Leadership Fellow Program

Introduction of Leadership Fellows Formation Program: 

Traditional conceptualizations of leadership often focus on leaders being defined by their position, responsibilities, and power, while in many cases commanding, controlling, and coercing their followers. At UP, we see leadership differently. We emphasize the inclusive assertion that everyone can be a leader and express leadership through intentionally cultivated knowledge, skills, mindsets, and the leveraging of unique leadership strengths. During the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of life, we celebrate that leadership is both what we do and the essence of who we are and who we are becoming. We lift up the idea that leadership is manifested through relationship and is enacted through serving and accompanying others on their journey and working for social justice. Leadership is by and for ALL of us, collaborating toward a more holistic vision of the common good. With this in mind, we hope you will consider participating in the Leadership Fellows Formation Program in Fall Semester 2023. 

Why should I get involved? 

• Leadership is for ALL—The UP community needs leadership from many different voices and perspectives from across campus. Learn how UP thinks about leadership and add your ideas to enrich the discussion. All are welcome and encouraged to participate. 
• Learn more deeply about YOU and who you are becoming! You will gain a deeper awareness of your leadership strengths and practice leveraging those strengths through our strengths-based approach to leadership development.  

• Develop critical leadership knowledge, skills, and mindsets to apply to your personal and professional contexts.  
• Get ENGAGED—Cultivate community with faculty and staff members across campus. Intentionally form relationships with colleagues who deepen your learning, support you and goals, and provide a catalyst for your continued growth and transformation.   
• Interested in being a future leadership coach and/or instructor? This program is a pre-requisite to serve as a leadership coach and/or instructor in the Leader Certificate Program; however, completion is not a guarantee of future placement (there is additional preparation that is required for those who desire to serve in those roles). 

• Leadership coaches and instructors can earn a stipend of up to $2,500 for their teaching or coaching. 

What does the program entail? 

• Live Sessions: 6, 1-hour live in person sessions (2 per month) during Fall Semester 2023: Live sessions bring the whole cohort together to learn, share, and explore leadership 
• Pre-work for live sessions: Participants will be invited to engage with materials such as readings, videos, and assessments to deepen their learning and make progress toward their goals. 

• Pod discussions: Pods are small groups of 3–4 participants. The purpose of the pods is to cultivate community, deepen the learning, and forward the action and goals of participants. 

• Pods meet approximately 2 times per month, each being approximately 30 minutes (at a day/time that is convenient for the pod members). 
• Outline of each pod meeting structure/questions will be provided by the program. 

• Leadership Laboratory: Participants will choose one “leader character habit” and additional professional and personal goals that they wish to focus on during the arc of the program. Pod members will serve as collaborators in curiosity and accountability, helping support and challenge their pod members.  

• Individual Leadership Exploration Library: optional resources that participants can engage with to deepen their leadership learning and growth.  

• Reflection/Integration: Participants will complete a short reflection that gives them the opportunity to integrate, connect, and apply their learning to personal and professional contexts .  

Total approximate time commitment for program = 16 hours (approximately 1 hour per week during Fall Semester 2023) 

 What are the dates of the live sessions? 

• Session #1: Wednesday, September 6, 12–1 p.m. (Location: TBD)  
• Session #2: Wednesday, September 20, 12–1 p.m. (Location: TBD) 
• Session #3: Wednesday, October 4, 12–1 p.m. (Location: TBD) 
• Session #4: Wednesday, October 25, 12–1 p.m. (Location: TBD)  
• Session #5: Wednesday, November 8, 12–1 p.m. (Location: TBD) 
• Session #6: Wednesday, November 29, 12–1 p.m. (Location: TBD) 

How do I register? 

To register, please complete this registration form (or go to this link) by Friday, August 18 at 5pm.

There is not a fee to participate in the program. For questions, please contact Dave Houglum, Director of Leadership & Leadership Professor of Practice at houglum@up.edu.