Michigan Online Non-Credit Programs Call for Proposals

The Center for Academic Innovation invites proposals for non-credit online learning experiences that help people build the skills they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives. These may be self-paced courses or series, or certificate programs that include higher-touch, cohort-based activities. The theme for this call is Skills to Meet the Moment, reflecting the learning that helps people rise to what work and life ask of them.

The abilities increasingly associated with career success, such as adaptability, communication, critical thinking, data fluency, and the confidence to work alongside tools like AI, can also help people navigate change with greater agency and purpose (WEF, 2025; OECD, 2025). Non-credit online learning experiences meet people where they are. They are flexible, stackable, and open to anyone at any stage.

Through Michigan Online, the university has reached over 12 million unique learners in 195 countries, advancing the upskilling and reskilling of students, working professionals, and lifelong learners. This call supports that mission and is organized around five priority areas outlined below.

Deadline

Priority Areas

Proposals are encouraged that align with the core theme and fit an identified priority area.  Examples listed under each area are illustrative and selective, as a way to spark ideas. Ideas aligned with the call’s theme or a priority area, but not listed in the example list, are also encouraged.  Additionally, we encourage proposals that integrate applied uses of AI related to each of the themes. Where AI appears, it should serve the discipline, and proposals need not center AI to be competitive.

1. Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness

Leading people, plans, and culture through sustained change, such as leading through transformation, human capital planning, change management, and operations improvement. 

2. Healthcare Management and Innovation

The business, management, and innovation of health, such as health informatics and telehealth, patient experience, the care economy, and digital health ventures. 

3. Applied Data and Decision-Making

Turning data into sound decisions in any field, such as data architecture, privacy and governance, business intelligence and visualization, and applied analytics across industries. 

4. Durable Human and Workforce Skills

The human capabilities employers most need, open to disciplines, such as communication and executive presence, critical thinking, collaboration, storytelling, problem solving, and project management. 

5. Advanced Technologies for Industry

The applied, responsible use of emerging technology across sectors, such as applied and responsible AI, manufacturing and engineering transformation, cybersecurity and cloud, and energy and sustainability.

Funding and Support

Approved proposals for non-credit program development are eligible for a comprehensive package of funding and in-kind support. In-kind support to advance development of all offerings, including:

• Strategic guidance on program structure, instructional design, and opportunities for partnership development.
• Instructional design, project management, marketing, and media production services.
• Funding for student Course Development Assistants to support content development and learner engagement.

Financial stipends awarded once an initiative is successfully launched. These stipends depend on the scope and scale of the proposed offering. For example:

• Course stipends range from $5,000 to $10,000.
• Series stipends range from $15,000 to $25,000.

Certificate programs, which are cohorted learning experiences that involve enhanced engagement with instructional staff, qualify for additional funding and in-kind support to account for the inclusion of post-launch program features. Depending on the level of faculty involvement post-launch to support these features, post-launch stipends can range from $2,000 to $8,000 per cohort offering, depending on the amount of faculty time commitment required for each cohort. 

There is also potential for shared revenue generated from enrollments in all non-credit programs.

Priority is given to proposals demonstrating strong alignment with workforce needs, innovative approaches to adult and professional learning, and the ability to engage diverse learner populations. Market and employer-demand data should be provided where available.

Proposal Submission Process

Proposal Requirements

• Eligibility. University faculty with appointments on the Ann Arbor campus are eligible to participate. See CAI’s Faculty Status Policy for further details.
• Consultation and letter of support. Consultation with CAI and a Letter of Support from your school or college are required before final submission.

Submission Process

• Step 1. Request a consultation with the Center for Academic Innovation by completing the request form below and scheduling a meeting time with our team. Consultation sessions are held throughout the call at the center’s office at 317 Maynard Street or via Zoom, where staff will discuss how your idea aligns with the call, walk through the submission process, and offer initial feedback.
• Step 2. Meet with CAI team members to discuss your idea’s alignment with the call and the submission process, and to receive initial constructive feedback.
• Step 3. Work with CAI team members to draft your proposal, which includes a description of the program (including timeline and anticipated audience), details of the program you hope to develop, identification of the anticipated support needed to create the program, and partnership and program goals.
• Step 4. Submit your final proposal along with a Letter of Support from your school or college via email to [email protected].

Timeline

• Call for Proposals opens: September 9, 2026
• Consultation appointments: Arrange a consultation with our Content and Product Strategy team  by completing the request form below and scheduling a consultation session.
• Proposal deadline: November 6, 2026
• Decisions announced: December 2026
• Development: Starting from February through April 2027 for select initiatives. Development kickoff and timelines may be subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

The center maintains a Frequently Asked Questions info sheet for faculty interested in the proposal and course development process. Questions answered include:

• How courses may be promoted or marketed.
• What types of online courses you can develop with the center.
• What the proposal and course development process looks like.
• How long it takes to design, produce, and launch a course.
• What faculty time commitments are expected.
• What makes for a successful and innovative online course experience.
• Who owns intellectual property and copyright.

About Michigan Online and the Center for Academic Innovation

Michigan Online and CAI partner with faculty and academic units to advance accessible, high-impact online education at the University of Michigan. Our portfolio spans award-winning non-credit courses, for-credit offerings, and innovative approaches to digital learning. Questions about this call for proposals may be directed to [email protected].