Leadership development programs now accepting applications for 2008-09

August 11, 2008

Because leadership development is essential to the effective management of a university, Human Resource Services at the University of Florida is once again offering its two dynamic leadership programs, The UF Academy and Next Level Leadership. Specifically tailored to the needs of UF faculty and exempt staff, these programs are designed to help develop and retain both existing and future leaders for the university.

“A large and complex organization like the University of Florida requires strong leadership,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, senior vice president for administration. “With this in mind, we are pleased to offer a two-tiered approach to leadership development. 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.”

Developed and coordinated by Training and Organizational Development, Leadership Development at the University of Florida provides a UF-specific approach each year to recognize “star” achievers, including both faculty and staff. The programs focus on specific direction of the university, with access to key UF leaders, making this a unique, customized offering that also is cost effective when compared to other leadership development opportunities.

Next Level Leadership — designed for UF assistant directors and above, as well as faculty members in leadership positions — explores and develops skills to enable leaders to contribute at high levels in the organization for many years to come. This unique program sends 15 to 20 members through four quarterly events, each two to three days in length, and includes 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 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 and the application form may be found at http://www.hr.ufl.edu/training/leadership/. Applications are being accepted through August 29.