Q: Why does the course operate on two online spaces?

A: u-lab is offered in partnership with MIT Learn. In order to fully complete the u-lab course, you will need to navigate between 2 online spaces during the entire 8-week journey:

1. The MIT Learn platform where you will find the course content; and
2. The u-school for Transformation (by Presencing Institute) - this current website - where you will find the tools and community space.

With this two-platform approach, you will be able to benefit both from a MIT Learn certificate and our unique action learning tools.

Q: Do I need to create an account for two websites?

A: Yes, taking the u-lab course requires navigating two online spaces. Please note that this will entail creating an account on both the MIT Learn platform and the u-school for Transformation by Presencing Institute website to gain access to the areas you need for practicing and engaging. After the first login, it should be seamless to navigate between both platforms.

Q: Which website is used for what?

A: The MIT Learn platform is your reference point for:

• All course material: instructions, modules, what to complete, videos, and handouts.
• Subtitles in various languages.
• Latest course announcements.

The u-school for Transformation by Presencing Institute website (this website) is your reference point for:

• Sharing your reflections and journaling snippets on the Discussion Boards (chat).
• Connecting with other participants, for instance through the Participants section, Chat, Hubs and Coaching Circles. If activated by the member, you have the option of Direct Messaging each other as well.
• Practicing particular exercises, such as the Case Clinic method and the Listening Assessment.
• Ask Us Anything (AUA) Office Hours (recorded video to answer participant questions and provide guidance along the way).

Q: How much time investment do I need to plan for?

A: The average time investment for u-lab is estimated to be 4-6 hours per week. However, unless you are on the verified certificate track (which comes with strict deadlines), the course is pretty much self-paced. Therefore, you could - in theory - spread those hours out over a longer period of time.

Factors to consider are:

1. Every module is different in terms of time investment.
2. Only the verified certificate track participants truly have deadlines to uphold.
3. Although we will hold live sessions to guide you through your experience during the 8 weeks, you can review all recordings and go through the course at your own pace till May 2026.
4. Material will remain available in both u-school and MIT Learn archives after the closing of the course.
5. We encourage you to prioritize those practices that feel most relevant to your context, time availability, and question/challenge.

Q: What is mandatory to complete in the course?

A: The course has several modules with a three-level structure:

• Core content
• Action Learning - for implementing the tools
• Deepening - extra material (optional)

You can choose to do all or skip the levels you don't want to do. For certification, both Core Content and Action Learning levels are required.

Q: Will reading materials be made available during the program?

A: We will offer as many of the recommended chapters for free as possible, but are not able to offer all. It is fully possible to follow the course with only the material offered for free, but if you would like to continue reading, please purchase the book “Leading From the Emerging Future” on Amazon. Please note that the book is also available in multiple languages.

Q: What happens before the orientation module is released?

A: You can join or start your hub. If you would like to become a hub host, here's a guiding module.

u-lab has two stages: instructor-led and self-paced.

The instructor-led stage is guided by u-school and MIT faculty, offering live sessions from MIT that provide inspiration and direction for your learning and work. It also includes optional interactive Ask-Us-Anything sessions, where you can ask questions and engage with the community. This stage runs from September 26th to November 12th, 2024.

The self-paced stage means that no live support will be available from the u-school team, but you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace until May 2025. After that, the course will close, so keep this date in mind if you're aiming to earn your certificate.

We recommend that you join all live sessions, form hubs and coaching circles now (as it might be harder to find people after November), and take your time implementing the tools as it suits your group’s needs.

Q: Do I need to sign up for a verified certificate?

A: No. The u-lab course is meant to be offered for free and is accessible to anyone with an internet connection (provided the country you’re in allows access to the MIT Learn website). This option, however, does not come with a certificate.

Some people opt to pay for the verified certificate track to be able to demonstrate to others that they have completed the course. That is also required for the u-school for Transformation Certification Pathways. If you decide to register for a verified certificate, this comes with a fee ($99 USD) and a strict deadline for completion. If you do not complete 60% of the course before the deadline, you will not receive the certificate, even though you paid the fee. Therefore, please only opt for a certificate if you can follow through on your commitment.

Q: Can I decide to get the certificate later than the program start date?

A: Yes, you can take that decision till the course end date. 

Q: What is the deadline for a verified certificate?

A: The deadline for completing at least 60% of the course for a certificate is the same as the course deadline. No certificates can be issued for submissions after that deadline.

Q: How are submissions for certificates assessed?

A: Your assignments for the course will not be graded or assessed in the traditional manner. There are no tests, exams, or quizzes. At the end of each graded module you will find a section called "Get Credit for your Work." In this section you will indicate what work you completed during the week. 

The u-lab is pass/fail. You will need a 60% overall grade to pass and earn a certificate. Our grading system is completely on the honor code, which means that progress (completion of activities) is self-reported. Your progress is assessed only based on assignments completed, not on your interaction with the course materials. Your certificate will become available as soon as you've passed this 60% threshold.

Each week, there will be activities you can do to earn credit:

Core Content:

1. Watch the videos (10%)
2. Participate in a Live Session (10%)
3. Complete the Course Reading (10%)

Action Learning:

1. Participate in a Coaching Circle (30%)
2. Do the Core Practice for the Module (20%)
3. Complete the Listening Assessment (10%)
4. Engage in Reflection Exercise (10%)

Module 0 is orientation and will not be graded.

Modules 1-5 will each be worth 20% of your overall grade.

Module 6 is the closing session and will not be graded.

At the end of each graded module you will find a section called Get Credit For Your Work. In this section you will indicate what work you completed during the week. At the end of the course the MIT Learn platform will automatically calculate your grade based on the work you have reported.

Q: How do I submit my assignments for the certificate?

A: To obtain your certificate, you are required to report on your assignments, per module. Because the course runs on an honor code, you pledge to truthfully report on the assignments you have completed to the best of your ability.

This is how you submit your assignments:

• At the end of each graded module (1-5), go to the section called Actions to Complete this Module.
• Then click into the last part of that section called Get Credit For Your Work.
• Review the list of actions, and per completed action first tick the box before Complete and then click the button Submit.
• You should now see a green checkmark, indicating that your submission has been accepted.
• Then you move onto the next action for that module, until you have reported all activities that you completed for that module.
• Your progress should then show up under the Progress tab in your course overview.
• At the end of the course, the MIT Learn platform will automatically calculate your grade, based on the work you have reported.

Q: I can't attend the synchronous components of the course. Am I still allowed to join and have the possibility for a certificate?

A: Yes, you can watch the session recordings later and get your certificate till the course end date. 

Q: I joined u-lab a past edition and chose to do a certificate path but I couldn’t finish it. Can I transfer the certificate payment I did in last edition to this one, or do I need to make a new payment to have the certificate?

A: Please write to u-lab@presencing.org with your request. Every case will be analyzed separately.

Q: Is all course content translated?

A: The course language is English. However, self-organized groups of volunteers, which we call "Language Communities" or "Language Hubs," have kindly offered their time to serve the community by translating the course content either fully or partially. They also provide support and answer questions in native languages. You can find Language Communities and translations here.

If you wish to contribute to translations in your language and/or host a Language Community, please contact us at u-lab@presencing.org for more information.