designed for faculty and administrators at Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions.
Who It’s For: Faculty and administrators seeking leadership roles within Big Ten universities.

Programs offered:

Academic Leadership Program: A year-long program for emerging academic leaders.
Dean’s Leadership Program: A six-month program tailored for newly appointed deans.
Department Executive Officers Program: A hybrid program for new department heads and chairs.
Mellon Academic Leadership Fellows Program: A two-year program focused on developing leadership skills for humanities faculty, including administrative fellowships.
IT Leaders Program: A year-long program focused on developing leadership skills for IT leaders.

Audience: Higher education leaders across various roles, including Deans, Vice Provosts, and Academic Affairs professionals.
Who It’s For: Senior leaders in higher education.
Cost: Varies by program.

Details: Programs designed to improve student engagement, assignment design, and curricular reform. Initiatives include VALUE rubrics for assessment and high-impact teaching strategies
Who It’s For: Faculty members interested in curriculum improvement and assessment.

Details: Offers practical leadership skills and insights from higher education journalism.
Who It’s For: Higher education faculty and staff.
Cost: Varies by course.

Professional Development Opportunities For Staff