OSI Yellow Belt Program 

This high-energy immersive learning experience provides skills and tools that are proven to streamline processes and drive successful outcomes. Upon completion of the course, participants will be Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt practitioners and prepared to share applicable tools and skills with their departments to advance strategic goals. 

UC San Diego staff may register for this course at no cost

UCSD Health System staff may be eligible for courses provided by Transformational Healthcare

Staff from other UC campuses may participate in our content, when space allows.  Please email our inbox osi@ucsd.edu 

External audiences & non-UC staff may participate with the Division of Extended Studies

Topics Covered

• Understand the language and verbiage of process improvement and Lean Six Sigma
• Obtain a working knowledge of the tools of process improvement and how to apply them in a higher education setting
• Gain the ability to identify “Non-Value Added” activities and "Waste" in processes
• Discover how imprecise, ambiguous information can stall process improvement
• Learn how to measure and analyze data from core processes to identify opportunities for improvement
• Recognize the importance of integrating “Voice Of Customer” into any initiative
• Tools that are covered in both formats: DMAIC, VOC, 8-Wastes, 5S, VSM, Gemba, Ishikawa, Establishing Pull, Kaizen, Control Plan, 5-Whys, Change Management, Sigma Scoring, Pareto

Training Options

OSI offers two formats, each providing a unique experience.  The foundational framework for both is the same, but the simulation exercises differ and the tools have been carefully selected to support each approach.  

Virtue-All Format 

Delivered via Zoom across two instruction sessions, this approach leverages gamification and a home-grown restaurant-themed simulation.  With a focus on engagement and guided practice - participants will attend a virtual learning experience unlike any other.  Additionally, this course provides tools and techniques to assist teams in supporting projects that may involve significant digital collaboration.   

“At least five long-time staff members have since told me that it was hands-down the most valuable training they've ever attended.”  Virtue-all Participant

In-Person Format 

Delivered on campus in a single full-day session, this format leverages a courier simulation designed by Rath and Strong Consulting LLC.  This high-energy training includes a hands-on group experiential learning to explore process improvement tools.  Participants will collaborate to analyze and pilot potential improvements in real-time.

“I really enjoyed all the hands-on activities, as I am a kinetic learner... and I also appreciated the many real-world examples they were able to share in the class."  In-Person Participant

Upcoming training dates:

• • • May 2025 In-Person
      • 5/15/2025 from 8:30am-4:00pm
    • June 2025 Virtual 
      • 6/23/2025 from 8:30am-12:30pm
      • 6/24/2025 from 8:30am-12:30pm
    • July 2025 In-Person
      • 7/23/2025 from 8:30am-4:30pm
    • September 2025 Virtual
      • 9/8/2025 from 8:30am-12:30pm
      • 9/10/2025 from 8:30am-12:30pm

For more information about how to register and prepare for the course, check out this map link (which is also embedded below), created in Promapp. 

LSS Yellow Belt Supplemental Sessions

UC San Diego now has over 4000 staff who have received some level of Lean Six Sigma training.  There is a unique opportunity right now to leverage those skills to support our teams. 

We are excited to offer a few additional opportunities to sharpen our Lean Six Sigma skillset. 

• k(AI)zen (240 minutes) : Bring your own process to engage in a kaizen that applies LSS tools and also starts you on the journey of applying AI to identified process ideas.  Learn more here.
• Kaizen practice (90 minutes) : We provide a process narrative and data sets, and YOU decide which tools to apply as you walk through DMAIC in a kaizen simulation.  Once you've learned the tools, this is your opportunity to apply them!  This is also great preparation for the Process Palooza "Great Race Competition"
• Additional Tools (30-60 minutes) : OSI will introduce you to content on LSS tools which are not currently covered in the Yellow Belt.  These will also present an opportunity for a deeper dive into any topics our audience may be interested in.

Team and Department training options through OSI

If you are interested in providing a private training for your team or department, we would be happy to meet with you to customize a session that will meet your goals.  These trainings are a great way not only for professional development, but to bond as a team.

If you would like to pursue the private training option, please email us at osi@ucsd.edu or fill out our contact request form.

Advanced Training: Green Belt and Black Belt

For individuals interested in pursuing advanced levels of education in Lean Six Sigma, OSI recommends completing a course with hands-on, instructor-led training at UC San Diego Divison of Extended Studies. Course completion is dependent on demonstrating the application of LSS through an actual project. Scholarship opportunities are available annually through OSI. For more information, review the course details.