UF launches new leadership programs; Applications accepted until Sept. 7

August 27, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Because leadership development is essential to the effective management of a university, Human Resource Services at the University of Florida has launched two new leadership programs: The UF Academy and Next Level Leadership.

Specifically tailored to the needs of UF faculty and exempt staff, these programs will help develop and retain existing and future leaders for the university. The deadline to apply for both programs is Sept. 7.

“With UF currently facing an array of challenges, it is essential that the university’s leaders be trained to think strategically about ways to maximize their teams’ potential,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, senior vice president for administration. “Each of these programs represents an invaluable opportunity for professional development, including exposure to UF’s highest levels of administration, at minimal cost and without any travel required for participants who work in Gainesville.”

Next Level Leadership is designed for UF assistant directors and above as well as faculty making the transition from “academic” to “administrator.” It will explore and develop skills to enable leaders to contribute at high levels in the organization for many years to come. This unique program will send 20 to 25 members through four quarterly events, each two to three days in length, which will include seminars, assessments, and access to the key leaders in the organization. Although there is a charge for this program to cover such costs as materials and assessments, it is a fraction of what comparable programs typically cost.

The UF Academy, based on the successful Finance and Administration Academy, is a program created for emerging leaders at the University of Florida. Designed for exempt employees up to and including the assistant director level as well as interested faculty, the UF Academy prepares employees for higher-level responsibilities at the University of Florida. To participate, an employee must be an exempt employee with at least two years of supervisory or decision-making experience up to and including assistant director level. Employees already at the assistant director level may apply to participate with fewer than two years at UF. There is no fee for this program.

Further details as well as the application form and process, may be found online at http://www.hr.ufl.edu/training/leadership/. The deadline to apply for both programs is Sept. 7.