Essential Learning
Accessible and flexible professional development for newcomers to online, professional, and continuing education and for professionals seeking timely learning on emerging topics.
Start anytime with self-paced courses or join short UPCEA AI Labs for applied learning on high-demand topics.
Build Foundational Knowledge. Explore Emerging Topics.
Essential Learning offerings provide an accessible entry point into the UPCEA Digital Learning Academy. These courses and labs are designed for professionals who are new to the field, exploring a new area of practice, or seeking short-format learning on emerging trends.
New to the Field
Build confidence by learning about the structures, terminology, learners, and context of higher education.
Short, Focused Learning
Engage with concise learning experiences designed to fit busy professional schedules.
Practical Entry Point
Start with foundational knowledge before moving into Professional Practice courses or leadership development.
Self-Paced Courses
These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge for professionals who are new to higher education, online learning, or professional and continuing education. Complete them at your own pace and earn an UPCEA-backed badge.
Foundations of Higher Education: Structure, Roles, and Language
Learn how higher education institutions are organized, who does what, how decisions are made, and the terminology commonly used across the field.
- Format: Fully asynchronous and self-paced
- Start Date: Start anytime
- Best For: Professionals new to higher education
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Overview of Online and Professional Education: Learners and Landscape
Explore the online and professional education landscape, including learner audiences, program models, institutional structures, and the evolving role of professional, continuing, and online education.
- Format: Fully asynchronous
- Start Date: Start anytime
- Best For: Professionals entering online or professional education
UPCEA AI Labs
UPCEA AI Labs are short, focused learning experiences that help professionals explore practical applications of artificial intelligence in online, professional, and continuing education.
Leveraging AI in Enrollment and Retention Management
Explore how AI can support enrollment strategy, learner communication, retention efforts, and data-informed decision-making across the learner lifecycle.
- Format: One-week applied lab with two live virtual one-hour discussion sessions
- Scheduled Dates: Offered twice a year
- March 22–26, 2027
- September 7–11, 2027
- Best For: Enrollment, retention, marketing, and student success professionals
AI in Teaching and Learning Design
Examine practical uses of AI in course design, learner engagement, instructional support, and responsible teaching and learning practices.
- Format: One-week applied lab with two live virtual one-hour discussion sessions
- Scheduled Dates: Offered twice a year
- June 15–19, 2027
- November 1–5, 2027
- Best For: Instructional designers, faculty support professionals, and online learning leaders
2027 AI Lab Schedule
Use the schedule below to identify the AI Lab offering that best aligns with your interests and availability.
| Dates | Lab |
|---|---|
| March 22–26, 2027 | Leveraging AI in Enrollment and Retention Management |
| June 15–19, 2027 | AI in Teaching and Learning Design |
| September 7–11, 2027 | Leveraging AI in Enrollment and Retention Management |
| November 1–5, 2027 | AI in Teaching and Learning Design |
Next Step: Explore our Professional Practice Courses
Ready to level up your professional development? Learn more about our catalog of four-week professional practice courses and develop practical skills you need to excel in your job!
Explore Professional Practice Courses| Access Date | Quiz Result | Score | Actions |
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