Staff Leadership Academy Application | Human Resources

Thank you for your interest in the Staff Leadership Academy.

Your responses help us understand your professional background, leadership experience, and goals — and ensure the program is the right fit for where you are in your career. Before you begin, please confirm that you have your direct supervisor's support to participate. Supervisor approval is required for selection. There are no right or wrong answers. We are looking for thoughtful, genuine responses that reflect who you are as a leader and what you hope to contribute to the cohort.

Note to the applicant: Your application requires a recommender to be considered complete; please share this Recommendation Form Link directly with the individual you select to speak on your behalf. While supervisor permission is required, the recommender does not need to be your direct supervisor. You may select a peer, a former manager, a cross-campus collaborator – select the person who can best speak to your leadership potential.

Application Deadline July 10, 2026.

Applicant Information Required

First Name Required

Last Name Required

Title Required

Applicant Email Required

Supervisor Name Required

Application Questions

Professional Background: Briefly describe your current role, your primary responsibilities, and how long you have been in a leadership or leadership-adjacent position at the University. Required

Motivation & Goals: Why do you want to participate in the Staff Leadership Academy, and what do you hope to gain from the experience? Required

Organizational Insight: Describe a significant challenge or opportunity you see facing your department, unit, or the University as a whole. What makes it complex, and what do you think it would take to address it? Required

Leadership Experience & Reflection: Tell us about a time you led or contributed to a meaningful change in your department or organization. What did you learn about yourself as a leader? Required

Commitment Confirmation: Required

The Staff Leadership Academy (SLA) requires a commitment of time and active engagement. To complete the program, participants must dedicate one full Friday per month from September through March, secure supervisor approval, and actively contribute to a strategic project proposal (approximately 10 hours per month).

Because of the cohort-based nature of this academy, consistent attendance is vital. Priority acceptance will be given to applicants who can commit to attending all eight Friday sessions. Please discuss these expectations with your supervisor before submitting.

Do you confirm that you have discussed these time commitments with your supervisor, have their full support to participate, and are able to attend the Friday sessions?

Confirmed: I have my supervisor's approval and can commit to the required Fridays and project hours. (Priority Consideration)

Unconfirmed: I do not have full supervisor approval or have a known scheduling conflict with the Friday sessions.