The Learning Institute

What is The Learning Institute? 

The Learning Institute provides students, staff, and faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, access to a selection of free-to-participate micro-courses. Upon completing a micro-course within The Learning Institute, individuals are awarded a digital micro-credential and open badge, which can be shared and displayed on a resume, CV, email signature, and/or LinkedIn profile. Each micro-course within The Learning Institute was designed to showcase unique professional achievements, soft-skills development, extra-curricular course completion, and non-academic certifications. The micro-courses within The Learning Institute are collaboratively sourced from various offices and departments at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, utilizing existing programs and initiatives geared toward the betterment and education of UMB staff, students, and faculty.

 

What are Micro-Courses? 

Programming within The Learning Institute consists of smaller mini-series-based programs called micro-courses. Micro-courses are collaboratively developed by various departments and offices, using the expertise of working professionals as the source of knowledge development.

Micro-courses are offered in a variety of formats, providing participants virtual, asynchronous, and/or in-person options to learn and improve their personal and professional skills. The time commitment of each micro-course varies depending on the learning outcomes and objectives outlined by the content experts and micro-course planner.  up. Courses may vary from a singular 1-hour training to a series of workshops designed around a specific set of learning outcomes. For more information about each micro-courses' time commitment and learning format, please review the course in detail before signing up or registering.

What is a Micro-Credential and Open Badge? 

Micro-credentials are unaccredited competency-based certificates granted to individuals who have completed a non-academic educational training or program. Open badges are verifiable micro-credentials that can be shared through social media or LinkedIn. The open badges awarded by The Learning Institute are individually given to individuals who have successfully completed a micro-course. Each badge awarded comes with a unique Credential ID and URL, allowing each badge to be verifiable by current and prospective employers.

Available Micro-Courses

Active Assailant Preparedness Digital Badge

Active Assailant Preparedness


2-3 Hours  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is committed to creating an informed, resilient community. UMB has developed several training opportunities and resources to ensure our students, faculty, staff, and visitors are prepared in the unlikely event of an active assailant. However, in the unlikely event of an active assailant, every second matters, and the response of UMB faculty, staff, and students is crucial in saving lives. This micro-course will provide information and examples on responding to an active assailant, current safety measures, and when to run, hide, or fight. 

Anxiety Toolbox


3-Hours | Pre-Scheduled Sessions | Zoom and/or In-Person Sessions

 

Do you want to chat with a counselor about stress and anxiety management in an informal setting? Or maybe be more consistent with coping skills for difficult situations? This series of sessions will focus on providing information that will increase a student's ability to understand the nature of stress, learn about strategies for managing stress, and evaluate their personal stress level.

The Student Counseling Center offers virtual and in-person psycho-educational 3-part educational workshops. The series is made of a weekly, 1-hour skill-based session over a 3-week period. This workshop is most helpful for students who are new to anxiety management. Participants receive a workbook to keep with additional exercises and information.

 

Business Basics


2-3 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

 

The Business Basics micro-course provides an introductory overview of key business concepts for individuals looking to explore starting a small business. This course will expose learners to basic business terminology; business plans and proposals; legal business structures (Ex: sole proprietorship, LLC, partnerships, and corporations); simple bookkeeping, accounting, and financial management systems; and a general overview of small business taxation and reporting. This course is offered in partnership between the Graduate Research Innovation District (GRID) and UMB Student Affairs.

CPR/AED


1-2 Hours  | In-person | Ongoing schedule

 

By completing this in-person micro-course and training, learn how to save lives through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). CPR and AED training is offered by the Office of Environmental Health Services (EHS)

Career Readiness: Mastery Micro-Credential


2 - 3 hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

 

Career Readiness: Cover Letter Competency


30 minutes | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

 

The "Cover Letter Competency" micro-course is designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to craft compelling cover letters that effectively communicate their qualifications and motivations to potential employers. Throughout this micro-course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the purpose of a cover letter, learn how to tailor their letters to specific job opportunities, how to use generative AI to assist in cover letter creation, and master techniques for highlighting their relevant experiences and skills.

