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Academic Leaders Program

What began several years ago as a two-day orientation held in the late summer for new department heads has now evolved into a semester-long series of networking and learning workshops designed for new and aspiring academic leaders. The program kicks off with a full-day workshop in mid-August, and continues throughout the fall semester with a series of shorter workshops and discussions. This Academic Leaders Program is offered not just for new department heads (though they remain a key target audience), but to anyone in an academic leadership role—at any level—who may benefit from the topics covered as well as networking with other campus leaders. Faculty who are being developed for or may be considering future leadership roles are also welcome to attend.

View the Fall 2021 Academic Leaders Program overview (PDF)

Building on the success of the program we offered virtually last fall, we are planning for this year’s Academic Leaders Program to be conducted with some sessions offered virtually and some in-person. An overview of this fall’s program, with dates and times, is included here and may be shared.

Materials for the Fall 2021 Program

  

Friday, August 13
8:30 a.m. - noon
Zoom

Kickoff Workshop - featuring information and discussion on academic leadership perspectives at Virginia Tech, an academic leaders panel discussion, and networking with other academic leaders.

  

Thursday, August 26
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Zoom

“Timely Tips for Department Heads” – Important information for department heads related to faculty recruitment and development resources, practices, and policies.

This session is specifically designed for new department heads, chairs, and other academic unit leaders who support tenure-track faculty. It is optional for those in other roles. Zoom link

  

Thursday, September 2
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leadership Theory Exploration – Exploration of leadership theories and approaches, including Transformational, Authentic, Participative, Servant, and Resonant Leadership models.
 		  

Thursday, September 9
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leading in Ambiguity – Information and conversation about how to lead in ambiguous, rapidly changing times.
 		  

Thursday, September 16
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leadership Vision – Refining your vision and supporting strategies to enable you to lead toward meaningful results.
 		  

Thursday, September 23
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leadership Communication – Leveraging transparency and committing to courageous conversations.
 		  

Thursday, September 30
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
In Person

A “Conversation with the Provost,” will highlight updates, strategies, and leadership perspective from our chief academic officer.

  

Thursday, October 7
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leadership Facilitation – Your role in supporting and advancing motivation and engagement.
 		  

Thursday, October 14
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leader Resilience – The importance of resilience for your role as a leader, and in supporting those you lead in challenging times.
 		  

Thursday, October 21
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Data-Informed Decision Making – Data – both quantitative and qualitative – is key to informing decisions that support strategic management and leadership needs. A panel of current academic leaders will discuss their strategies and experiences and answer questions.

  

Thursday, October 28
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
In Person

Fostering Collaboration – Keys for encouraging and fostering collaboration, in your role as leader, and for those you lead.

  

Thursday, November 4
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leading Change – Information about the phases of transition involved in navigating change, and how to lead in an informed and supportive way through transitions.

  

Thursday, November 11
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leader Relationships – Tools, resources, and practices to support building productive, authentic relationships as a leader, including building and preserving trust.

  

Thursday, November 18
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Zoom

Leveraging Difference – Tools, resources, and practices to navigate and leverage differences in your people, programs, and partners.

  

Thursday, November 25
NO MEETING – THANKSGIVING BREAK
 		  

Thursday, December 2
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
In Person

Leadership Mentoring – Building your leadership mentor map, identifying needs, and approaches for seeking out mentoring for your ongoing leadership development.

  

Thursday, December 9
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
In Person

ALP Concluding Reception – A chance to celebrate your semester, with each other and your department leaders, deans, and nominators!
 		  

Academic Leaders Program Resources

View the full program information and Resources for Academic Leaders.

Questions?

Email Amy Hogan