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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 2020 Academic Leaders Program overview (PDF)

All of this fall’s Academic Leaders Program sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. To encourage networking and relationship building, participants are encouraged to have their video on as much as possible. Please share any technical or connection questions you may have with Amy Hogan.

Materials for the Fall 2020 Program

  

Friday, August 14
8:30 a.m. - noon

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 27
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

“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 3
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, September 10
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, September 17
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, September 24
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, October 1
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

  

Thursday, October 8
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Leadership Communication – Leveraging transparency and committing to courageous conversations.
 		  

Thursday, October 15
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

Thursday, October 22
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

  

Thursday, October 29
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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, November 5
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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 12
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

  

Thursday, November 19
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

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

  

Thursday, November 26
NO MEETING – THANKSGIVING BREAK
 		  

Thursday, December 3
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Transforming and Managing Service – Thoughtful tools and approaches to managing service assignments and optimizing opportunities for faculty development through service.

  

Thursday, December 10
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Your Future Leadership Development – An interactive and networked discussion of ongoing goals and focus on your leadership development moving forward.
 		  

Academic Leaders Program Resources

View the full program information and Resources for Academic Leaders.

Questions?

Email Amy Hogan