AASCU Emerging Leaders Program

Emerging Leaders Program

The American Association for State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) allows participants to determine where they fit in the academy and envision what their career path might look like, including a concrete next step. Participants graduate with the skills, connections, and support necessary to navigate the transition to administrative roles and gain a national network of motivated peers.

Additionally, ELP provides the opportunity for participants to assess their individual leadership style and strengths and to apply the skills learned in the instructional portion of the program to a project/initiative on their home campus over the course of the academic year.

Who should participate: Early- to mid-career academic and administrative emerging leaders who are exploring opportunities to advance to mid-level administrative positions.

The ELP Experience

The 2023 program will cover the following topic areas:

Title IX campus accountability
Fundraising and alumni relations
Finance and administration
Academic affairs
Project management/change management
The role of government relations
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Managing staff and faculty
Navigating the search process

ELP Faculty
ELP has convened an impressive faculty of current and former presidents, chancellors, and subject matter experts.

Project Work
Participants will lead a project or initiative at their home campuses over the course of the 2023 academic year, under the guidance of a designated mentor. Click here to review project mentor guidelines.

Examples of university projects include the following:

Chairing or co-chairing a division, university-wide committee, or task force that requires working with multiple constituencies
Managing a project for a division or university strategic initiative
Conducting a research project that investigates an important challenge the university faces and provides an opportunity for the participant to influence campus decision-makers using data

Purpose & Objectives

ELP is designed to prepare the next generation of higher education administrators to be effective leaders; to view every decision through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens; and to further their institutions’ path to equitable student success.

Participants will:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the academy and how they relate to each other. Participants will learn from experienced AASCU presidents, senior leaders, and national experts in leadership and student success. Sessions will include theoretical knowledge, practical application, and case study discussions.
Develop critical skills for leading institutional change. Participants will learn and practice leadership, project and change management, and team-building skills.
Build a strong and supportive network of peers. The program includes many opportunities to work together, network, and share experiences and best practices.
Demonstrate leadership skills by leading an on-campus project or initiative. Participants will work with their president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator to identify and lead a project or initiative to apply, demonstrate, and strengthen their leadership skills. The campus leader will provide mentorship and guidance throughout the project/initiative.

2023 Timeline & Format

The 2023 ELP will take place from June–December 2023.

Programming will be delivered in a blended format, with in-person and virtual programming. In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. One-hundred percent attendance and participation is expected. Virtual programming will take place on select Wednesdays between 3 and 5 p.m. ET (exact dates TBD).

Up to 12 interactive six- to 120-minute interactive virtual sessions (May and August–December 2023)
An intensive in-person program at AASCU’s Washington, D.C. office (June 20–22, 2023)
A participant-led project or initiative (more on this below)participant-led project or initiative
The cohort is limited to 30 participants.

Fees

Registration Fees

Participants from AASCU member institutions: $2,000
Participants from non-member institutions: $3,000

The registration fee covers program administration, meals during the in-person intensive, and all materials. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation in Washington, D.C.

Limited scholarships are available to accepted applicants from qualifying institutions.

Upon acceptance to ELP, participants must register no later than April 28, 2023.

Cancellation Fees

Participants from AASCU member institutions: $500
Participants from non-member institutions: $750

Cancellations received in writing by Apr. 3 will receive a full refund. Cancellations received by Apr. 17 will incur the above administrative fees. Refunds are not available for cancellations after April 17. Email Sara Gassman and include “ELP Cancellation” in the subject line.

Refunds are processed 30 days from date of cancellation.

Accommodations (To be announced)

To be announced.

2022 ELP Testimonials
“This was the most amazing experience I’ve had during my time in higher education and, really, my professional career. Everything was so thoughtfully organized and curated to give us everything we didn’t know we needed. So much value in the relationships made and by being part of this AASCU family.”
“This was the best professional development I have participated in in a very long time. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to engage away from our screens and phones. The format was powerful in that it led to deep and thoughtful conversations with diverse colleagues from across the country. It is rare to have the space and time to reflect with oneself and with each other. The environment was warm and welcoming. I immediately felt like I belonged, that I could offer something, and that I had much to learn from others. Because I am from the field of disability studies, I also appreciated the attention to ensuring access for all, particularly with the space and use of microphones. I am leaving feeling energized and hopeful. Thank you!”