GOALS Group Coaching Program

September 2026 — Orientation & Setting Your Goals

October 2026 — Building Your Coaching Group

November 2026 — Enhancing Your Professional Confidence

December 2026 — Expanding Your Network

January 2027 — Refining Your Communication Style

February 2027 — Navigating Your Career

March 2027 — Leveraging Your Negotiation Effectiveness

April 2027 — Managing Up for Your Success

1. Will the program be in-person or virtual?

Coaching Group Meetings: Participants will meet once each month with their assigned coaching group on their scheduled day, time, and platform (in-person or virtual). The schedule has been pre-determined by each coach and the options are indicated on the program application.

Program Events: Program events are one-hour presentations on an array of career-related topics. Most program events will be held virtually. There will be limited in-person events offered as well. The full event schedule will be provided at orientation.

2. Is this a one-on-one or group coaching experience?

This is a group coaching experience and each participant is assigned to a coaching group. Each coaching group is led by a coach and there will be up to six participants in each group.

3. How are participants assigned to a coaching group?

Coaching groups are made up of UMB staff and faculty at all levels. On the application, applicants select their top three preferences for their coaching group meeting schedule, which includes the day, time, and platform (in-person or virtual).

Participants selected for the program are assigned to one of their group meeting schedule preferences. The participant’s school or unit is also considered to help build groups with representation across campus.

4. When and where does each coaching group meet?

Each group meets for one hour each month from October through April, at the group’s assigned meeting time and day. Each coach will inform their group of meeting details and logistics. Participants are asked to be flexible in instances when the coach may need to reschedule a meeting due to unanticipated scheduling conflicts.

5. What topics are discussed in the coaching group meetings and program events?

Group meetings and program events will cover a variety of topics including goal-setting, communication, professional confidence, networking, career navigation, negotiating, and managing up. 

6. What are the expectations of participants in the program?

Participants are expected to:

• Attend the program orientation.
• Regularly attend monthly coaching group meetings with no more than one unexcused absence.
• Communicate anticipated meeting absence(s) and/or concerns with their coach.
• Prepare for coaching group meetings by completing the pre-work each month.
• Contribute to coaching group meeting discussions.
• Attend at least (3) three program events and the closing celebration.

7. How much time do participants need to invest to get the most out of the program?

Participants should anticipate spending an average of 30 minutes each month to complete the meeting pre-work and review resources. Participants attend monthly coaching group meetings (60 minutes each) and attend at least (3) three program events (60-90 minutes each).

8. Will participants receive a certificate?

Yes, participants who successfully complete the program by meeting the participant expectations will receive a program certificate at the program closing.  

The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) GOALS Group Coaching Program creates intentional space for staff and faculty to engage in reflection, dialogue, and shared learning. Through this process, participants build skills and practices that align with UMB’s core values — as ways of strengthening how we show up in our work and with one another.

Respect and Integrity

The structure of the program — confidential group coaching and peer discussions — provides the opportunity to build trust over time, encouraging active listening, thoughtful communication, and constructive feedback. In practice, this looks like creating space for honest conversations, engaging with others’ ideas, and contributing to a group dynamic grounded in mutual respect.

Well-Being and Sustainability

The ongoing nature of the program supports a more sustainable approach to growth. Participants are encouraged to set realistic goals, reflect on progress, and explore strategies for navigating competing demands. Coaching conversations create space to think about balance, capacity, and what it means to maintain effectiveness over time.

Equity and Justice

By bringing together staff and faculty across roles, experiences, and career stages, the program creates access to shared learning and connection. Group coaching conversations invite multiple perspectives into the room, encouraging participants to listen, reflect, and expand their understanding of how others experience their work. This environment supports more inclusive engagement and a broader view of challenges and opportunities.

Innovation and Discovery

At its core, the GOALS program is a space for exploration. Participants bring real-world challenges into the conversation, hear different approaches, and test new ways of thinking. Through shared problem-solving and reflection, individuals can apply insights in their own contexts, experiment with new strategies, and continue refining their approach to their work.