Leadership Academy

“I think a major act of leadership right now, call it a radical act, is to create the places and processes so people can actually learn together, using our experiences.” ~Margaret Wheatley

Leadership Academy Purpose

Established in 2007, the purpose of UC Santa Cruz leadership is to cultivate a diverse cadre of academic and staff employees to develop the skills and knowledge to be successful leaders at UCSC. Participants experience the program as a cohort, fostering individual development while creating a network of campus colleagues.

Eligible Participants

Full-time staff employees (Career Tracks series Professional 3-5, Supervisor 1-2, Manager 1-4) with a minimum of six months of service are eligible to participate. Due to the commitment of time required, supervisory approval is required for staff to participate. All Senate faculty are eligible; continuing Lecturers may apply and will be accepted into the Academy if space permits.

Overview 

The Leadership Academy is offered once per year, with participants meeting each Friday over a three month period between January and March. Each session highlights specific issues and challenges faced by leaders at UC Santa Cruz. Through presentation, discussion, and experiential learning, participants will broaden their understanding of how the campus operates, and hone their leadership skills and abilities. The Leadership Academy also provides a unique opportunity for participants to create new networks, and for dialogue with various campus leaders. 

The Leadership Academy is jointly sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs and Staff Human Resources, and there is no fee to participate.

Applicants must obtain approval from their supervisor to participate, commit to attending all sessions, and to full participation in the 360° assessment process. Please review the program calendar and dates to confirm that you will be able to participate fully in all sessions. Those who cannot follow-through with full participation will be dropped from the program.

We anticipate the 2023 program will be held in person, although that could change closer to the program launch. If needed, we may transition to a virtual format.

2023 Leadership Academy Program*

*Please note: session times and titles are subject to change. 

All sessions will take place in the Horticulture II room at the Arboretum. Parking is free.

Application Process for Staff:

1) Discuss with your supervisor what it will mean to attend, and how it will affect your work schedule.

2) Submit an online application between September 19 and October 17, 2022 (midnight). Make sure you are logged into your @ucsc.edu email to submit.

3) Have your supervisor email a letter of recommendation and acknowledgement of your full participation to vpaa@ucsc.edu. 

Application Process for Faculty:

1) Discuss with your chair what it will mean to attend, and how it will affect your work schedule.

2) Submit an online application between September 20 and October 17, 2022 (midnight). Make sure you are logged into your @ucsc.edu email to submit.

For questions, contact: 

Herbie Lee, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, at 831-459-1349 or vpaa@ucsc.edu, or,

Susan Burrowes, Interim Learning & Talent Development Manager, 831-459-5677 or LearningandDevelopment@ucsc.edu.