Career Readiness: Resume Readiness


1 Hour | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

In this micro-course, participants will learn the essential components of resume organization, formatting, and review, enabling them to craft standout resumes tailored for success in today's competitive job market. Through comprehensive instruction, participants will gain proficiency in structuring resumes effectively, applying formatting techniques for visual impact, customizing content for targeted applications, and mastering proofreading and review strategies. By mastering these skills, participants will enhance their ability to showcase their qualifications and experiences, ultimately increasing their chances of securing interviews and advancing their careers.

Career Readiness: Interview Preparedness


1 Hour | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Prepare yourself for the pivotal final interview stage with our micro-course on interview preparedness. This concise yet comprehensive micro-course equips you with the essential skills and strategies to succeed in first and final-round interviews. From mastering behavioral questions to demonstrating deep knowledge of the role and company, you'll learn how to leave a lasting impression on your interviewer. With practical tips and interactive exercises, this micro-course empowers you to navigate the final interview and secure your dream job confidently. Participants will also have an opportunity to practice their interview skills through asynchronous mock interviews.

Career Readiness: Salary Negotiation


1 Hour  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

This micro-course is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and strategies needed to navigate successful salary negotiations. Throughout the course, participants will delve into the intricacies of salary negotiation, exploring key concepts such as market research, value articulation, effective communication, and persuasive techniques. They will learn how to assess their own worth, understand industry standards, and craft compelling arguments that showcase their value to prospective employers or during performance reviews.

 

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event (CRASE)


1-2 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Learn how to respond in an active shooter event by completing the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Event (CRASE) Training. CRASE teaches survival techniques for an active shooter scenario, including what to expect when the police arrive. CRASE training is offered by the UMB Police Department. This training is offered in either of the following formats:

 

 

Emergency Preparedness Checklist


30 Minutes  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Learn about the Emergency Preparedness Checklist and how to identify evacuation routes, where to seek shelter, nearby emergency equipment, and more. This micro-course is provided by the Office of Emergency Management.

Emotional Intelligence digital badge image

Emotional Intelligence


1-Hour  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and effectively navigate and respond to the emotions of others. It encompasses a set of skills and competencies that enable individuals to build and maintain healthy relationships, make sound decisions, and cope with life's challenges and demands. Through this course, participants will explore the foundations of emotional intelligence, examining the key components that contribute to its development, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills.

An image for the EpiPen delivery micro-credential

EpiPen Delivery


30 minutes | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Learning the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) and how to deliver an EpiPen can mean saving a person's life. This micro-course provides basic training on recognizing an allergic reaction and the step-by-step process of using an EpiPen.

Digital badge for Expert Delegation

Expert Delegation


1 Hour  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Delegation is the process of assigning tasks and responsibilities to others, empowering them to take on specific roles and complete assigned work. This micro-course teaches delegation models and how managers or leaders can leverage the strengths and abilities of others to increase productivity, efficiency, and growth.

 

Fire Extinguisher Training


Attendees learn about the science of fire, the different types of fires and fire extinguishers, and how to properly use a fire extinguisher. This training is offered by the UMB Fire Marshal.

Naloxone Training

1-Hour | Scheduled regularly | Zoom and/or In-Person

Virtual Naloxone training is led by The Maryland Department of Health Overdose Response Program and will cover the current statistics for overdose fatalities in the State of Maryland, what is naloxone and how to administer this life-saving medication, the 8 signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, the five key steps to respond to an opioid overdose, information on the Good Samaritan Law, and how to get naloxone in your community. Individuals who participate in the training will be eligible to receive a NARCAN kit.

Principles of Leadership


3-4 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

This micro-course sees participants learning about leadership's theoretical and ethical foundations from UMB's senor Leaders, such as President Bruce Jarrell, MD, FACS, Patty Alvarez, PhD, Diane Forbes Berthoud, PhD, and Bill Joyner, JD, MSW. In this course, participants will learn about leadership principles and philosophy, DEI-infused leadership, strategy and change management, and servant leadership.

