2027 endorsements and applications close Oct. 30, 2026.

Endorsement notes

• Each application to the Department Chair Leadership Institute must be accompanied by an endorsement from the president/chancellor, provost, or dean at the chair’s institution. An endorsement from higher-level administrators does not carry more weight.
• AASCU member institutions may nominate more than one department chair. In order to best serve as many of our member institutions as possible, AASCU may cap the number of participants from the same institution at three.
• Upon successful completion of the endorsement form, you will receive an email confirming that your endorsement has been received.

Detailed form instructions

• Log in to your account at my.aascu.org
  • If you do not have an account already, create one for free
• From your profile, navigate to the “Submissions” section on the left-hand navigation bar
• In the drop-down menu labeled “Topic Group,” select 2027 Department Chair Leadership Institute Endorsement
• Under “Topic Category,” select 2027 Department Chair Leadership Institute Endorsement
• Provide your candidate’s details and an optional statement of support
• Click submit
• You may submit an endorsement for more than one candidate

Form questions

1. Candidate’s first/last name
2. Candidate’s title
3. Candidate’s email
4. Candidate’s institution (no abbreviations, please)
5. Optional additional comments/brief statement of support.
   Please note that this is a text field, and not a document upload. We recommend preparing and editing your responses in a Word document and copying/pasting them into the form when you are ready to submit your final endorsement.

2027 applications close Oct. 30, 2026.

application requirements

• Nomination or endorsement from a dean, provost, president, or chancellor from your home institution. Nominations from higher-level administrators do not carry more weight.
• Clear and concise summary of your personal and professional development goals
• Demonstrated interest in subsequent leadership positions
• Commitment to 100% participation

Detailed form instructions

• Log in to your account at my.aascu.org
  • If you do not have an account already, create one for free
• From your profile, navigate to the “Submissions” section on the navigation bar
• In the drop-down menu labeled “Topic Group,” select 2027 Department Chair Leadership Institute Application
• Under “Topic Category,” select 2027 Department Chair Leadership Institute Application
• Answer the questions under the “Additional Questions” section
• Upload your resume/CV (PDF ONLY)
• Optionally provide your demographic information
• Save your draft answers to come back and review later, or submit your application
  • We recommend preparing and editing your responses in a word document and copying/pasting them into the question form when you are ready to submit your final application materials. Due to volume, AASCU cannot assist with post-submission edits or managing multiple versions of your application.
• After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation that your materials have been received. You can also view your submitted application in the “Completed Submissions” section.
• You must also receive an endorsement from your dean, provost, or president/chancellor in order for your application to receive full consideration. An endorsement from a higher-level leader does not carry more weight.

Application Questions

We recommend preparing and editing your responses in a word document and copying/pasting them into the question form when you are ready to submit your final application materials. Due to volume, AASCU cannot assist with post-submission edits or managing multiple versions of your application.

1. How long have you served as a department chair?
2. What long- and short-term goals have you set for yourself regarding your own personal and professional development as a leader? Please provide 3-5 goals.
3. Please explain what you hope to gain by participating in this leadership development program. How will it contribute to your leadership aspirations?
4. I commit to full participation in DCLI.
   Programming will be delivered in a blended format, with in-person and virtual programming. In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. 100% attendance and participation is expected. (In-person gathering in Washington, D.C., Jan. 5-7, 2027 and quarterly virtual workshops through 2027)

Develop leadership skills needed to lead change during turbulent times. 

The Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI) is designed for current department chairs who serve at state colleges and universities and aspire to be dynamic, strategic, and empathetic leaders. Participants gain a national perspective on the importance of the department chair in serving the institutional mission, delivering value, and ensuring student success.