SPARK! Supervisor Academy

UMB SPARK! is an initiative designed to serve as the Supervisor’s Pathway to Advance and Reignite Knowledge for greater performance. The SPARK! Supervisory Academy is a 9-month learning program for current UMB supervisors, who lead people. Participants will engage in learning experiences to advance and improve their supervisor skills.

The goals of the program are to:​

  • Advance supervisory knowledge, skills, and performance​
  • Address the growing and changing needs of a diverse workforce​
  • Enable supervisors to be more effective leaders in their supervisory role​
  • Provide an ongoing opportunity for supervisors to network and collaborate with each other
Quick Links

SPARK! Core Competency Description

Supervisor Academy Program Components

The UMB SPARK! program is comprised of four components that provide learning and networking opportunities via in-person sessions, virtual instructor-led classes, self-paced e-learning modules, and an ongoing Community of Practice.​

Setting Up for Excellence

The program begins with a 3.5 hour in-person introductory session. This session will provide an overview of the program, examine the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor, and explore strategies for enhancing self-mastery and relationship building.

Excellence in Motion Sessions

The Excellence in Motion component consists of eight instructor-led sessions, each lasting three hours. Three of these sessions are in-person; five are virtual. Session topics include Leading Yourself, Building Your Team, Leading Your Team, Developing Your Team, Communicating with Your Team, Leading with Organizational Awareness, Talent Recruitment and Management, and Performance Management.

eLearning for Excellence

The program includes two self-paced, eLearning journeys hosted in Percipio. These learning journeys include skill benchmarks, videos, courses, and AI simulation activities. ​

  • Fueling the SPARK: Inspiring and Navigating Change​
  • Igniting Excellence: Sparking Solutions and Mastering Decision Making

Leading with Excellence Community of Practice

Open to all UMB supervisors, regardless of program participation, Leading with Excellence provides ongoing networking and learning opportunities for UMB supervisors. ​

  • SPARK! Q Meetings are quarterly meetings where UMB supervisors can gather to learn valuable strategies, share challenges, and engage in supportive dialogue to advance their leadership efforts. ​
  • Through the SPARK! Leaders Network additional learning opportunities and webinars, e-learning courses and tools, and books and website recommendations will be shared for continued learning.  

 

Contact:
Jen Rutters at HRTraining@umaryland.edu​

SPARK! FAQ​

Who is eligible to participate in UMB SPARK!?​ ▾

All front-line and mid-level supervisors who supervise staff, as well as faculty who supervise staff, are invited to attend UMB SPARK! Supervisor Academy.​

Staff who are “managers” but do not directly supervise staff are not the audience for UMB SPARK! (case managers, project managers, care managers, program managers, etc.).​

How do I enroll in UMB SPARK! Supervisor Academy?​ ▾

UMB SPARK! cohorts are held twice a year. Information about upcoming cohorts and dates for registration will be announced in The Elm and shared with supervisors via email.

What topics will be included in the UMB SPARK! program? ▾

UMB has identified 9 core competency areas for all supervisors.  These core competencies are the foundation of the content of UMB SPARK!.​

  • Self-Mastery​
  • Relationship Building and Management​
  • Performance Management​
  • Developing Talent​
  • Decision-Making​
  • Champion and Manage Change​
  • Organizational Awareness​
  • Inclusion and Belonging​
  • Talent Recruitment and Management​

I am unable to attend one of the sessions due to a schedule conflict. How can I make up that session? ▾

Attendance is required for all UMB SPARK! program components. Please communicate any conflicts prior to missing a session whenever possible.  More than two absences may prevent you from completing the program.

What happens after I finish the 30 hours of instruction? ▾

Congratulations for completing the UMB SPARK! Supervisor Academy!  When all program components have been completed, you will receive a program certificate and digital badge.  In addition, we invite you to join us at an end of program celebration!​

All UMB supervisors are invited to continue learning and growing after completing the UMB SPARK! program in the Leading with Excellence Community of Practice. The Community of Practice includes quarterly networking events (Q Meetings), opportunities for further learning via additional workshops and training sessions, and collaboration and resource sharing with other UMB supervisors.​

I have completed a different manager training program. Does UMB SPARK! cover the same content and information? Should I complete both programs?  ▾

The UMB Management Essentials program, covered self-awareness, performance feedback, productive conflict, cultural proficiency, and successful teams, has been integrated into the UMB SPARK! curriculum. These foundational themes, alongside the UMB supervisor core competencies and focused learning areas, make up the content of the UMB SPARK! Supervisor Academy. Supervisors who have completed the UMB Management Essentials program after January 2024 may receive credit for Excellence in Motion sessions one through six.

Both UMB Career Essentials and Emerging Leaders cohort programs include essential supervisory topics such as self-awareness, conflict management, and networking. While the Career Essentials and Emerging Leaders programs touch upon these areas in the SPARK! curriculum, the comprehensive content offered by UMB SPARK! extends beyond these programs. Therefore, supervisors are encouraged to undertake UMB SPARK! to gain a holistic understanding and skill set. Completion of Career Essentials and Emerging Leaders does not fulfill the requirements for UMB SPARK! completion.

If you have completed a different supervisor training program and are seeking credit for a portion of the SPARK! Supervisor Academy sessions, please reach send an email to hrtraining@umaryland.edu.