This week you will begin building the foundation for your academic and professional success. You will explore the UMA learning environment, examine what it means to be a professional learner, and develop your understanding of academic identity — how the way you see yourself as a student shapes every decision you make in this program.
All learning content is below. Work through Module 1 and Module 2 before attempting the graded activities at the bottom of this page. There is no need to navigate elsewhere — everything you need for Week 1 is here.
Week 1 DueSunday, 11:59 PM EST
At a Glance
This Week’s Learning Path
Follow this path from left to right. Complete Learn and Practice before attempting the graded activities.
Module 1Transitioning to Professional Learning
5 activities · ~65 min
→
Module 2Academic Identity & Self-Awareness
5 activities · ~72 min
→
PracticeSelf Checks
2 checks · not graded
→
Complete Activities3 Graded Items
Discussion · Assignment · Test
M1
Transitioning to Professional Learning
~65 min · 5 activities · All ungraded study resources
This module introduces the University of Massachusetts Alliance (UMA) learning environment and the habits of a professional learner. You will explore the difference between passive and active learning, review the academic resources available to you, and begin building the behaviors that support consistent academic performance.
Outcomes
Module 1 Objectives
Identify academic resources available at UMA and explain how to use them effectively.
Describe the behaviors and mindsets that distinguish professional learners from passive students.
Activities
Module 1 Learning Activities
Video10 min
Welcome to UMA
An introduction to your program, the UMA learning environment, and what to expect in your first week.
Reading20 min
Chapter 1: Your Academic Journey
Required reading. Covers the transition to online learning, professional expectations, and UMA support services.
Interactive10 min
Clover Lesson: Campus Resources
Interactive tour of UMA’s academic support services including the library, tutoring center, and advising.
Key Points15 min
Module 1 Key Points
Summarizes the core ideas from the video and reading. Includes a knowledge check to test your recall.
Self Check10 min
Module 1 Self Check
10 ungraded questions covering Module 1 content. Immediate feedback on each answer. Unlimited attempts.
M2
Academic Identity and Self-Awareness
~72 min · 5 activities · All ungraded study resources
Academic identity is the way you see yourself as a learner — and that self-image shapes every decision you make in your program. This module explores how personal identity, learning style, and past academic experience influence performance, and introduces the PULSE framework that UMA uses to develop professional competencies in its students.
Outcomes
Module 2 Objectives
Analyze personal learning behaviors and environmental factors that impact academic performance.
Apply self-awareness strategies to develop a growth mindset and professional academic identity.
Activities
Module 2 Learning Activities
Video12 min
Understanding Academic Identity
Instructor walkthrough of how self-perception shapes academic habits, and what a professional learner mindset looks like in practice.
Reading20 min
Chapter 2: Academic Identity
Required reading. Explores identity formation in adult learners, the growth mindset, and strategies for building academic confidence.
Interactive15 min
PULSE Self-Assessment
Guided self-assessment tool that evaluates your current standing across the PULSE professional competency framework. Results are for your reflection only.
Key Points15 min
Module 2 Key Points
Core takeaways on academic identity, the success assessment, and the PULSE competencies emphasized in Week 1.
Self Check10 min
Module 2 Self Check
10 ungraded questions on academic identity, growth mindset, and PULSE. Immediate feedback on each answer. Unlimited attempts.
This Week’s Activities
Complete all three graded activities below through D2L Brightspace. Everything is due Sunday at 11:59 PM EST. Finish the Learn and Practice modules before attempting these.
!
These activities are graded.
Open each item in D2L to submit. Your grade is recorded through D2L’s native tools, not this page.
Discussion
Week 1 Discussion: Academic Identity
Reflect on how your personal learning style and past academic experiences have shaped who you are as a student. Post your initial response by Thursday, then reply to at least two classmates by Sunday.
Assignment
Week 1 Assignment: AI in Your Career Field
Use an AI tool to explore career pathways related to your program of study. Write a 300–400 word reflection on what you found and how it connects to your goals. Submit as a PDF in D2L Assignments.
Test
Week 1 Knowledge Check
25-question multiple choice test covering Modules 1 and 2. Topics include professional learning behaviors, academic identity, and PULSE competencies. Time limit: 30 min. One attempt.
Week 2 Is Coming
After you submit your Week 1 activities, Week 2 will open on Monday. It follows the same structure as Week 1 — all learning materials will be on a single page.