Northern Arizona University is inviting faculty and staff to participate in the 2020-21 University Leadership Program (ULP) to help prepare the next generation of higher education leaders. The program focuses on leadership development by identifying, informing and investing in future university leaders.
The program is a series of sessions held on campus from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. one Friday each month starting in September and ending in April. Applications for the program are due by 5 p.m. on July 31. The 2020-21 session dates are:
- Sept. 18
- Oct. 16
- Nov. 13
- Jan. 8
- Feb. 12
- March 12
- April 9
- April 30 (Graduation luncheon)
Participants explore leadership skills and discuss challenges facing the university and higher education across the nation to gain an understanding of how NAU and the Arizona university system functions. Other topics include strategic planning and budgeting to understand how both serve to advance the overall mission of NAU. The program brings together and builds partnerships between colleagues from throughout campus.
“ULP fostered real and genuine connections that will allow the participants to reach out and lean on one another as we continue our leadership journey,” said Maria DeCabooter, social media manager for NAU.
DeCabooter was part of the 2018-19 ULP cohort and shared the highlights of the program in “Finding confidence, finding my voice—my University Leadership Program experience.”
Due to the impact of COVID-19 and budget limitations, changes to the program this year have been made. Only 20 participants will be accepted, and the program will implement a hybrid format of virtual delivery and participation with approaches that adhere to all CDC guidelines for physical distancing.
All NAU faculty and staff are encouraged to apply or nominate coworkers for ULP. Participants must commit time for preparation in addition to participating actively in each session. Supervisors must approve participation. Additional information can be found on the ULP website. Questions and applications must be submitted to universityleadershipprogram@nau.edu.