President's Academic Leadership Institute

Administrative Leadership Development Program

Educational Principles

1. Variety of teaching and learning methods.

The ALDP uses multiple teaching methods, including: case studies, experiential activities, background reading, discussions with experienced leaders, coaching on real-life leadership problems, individual learning plans, simulations, 360° assessment and individual feedback.

2. Power of peers.

Participants in the ALDP play an active role in the education and learning that takes place. One of the most long-lasting and rewarding aspects of the program will be the formation of a network of peers who share their knowledge and expertise. These networks give all participants ready access to people with similar experiences and interests in the area of academic leadership.

3. Multiple perspectives.

This notion underscores the design of the ALDP so that it addresses issues and opportunities in all settings of the University. Effective leadership requires a comprehensive understanding of issues at the unit level, the University level and the system level. This program seeks to serve the needs of all four campuses as well as the total system.

4. Development over time.

Research on leadership development in many settings confirms that one-day workshops do not provide the continuity necessary for change in competencies. Instead, the best programs provide cycles of learning-experience-evaluation over time. This program focuses on a year-long experience and continuing support for program participants even after that year ends.

5. Competency based.

Advisory groups of experienced leaders drawn from all four campuses have created a set of competencies for administrative leaders within the University of Missouri System. While these competencies recognize the differences among campuses and disciplines, they also reflect the common administrative leadership experience.

6. Evidence-based practice.

While the University of Missouri System is one of a few systems nationally to commit to developing academic leadership, the program draws upon the research on successful leadership in higher education and other settings. Furthermore, over time, the ALDP is committed to contributing to the leadership literature based upon the experience of participants.

7. Self-directed learning.

Participants in this program will come with a range of experiences, interests and expectations. All participants will be encouraged to develop leadership learning plans for the year that provide them with a range of opportunities from which to select.