This guided online orientation contains research-based supervisory practices with a context specific to the University of Minnesota’s policies, procedures, governance and priorities. Learn what it means to be a supervisor at the University of Minnesota and build awareness about details specific to you and your direct reports.
Program Details
Registration and Course Dates
Upcoming 2025
- February 3 - March 3
- June 2 - June 30
- August 4 - Sept 2
- October 6 - Nov 3
Course Content
Learning Objectives
- Identify strategies to address key challenges new supervisors face
- Describe the University’s expectations for supervisory roles and responsibilities
- Learn about the best practices in giving feedback and performance management
- Gain insight into specifics of the University landscape (key initiatives, policies, employee groups) and how they may affect your role
- Locate support and resources to improve your supervisory skills and become a more effective supervisor
- Build the learning plan that will help you improve your supervisory skills and knowledge beyond the course
Course Resource Samples
Course Expectations
Course Commitment
The four-week course requires approximately 2-4 hours per week.
Training record
Participants who complete the course will earn a course completion on their University of Minnesota training record.
Learn and Connect
- Independent learning: Activities include topic readings and videos and written reflection assignments
- Applied learning: Through assignments, you will connect with your manger and others and reflect on how the topics relate to your work
Build Awareness and Measure Progress
Supervisory Readiness Assessment at the beginning of the program helps identify current gaps, and provide focus on how to bridge them.
Plan the Next Steps
Create a Learning Plan that outlines your next steps, including:
- Reflections on what you have learned
- Action(s) you’re going to take and what impact you hope to have