Leadership Academy

The UMass Amherst Leadership Academy expands the effectiveness of supervisors, managers and leaders to strengthen their capacity to build a community of choice by aligning the University’s values and mission with a successful practice of managing people, building relationships and driving results.

UMass Amherst Values:

• Excellence
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness
• Openness
• Integrity and Stewardship
• Innovation
• Impact

The Leadership Academy is comprised of 3 multi-modal learning programs that support current supervisors and managers at various levels providing information and skill development. 

The Leadership Academy is open to UMass Amherst employees only; not for supervisors of only undergrad or graduate student employees. WLD has resources specific to supervising student workers.

Note: The program formats have been adjusted from our previous in-person program design to a virtual design to adapt to the current post COVID work environment.

If you are a non-UMass employee and are interested in obtaining supervisor development training, please contact Workplace Learning & Development for additional information at 413-545-1787 or wld@admin.umass.edu. 

The Leadership Academy programs are open to UMass Amherst employees only; not for supervisors of only undergrad or graduate student employees. WLD has resources specific to supervising student workers.

Note: The program formats below have been adjusted from our previous in-person program design to a virtual design to adapt to the current post COVID work environment.

Focus:  Strengthening foundational skills, core competencies and key behaviors needed to be an effective supervisor at the University.

Eligibility:  Individuals with less than 2 years of supervisory experience and who currently supervise or will become a supervisor in the next 3 months. Class participant capacity: 26.

Completion Requirements to obtain a Certificate of Completion:

• 4 virtual live sessions (2 ½ hours each)
• 7 online Moodle courses (approximately 20-40 min. each)
• 1 one-hour coaching session with a WLD coach
• 2 hours of self-directed course assignments (includes: video lessons, readings, worksheets, self-reflection activities, final project)

Focus:  Exploring the complexity of supervision at the University, allowing supervisors to build upon their current skill level to become more effective in their roles.

Eligibility:  Individuals with 2 or more years of supervisory experience and are currently in a supervisory or management role. Class participant capacity: 26.

Completion Requirements to obtain a Certificate of Completion:

• 4 virtual live sessions (2 ½ hours each)
• 6 online Moodle courses (approximately 20-40 min. each)
• 1 one-hour group coaching session  
• 2 hours of self-directed course assignments (includes: video lessons, readings, worksheets, self-reflection activities, final project)

  
Focus:  Understanding of leadership dynamics, and providing tools and methods to create clear forward thinking strategies.

Eligibility:  Emerging and experienced leaders.

Completion Requirements:

TBA

NOTE: The program formats are being adjusted each semester to adapt to the current changes in our work environment. 

• Discuss your interest in attending the program with your manager. Consider ways your participation in the program can improve your performance and engagement as well as for your team.
• Submit your program specific application at any time but before the cohort deadlines listed below.  
• Monitor your email for further information to confirm your enrollment and next steps. 

This program is in currently development. Consider the UMass Donahue's Leadership Excellence Program. ( This is fee based program.)

Please select the program you are interested in and submit your application by the deadline date stated above. Applications will be considered in order of date submitted. Class size is limited to 26 participants.

Essentials of Management Cohort 5 Spring 2022

Recognizing the graduates of Foundations of Supervision Cohort 1. 

Recognizing the graduates of Essentials of Management Cohort 1.