The Instructional and Professional Development Center (IPDC) supports graduate students' and postdocs' educational journeys through a portfolio of focused professional development and career preparedness programming as well as community-building events and activities
The IPDC offers no cost, self-paced, collaborative micro-credentialing programs to enhance participants' skill development and career readiness. Please use the drop-down menu below to learn more about specific programs and content.
EXPAND is a dynamic professional development program designed to equip graduate students and postdocs to succeed in their intended careers.
The program offers five micro-credentials (see below), each focused on cultivating essential skills for professional development. Participants receive individualized preparation and guidance, empowering them with the necessary tools and confidence to succeed in today's competitive job market.
If interested in joining one of the EXPAND micro-credentials, please email ipdc@ou.edu.
The Instructional Competencies Certificate Program (ICCP), the Graduate College’s first and most extensive micro-credentialing program, develops participants’ transferable skills in helping people learn. Up to four ICCP micro-credentials can be completed for professional development with a particular career/instructional focus.
Intake periods for this program are August and January. Both graduate students and postdocs from all programs on campus and career paths are welcome. We recommend that first semester graduate students wait to apply for the program until their second semester or beyond. Email iccp@ou.edu for further information.
ARTICULATION
The Articulation micro-credential provides participants with opportunities to engage and apply instructional skills and best practices in controlled instructional settings through activities such as a one-off learning facilitation experience and peer mentoring group. Participants with several learning facilitation opportunities (on or off campus) often choose to complete this micro-credential.
This program’s workshop subjects and speakers have been so interesting and very useful in shaping new or improved ideas for my teaching philosophy, syllabi, class structure, and student/teacher interaction. Each of the speakers have been really passionate and have been genuinely open to answering questions. I’ve been very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the ICCP!
~ Amy Griffith, School of Dance
As I am finishing my degree and entering the teaching job market, the ICCP program has significantly helped to support and develop my application materials including my teaching philosophy, job-talks, resumes, and more. Without the support of the ICCP, I would not have felt nearly as confident in this process and likely would not have landed the teaching jobs I’ve been chosen for!
~ Mike Doerge, Jr., Department of Psychology
AWARENESS
The Awareness micro-credential familiarizes participants with key skills and practices for effective instruction through input-focused activities such as workshops and observation of an experienced instructor. No prior teaching experience is needed to complete this micro-credential.
The ICCP keeps me improving in many aspects of my life. They not only strengthen my academic and professional skills, but also allow me to meet academic peers to share ideas and discuss key topics. I love connecting with them—it’s inspiring to see how others are managing their studies, solving problems, and progressing in life. This exchange of experiences is one of the most valuable parts of the program.
~ Jorge Luis Alva Alarcon, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
ACTUALIZATION
The Actualization micro-credential integrates participants’ internal, explicit knowledge about instruction with procedural, experiential knowledge through practical tasks such as completing an ongoing learning facilitation experience, leading a peer mentoring group, and translating their instructional experiences for various career paths. Participants must be currently instructing a group formally or informally, on or off campus, to complete this micro-credential.
ADVANCEMENT
The Advancement micro-credential enhances participants’ application of their instructional competencies beyond OU to other professional opportunities and careers through developing a teaching philosophy statement and infusing instructional skills into job talks and resumes/CVs. Individuals who are preparing for the job market after their time at OU often choose to complete this micro-credential
Lead with Purpose
This micro-credential empowers emerging scholars and professionals to lead with authenticity, insight, and confidence. Through interactive experiences and evidence-based strategies, participants strengthen their ability to guide research teams, mentor peers, communicate effectively, and navigate complex decisions.
Whether preparing for a faculty position, industry leadership, or interdisciplinary collaboration, this micro-credential equips participants with the mindset and tools to make a meaningful impact in their field and beyond.
Publish with Integrity
This micro-credential strengthens the integrity, rigor, and impact of participants' research.
Tailored for graduate students and postdocs who are actively producing shareable research, this micro-credential's components include ethical research frameworks, practical strategies for responsible conduct, and tools to improve research transparency and accountability.
Turn Conversations into Career Opportunities
Designed for graduate students and postdocs aiming to develop intentional, efficient communication for professional settings, this micro-credential provides training for building genuine professional relationships that open doors.
Learn how to purposefully navigate networking environments, communicate with authenticity online and in person, and leverage experiences to create connections that last.
Amplify Your Voice
This micro-credential provides effective tools to communicate in academic and professional settings. Through practical techniques and self-awareness, participants will learn to present ideas clearly, connecting authentically with diverse audiences.
Offered every fall, this series provides tools and strategies for exploring and securing careers beyond academia. Topics include résumé writing, transferable skills, networking outside the university, and navigating the non-academic job market.
Offered every spring, this miniseries is designed for those preparing to enter academia. Workshops focus on preparing CVs, cover letters, research and teaching statements, and practicing for academic interviews and job talks.
Offered year-round, the Wellness Series focuses on supporting students’ mental health, emotional well-being, and work-life balance. Sessions address topics like stress management, mindfulness, and maintaining motivation during demanding times.
Grant writing workshops are offered intermittently during the fall or spring semester. We cover fundamental knowledge about how to apply for grants such as how to use the GrantForward database or how to put together a strong grant application.
This year-round series explores the hidden curriculum of graduate education—those unwritten expectations and norms that aren’t always taught in the classroom. Topics range from navigating advisor relationships to managing imposter syndrome and building academic confidence.
Work with language specialists from the English Training and Certification Services team to enhance speech features such as automaticity and sound articulation accuracy as well as apply feedback using individually-accessible tools.
Join free communication courses offered by the English Training and Certification Services program and engagement events offered by the Instructional and Professional Development Center to engage with scholars from across campus and develop academic conversation fluency.
Through participating in OU Graduate College events, such as 3MT®, individual ETCS coaching and EXPAND micro-credentials, graduate students and postdocs can prepare to meet their career and communication goals.
Director of Professional Development and Engagement
sagemauldin@ou.edu
Director of Instructional and Language Services
Jessica.A.Reynolds-1@ou.edu
Associate Director of Awards and Programming
willodonnell03@ou.edu
Graduate Assistant,
English Training and Certification Services Advisor
Graduate Assistant,
Professional Development and Engagement
Graduate Assistant,
Professional Development and Engagement
Graduate Assistant,
New GTA Orientation Coordinator
Graduate Assistant,
Professional Development and Engagement
