Frequently Asked Questions

In an effort to provide flexibility for program participants, Cohort 8 coaching group meetings and program events will be offered as outlined here: 

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 group schedule has been pre-determined by each coach and the options are indicated on the application.

Program Events: Program events are one-hour presentations and/or panel discussions on an array of career-related topics. Most program events will be held virtually on Zoom. There will be limited in-person events scheduled as well. Current participants and program alumni are invited to attend program event offerings. The full event schedule will be provided at orientation.

Each coaching group is led by a coach and there will be six participants in each group.

On the application, applicants are given the opportunity to select their top three preferences for their coaching group schedule, which includes the day, time, and platform. Participants selected for the program are assigned to one of their preferences. Other factors considered in the assignment process include the participant’s school or unit to help avoid overlap as much as possible. Applicants may also provide additional comments on the application that may help in determining a suitable coaching group assignment.

Groups will meet for one hour each month on the assigned day and time. Each coach will inform their group of meeting details and logistics.

The monthly topics include: Starting Your New Journey (Goal-Setting); Cultivating Confidence: Taking Charge of Your Career; Networking; Managing Up; Negotiating; and Communicating.

Program announcements and updates are communicated by email and posted on the program’s Microsoft Teams site.  

Participants should anticipate spending an average of 30 minutes each month to complete the pre-work before each coaching group meeting. Participants are expected to attend their 60-minute coaching group meeting each month and attend at least 2 (two) 60-minute program events within the cohort year (September-April).

Participants are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their coach or share them with the program’s planning team via email at UMBrella@umaryland.edu for possible resolution.

Participants are expected to regularly attend coaching group meetings (with no more than one UNEXCUSED absence) and are expected to attend at least two program events. It is highly recommended to discuss any issues with the coach to determine if there are any alternative solutions. It’s always best to communicate concerns before withdrawing from the program.

All participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate at the end of the program. To receive a certificate of completion, participants are expected to:

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

Participants are encouraged to stay connected with fellow participants and seek at least one accountability “partner” from the group to maintain support and camaraderie. Once participants complete the program, they will be invited to future events offered by the UMBrella Coaching Program.