Academic Leadership Program offers advanced training for university leaders

The Academic Leadership Program (ALP) provides resources and supports for academic leaders at the University of Manitoba.

Available to deans, associate deans, department heads and other academic leaders at the University of Manitoba and sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the program is delivered in partnership with the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development (CHERD) and learning and organizational development (LOD), human resources.

Core elements of the Academic Leadership Program include an orientation session for new administrators, workshops and special events, Faculty Development Initiatives Fund, advanced training through courses such as the Senior University Administrators Course (SUAC), online resources, coaching and mentoring.

Janice Ristock, Vice-Provost (Academic ), and soon to be Provost and Vice-President (Academic), on July 1, 2016, says, “We are pleased to provide this program that supports an outstanding learning and work environment. Academic leaders are important members of our community. We look forward to supporting individuals in their leadership roles, and to exploring a diverse range of leadership topics such as strategic planning, conflict resolution and facilitating collaborative research. Together, we will develop a strong culture of leadership and teamwork among faculty.”

The objectives of the Academic Leadership Program are to:

• Enhance and contribute to the leadership development of academic leaders;
• Communicate standards, guidelines and best practices for the roles and responsibilities of academic leaders;
• Facilitate and support meaningful connections between faculties and units;
• Provide a range of tools, approaches and program offerings;
• Increase professional development and growth opportunities.

The program also offers opportunities to network and learn from others, including colleagues at both U of M and across Canadian universities. Kathleen Matheos, associate dean, extended education and interim director of CHERD, says, “CHERD programs are led by facilitators with both an understanding of and extensive experience in the leadership and administration of higher education and attract participants from across Canadian institutions – providing an excellent opportunity to network and interact with peers.”

On April 8, Marie Battiste, professor, department of educational foundations, University of Saskatchewan, will lead the workshop, “Decolonizing Education.” Battiste is an author and educator from the Potlotek First Nation in Nova Scotia. The Harvard and Stanford-educated specialist in social policy and education curriculum and administration has been honoured many times, including a 2008 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for her work in aboriginal education in Canada. She is the author of several books, including Protecting Indigenous Knowledge.

All academic leaders are invited to attend.

To attend the ‘Decolonizing Education’ workshop on April 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 543-44 University Centre, register with Paula Chorney: paula.chorney@umanitoba.ca

Information on the Academic Leadership Program can be found on the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) website.