Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find these online classes?
Is there a cost associated with these courses?
Are these classes replacing the live courses you offer?
Do I have to be on my work computer to take the classes?
Do I need to contact Learning & Development to sign up, register to take a class?
I see there is a Supervisory Skills Series; what classes must I take to complete the series?
Does the online Supervisory Skills Series replace the live Leadership Programs you offer?
Do I need manager approval to take a class online?
How do I find the courses Columbia University Learning & Development recommends?
A: The courses are available online via the Learning & Development website under Online Learning. Launch Skills @ Columbia.
To TopQ: Is there a cost associated with these courses?
A: No, these courses are 100% free of charge.
To TopQ: Are these classes replacing the live courses you offer?
A: No, these courses do not replace the need for live training; they can be used in combination with the live sessions to enhance the learning experience. Also, the online courses are “just-in-time” so you can start to meet a learning need without waiting for the live session.
To TopQ: Do I have to be on my work computer to take the classes?
A: No, you can take the classes from any location, at any time of the day or night. All you need is internet access.
To TopQ: Do I need to contact Learning & Development to sign up, register to take a class?
A: No, the system is completely self service.
To TopQ: I see there is a Supervisory Skills Series; what classes must I take to complete the series?
A: The Supervisory Series is for new supervisors/managers, or for those supervisors/managers who never had any formalized training. Completing all the classes in the Supervisory 101 – Transitioning to Leadership folder will complete the series. The classes in the remaining three folders, Coaching, Leading Teams and Meetings and Performance Management are electives which you can take at your leisure.
To TopQ: Does the online Supervisory Skills Series replace the live Leadership Programs you offer?
A: No, the online Supervisory Skills Series is a good prelude to the live leadership sessions. The online series provides a framework for management while the live sessions are specific to Columbia University. Additionally, the live sessions provide a forum for managers and supervisors to interact with and learn from each other.
To TopQ: Do I need manager approval to take a class online?
A: No, if you plan to take the classes during non-working hours, you do not need manager approval because there is no cost associated with e-learning classes. However, we encourage you to discuss your learning needs with your manager, especially if you plan to take a class during working hours.
Q: How do I find the courses Columbia University Learning & Development recommends?
A: When you log in, click on the Columbia Catalog of Courses link, then you will see a Columbia General Web Offerings folder which contains 32 courses divided into the following categories:
- Customer Service
- Communication Skills
- Personal Effectiveness
- Writing Skills
- Project Management
Additionally, you will see in the Columbia Catalog of Courses link the Supervisory Skills Series, Columbia Software Skills Curricula, and the Columbia Performance Attributes Development Courses which are tied to the Performance Attributes provided in the performance appraisal form. You will also see three other folders which you can use to browse the remaining 1000 courses provided by Skills @ Columbia.
For your convenience, you may also view a PDF of the Columbia General Web Offerings.
To TopQ: Who do I contact if I have any questions about this training or other programs offered by Learning & Development?
A: Contact Learning & Development at 212-851-7216.
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