Additional Resources

Check out these free and low-cost professional development programs designed specifically for university staff. Enhance your skills, stay current in your profession, and achieve your career goals through flexible learning options tailored to your needs.

UC San Diego Staff Learning and Development

The Staff Learning and Development team supports Campus staff through professional development resources, managerial and leadership development programs, team development tools, learning technology tools, and instructional design strategy and support. They prioritize design and delivery of programs aligned with their guiding principles of creating strategic, accessible, sustainable, and scalable solutions.

Coursera for UC San Diego

Coursera for UC San Diego offers students, faculty, and staff free access to UC San Diego courses and specializations. Courses are developed and taught by UC San Diego faculty and staff, with online learning in mind. These courses cover topics such as data structures, algorithms, bioinformatics, and more. Some topics most requested by UC San Diego staff include data science & visualization, project management, and Programming for Everyone (Python).

UCSanDiegoX on edX

Through edX, UC San Diego offers free online courses in subjects like data science, algorithms, and bioinformatics. Courses can be audited for free, with an option to receive a verified certificate for a fee. Some topics requested by UC San Diego staff include algorithmic thinking - critical for data analysts or IT staff, the Data Science MicroMasters offering a deeper learning path for institutional researchers or tech-adjacent staff, and communication skills for engineers – useful for technical writing or cross-departmental collaboration.

University of San Diego Free Online Course for Teachers

The University of San Diego offers a free online continuing education course for teachers, allowing them to explore online platforms and earn graduate-level extension credit. This feature focuses on online teaching best practices, includes tools like Canvas, Google Classroom, and Zoom, and folks can earn graduate-level extension credit.

Harvard Online (via edX)

Harvard University offers over 145 free online courses through edX, covering subjects such as computer science, data science, business, humanities, and more. Popular offerings include the renowned CS50 series, "Justice," and "The Health Effects of Climate Change." These self-paced courses are accessible to learners worldwide, providing high-quality education without cost. While auditing is free, learners can opt to purchase a verified certificate upon completion.

Stanford Online

Stanford Online offers a wide array of free and low-cost courses across disciplines like computer science, AI, business, health, and the humanities. Accessible through platforms such as edX, Coursera, and Stanford's own portal, these courses are taught by Stanford faculty and industry experts. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skills or explore new academic interests, Stanford Online provides flexible learning opportunities to fit your schedule. Some courses include Design Thinking and Creativity for Innovation and Social and Economic Networks: Models and Analysis.

Workplace and team assessments help university staff identify strengths, improve communication, and enhance collaboration within teams. Whether you're navigating change, strengthening team dynamics, or planning for future growth, these resources offer actionable insights to foster a more effective and inclusive workplace.

Assessment, Evaluation, and Organizational Development

VC-SACL’s AEOD department has curated a collection of resources, tools, and supports to help guide your Student Affairs and Campus Life assessment efforts including business intelligence tools, privacy/confidentiality information, and additional resources for internal evaluation of your department. Our team can be contacted for consultations via email at sa-assessment@ucsd.edu.

Truity

Truity provides free and premium personality and career assessments based on scientifically validated frameworks like the Big Five, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs (MBTI®), and more of the most popular personality assessments for business organizations. These professional development tools help employees develop their strengths, while improving team communication and collaboration, productivity and more. Designed for busy professionals, our research-backed, web-based and self-contained platform lets you get started in minutes with free access to core results; full reports are optional and paid.

Clifton StrengthsFinder

Gallup proves that people succeed when they focus on what they do best. When they identify their talents and develop them into strengths, people are more productive, perform better, and are more engaged. CliftonStrengthsFinder assessment is the first step in helping people identify their talents. CliftonStrengthsFinder results give people a way to discuss and develop their unique combination of skills, talents, and knowledge -- also known as strengths. UC San Diego has a number of certified facilitators among our staff who are willing to facilitate for departments. If interested in getting connected with a local facilitator, please email damosbey@ucsd.edu.

Discover a selection of public events, academic lectures, and key higher education publications right here at UC San Diego open to faculty and staff. This resource hub connects you with opportunities to expand your knowledge, engage with the campus community, and stay abreast of developments in higher education.

UC San Diego Extended Studies

This page highlights lectures and events organized by the Division of Extended Studies, such as the Helen Edison Lecture Series and the Burke Lectureship on Religion and Society which are open to the community.

UC San Diego Calendar of Events

The university's central UC San Diego calendar showcases various arts and entertainment events, including lectures, workshops, and cultural activities as well as featured events.

UC San Diego Center for Healthy Aging

The UC San Diego Center for Healthy Aging provides a series of free, public lectures focused on aging, longevity, brain health, and wellness. These lectures feature experts in gerontology, neuroscience, medicine, and related fields, offering insights into the latest research and practical strategies for healthy aging.

Helen Edison Lecture Series

The Helen Edison Lecture Series features thought leaders, scholars, and influential speakers discussing pressing social, cultural, and global issues. The lectures aim to foster dialogue and critical thinking on topics such as politics, social justice, science, and the arts. These events are free and open to the public, providing a platform for intellectual engagement and community discussion.

UC San Diego Health - Events & Classes Calendar

The UC San Diego Health Events and Classes Calendar provides a schedule of health-related events, workshops, and educational classes open to patients, caregivers, and the general public. These events cover topics such as wellness, disease prevention, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and medical advancements.

UC San Diego employees often join organizations that promote the advancement of education and research, enhance their professional standing, and facilitate community relations. If you belong to, or need to join, such an organization, UC San Diego may cover the cost of the membership if your request meets most or all of the guidelines within Blink.

NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

Overview: NASPA is a leading association for student affairs professionals, offering resources, advocacy, and professional development to support the advancement of student success in higher education.​

Membership Information: NASPA offers various membership types, including options for professionals, faculty, students, and institutions. To join, visit their membership page and select the appropriate category. Membership provides access to discounted event registrations, online resources, and a vast professional network.​

Educational Opportunities: NASPA hosts numerous events, including the NASPA Annual Conference, regional conferences, and webinars. These events cover a wide range of topics pertinent to student affairs and higher education leadership. Additionally, NASPA offers an Online Learning Community featuring on-demand courses and live sessions.​

NCORE – National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education

Overview: NCORE provides a forum for higher education professionals to explore and address issues of race and ethnicity, aiming to improve access, equity, and success in higher education.​

Membership Information: NCORE is not a membership-based organization; its conferences and webinars are open to all individuals. To participate, register for their events as they become available. ​

Educational Opportunities: NCORE hosts an annual conference featuring workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities focused on race and ethnicity in higher education. The upcoming NCORE 2025 is scheduled for May 27-31 in New York City. Additionally, NCORE offers virtual programs like the NCORE Virtual Connections, providing webinars and online sessions throughout the year.​

American Council on Education (ACE)

Overview: ACE is a major coordinating body for U.S. higher education institutions, representing more than 1,700 college and university presidents and related associations. It focuses on advocacy, research, and innovative programs to support higher education leaders.​

Membership Information: ACE membership is institution-based. Colleges and universities can join by visiting the membership page and completing the application process. Benefits include access to exclusive research, policy updates, and professional development programs.​

Educational Opportunities: ACE offers various programs, including the ACE Annual Meeting, leadership development programs, and webinars addressing current issues in higher education.​

Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)

Overview: AAC&U is dedicated to advancing the vitality and democratic purposes of undergraduate liberal education. It focuses on quality, equity, and innovation in higher education.​

Membership Information: Membership is open to institutions and individuals. To join, visit the membership page and choose the appropriate category. Members gain access to publications, networking opportunities, and discounts on events.​

Educational Opportunities: AAC&U hosts annual meetings, institutes, and webinars covering topics like general education, assessment, and diversity. Their Events page provides details on upcoming opportunities.​

Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)

Overview: ASHE is a scholarly society dedicated to higher education as a field of study. It promotes collaboration among its members and provides a forum for disseminating research.​

Membership Information: Individuals can join ASHE by visiting the membership page and selecting the appropriate membership type. Benefits include access to journals, newsletters, and conference discounts.​

Educational Opportunities: ASHE hosts an annual conference featuring research presentations, workshops, and networking events. Additionally, they offer webinars and professional development sessions throughout the year.​

Clery Center

Overview: The Clery Center is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating safer campus environments through education and enforcement of the Jeanne Clery Act, which mandates transparency around campus crime policy and statistics.

Membership Information: Open to individuals and institutions for membership, providing access to exclusive safety resources and compliance guides.

Educational Opportunities: The Clery Center offers asynchronous training with quizzes, videos, and workbooks as well as webinars & events: Topics include Title IX, hazing prevention, dating violence, and campus fire safety.

Stay informed with key insights, trends, and research shaping the future of higher education. This page offers links to some of the leading publications, journals, and reports designed to support university staff in their work across teaching, research, and administration.

The Chronicle of Higher Education

Overview: The Chronicle of Higher Education is academe’s most trusted resource for independent journalism, career development, and forward-looking intelligence. Since its founding in 1966, The Chronicle has grown to serve millions of educators, administrators, researchers, and policymakers who rely on its insights to lead, teach, learn, and innovate. The Chronicle’s independent newsroom – the nation’s largest dedicated to covering colleges and universities – is home to award-winning journalists and data analysts with a passion for serving audiences with indispensable news and actionable insights on issues that matter.

Topics Covered: Faculty affairs, leadership, student success, research funding, policy, and diversity.

Inside Higher Ed

Overview: Inside Higher Ed provides the latest news, analysis and solutions for the entire higher education community. Inside Higher Ed is owned by Times Higher Education (THE), the world’s most authoritative source of data, analysis and information on higher education, with five decades’ experience dedicated to the field.

Topics Covered: Career advice, policy changes, student affairs, and teaching.

Times Higher Education (THE)

Overview: Times Higher Education’s mission is to be the definitive source of data, insight and expertise on higher education worldwide. They are built on 10 million data points from over 7,000 institutions in 171 countries; on unrivalled news, insight and intelligence; and on a relationship of trust with universities spanning 50 years. This unique combination enables us to help institutions and their leadership teams, as well as millions of students every year, to make the informed decisions that will define their futures.

Topics Covered: Research excellence, international collaboration, teaching quality, and rankings.

Higher Ed Dive

Overview: Higher Ed Dive provides in-depth journalism and insight into the most impactful news and trends shaping higher education. The newsletters and website cover topics such as online learning, policy, legal, leadership, enrollment and more.

Topics Covered: International trends, funding, governance, and student mobility.

Education Week (Higher Ed Focus)

Overview: Since 1981, Education Week has been America's most trusted resource for K-12 education news and information. 1.6+ million readers. National coverage. From teachers to principals to district leaders across the country. Education Week's diverse audience turns to us for the most up-to-date information on K-12 education in the U.S., as well as innovative, high-value tools and solutions. Their websites include information on higher education development and student transitions from K-12 into higher education.

Topics Covered: Higher ed access, equity, transitions from K–12, and teacher education.