 

Public Speaking


2-3 Hours  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Focusing on the four components of public speaking: speech writing, articulation, body language, and applied practice, this micro-course is designed to provide participants with both the knowledge to be strong public speakers and an opportunity to record themselves, practice, and receive positive feedback from a cohort of fellow learners.

Psychological Safety


30 minutes | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Designed for quick and effective learning, this micro-course explores the fundamentals of psychological safety in the workplace. Participants will gain insights into creating environments where team members feel safe to express themselves, take risks, and collaborate freely. Through short videos and learning quizzes, learners will understand the role Psychological Safety plays in the workplace, learn about Tim Clark's 4-stage model of Psychological Safety, understand the relationship between psychological safety and accountability, and be able to apply psychologically safe principles to the workplace.

Red Folder Training


Learn how to be a mental health first responder by completing this in-person and/or Zoom-based training. Participants will learn how to assist students who may be experiencing mental health issues. Led by Dr. Jenna Silverman, of the UMB Student Counseling Center, you will be introduced to a practical tool called the “Assisting Students in Distress Folder.” This folder serves as a quick reference guide that helps identify common signs of student distress and directs the UMB community through campus protocol to clarify whom they should contact in the event of an emergency. The folder also provides tips for approaching a student who may be in distress and resources on and off campus. Ultimately, the Red Folder will prepare the UMB community to recognize symptoms, respond to students, and refer them for therapy or other immediate help.

This training is offered by the UMB Counseling Center.

 

Safe Space Online


5-6 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Safe Space Online brings UMB’s traditional LGBTQ+ Safe Space program to the virtual world, allowing participants to build their LGBTQ+ allyship skills, engage with a cohort of online peers, and learn about LGBTQ+ identities, activism, support, and inclusive best practices, all from the comfort of their home or office, at any time or any day.

Securing and Sharing Digital Information


30 Minutes  | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

When sharing sensitive documents online, it is important to understand how to secure and protect the files. This micro-course provides basic information related to sending and receiving encrypted emails, how to apply sensitivity labels to documents, and sharing large files via OneDrive/SharePoint. This course was created by the Center for Information Technology Services (CITS).

 

 

Service and Volunteering Orientation


30-minutes | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Embark on your journey of service and volunteering at UMB with our engaging and informative micro-course. Delve into Baltimore's rich history, understand the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in volunteering, explore ethical considerations, and learn to identify impactful service opportunities. This micro-course is a collaboration between the Office of Community Engagement and The Learning Institute, ensuring a foundational understanding of service and volunteering for students, staff, and faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Stop the Bleed


1-2 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Knowing how to control bleeding from a serious injury is important knowledge for everyone to have. This simple training can be taken online and can help you know how to save a life. This training is offered by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and UMBPD, and uses content developed by The American College of Surgeons (ACS) STOP THE BLEED® program.

Sustainability Leadership: Mastery Micro-Credential

3-6 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

  1. Foundations of Sustainability
  2. Making Sustainable Change
  3. Environmental Justice and Community Action

Sustainability Leadership: Foundations of Sustainability


1-2 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Discover the foundational principles and practices that underpin sustainability with our Foundations of Sustainability micro-course, offered in partnership with The Learning Institute through the Office of Sustainability. In this concise and engaging course, you'll comprehensively understand sustainability and its critical role in addressing global and local challenges.

Sustainability Leadership: Making Sustainable Change

1-2 Hours | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

This course builds upon the Foundations of Sustainability course and is intended to provide individuals with tools to become sustainability leaders in their current or future places of work. The course focuses on effectively communicating and making sustainable change.
Coursework will include watching videos and completing learning quizzes. This will be a self-paced course, and individuals who complete this free course will receive a digital certificate, online micro-credential, and digital badge to display on their LinkedIn profile. This micro-course is a partnership between the Office of Sustainability and The Learning Institute.

Sustainability Leadership: Environmental Justice and Community Action

1 Hour | Open enrollment | Online | Self-paced

Coursework will include watching videos and completing learning quizzes. This will be a self-paced course, and individuals who complete this free course will receive a digital certificate, online micro-credential, and digital badge to display on their LinkedIn profile. This micro-course is a partnership between the Office of Sustainability and The Learning Institute.