Change is as much an emotional experience as it is an organizational one. The Change Leadership course explores how individuals psychologically process change — from initial resistance and uncertainty to acceptance and commitment — and what that means for how learners lead change management efforts. By understanding these dynamics, learners will gain practical strategies for recognizing and responding to the emotional stages of change so they can improve organizational readiness and effectively move teams forward.
To put these concepts into practice, learners will apply human-centered leadership techniques to guide individuals through the psychological complexities of organizational transformation. The curriculum emphasizes using storytelling and emotional intelligence to communicate change with clarity and empathy across diverse audiences. Ultimately, learners will be equipped to design and execute stakeholder management strategies that build trust, reduce resistance and create sustained commitment to implementation planning and new initiatives.
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- apply human-centered leadership practices to guide individuals through the emotional and psychological stages of organizational change.
- use storytelling and emotional intelligence to communicate change with influence across diverse audiences and cross-functional teams.
- design and execute stakeholder engagement strategies that build trust, reduce resistance and create sustained commitment to workflow improvements.
- evaluate organizational readiness to identify potential barriers to the adoption of new initiatives.
Course Format
This six-week course blends elements of asynchronous and synchronous components to provide learners with flexibility in project work, while also having face-to-face time with instructors and fellow learners via Zoom.
Each week learners will:
- attend one 90-minute Zoom, during which learners will participate in discussions and workshop their project with the instructor and peers
- complete three to four hours of assignments or project work
Learners will be graded based on completion of assessed assignments/projects.
FAQ
Do I need to attend all Zoom sessions?
You are encouraged to attend all Zoom sessions of the course. During the live Zoom sessions, you will participate in valuable discussions and workshops that will aid in meeting the course learning objectives.
When is the course open?
The course Canvas site will open on the Wednesday before the first day of the course. All the modules will open on the first day of the course.
How do I successfully complete the course?
You will receive a grade of incomplete or complete based on your demonstration of course learning objectives. Learning objectives are demonstrated by completing assessed projects.
The instructor will assess each learning outcome as “not demonstrated,” or “demonstrated.” Completion of a course means that you have demonstrated achievement of all learning outcomes. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and the certificate of completion for the course will be awarded only if you receive a grade of ‘complete’ for the course.
While participation in Zoom sessions and engagement with other non-assessed learning activities do not count towards the final grade, these activities are designed to be an integral part of achieving the course learning outcomes.
If you receive a grade of ‘incomplete’ after turning in an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project once. Please note, receiving a grade of “Incomplete” or failure to demonstrate a learning outcome will not result in a refund.
When do I need to turn in assignments?
Assessed projects and other learning activities must be submitted on or before the due date, unless specific extensions are granted by the instructor. Instructors may not grant extensions more than two weeks after the course end date.
What happens if I need to resubmit a project?
If you do not successfully demonstrate course learning outcomes in your first attempt on an assessed project, you will have the opportunity to resubmit your project one time. Resubmissions cannot be submitted more than 2 weeks after the original due date.
How can I request accommodations?
The University of Minnesota views disability as an important aspect of diversity. We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all learners. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the campus office that collaborates with learners who have disabilities to provide and arrange for reasonable accommodations.
- If you have, or think you have, a disability in any area, such as mental health, attention, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical, please contact the DRC office on your campus (UMN Twin Cities: 612-626-1333) to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access and reasonable accommodations.
- If you are registered with the DRC and have questions or concerns about your accommodations, please contact your access consultant/disability specialist.
- If you need ASL Interpretation Services, please fill out the request form for your class.
Please submit your request for accommodations at least two weeks in advance to guarantee we can accommodate the request.
Additional information is available on the DRC website or reach out by email: [email protected].
Transfer and Refund Policies
Transfer policy
You can transfer without additional charge to the next session if you inform CCAPS staff within the first two weeks of class of the need to transfer.
Refund Policy
CCAPS is able to provide partial refunds for the first two weeks of the course. Please see the refund timeline below:
- Before the first day of the course: 100% refund
- 1–7 days after start of course: 75% refund
- 8–14 days after start of course: 50% refund
- After 15 days: No refund available
Cancellation Policy
In the event CCAPS has to cancel the course due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, we will offer you a transfer to another section of the course or full refund of the course registration fee.
