Leadership Academy

A selection of in-depth classes for current supervisors to sharpen their skills, or for any employee interested in growing their career.  

Supervisory Skill Development Classes: 

1. Coaching Fundamentals
2. Communication Fundamentals 
3. Facilitation Fundamentals
4. Managing Work Fundamentals 

• Classes run from 9am-3pm (full attendance is required) and will be offered monthly - times are subject to change. UMass meal card provided for lunch.
• Instructors:  Workplace Learning & Development 
• Registration required (no application needed) 
• This is not a certificate-granting program 
• Instruction format:  Lecture, group discussions, short readings, interactive exercises, practice, resource library 

Focus:   

Strengthen the foundational skills, core competencies, and key behaviors needed to be an effective supervisor, while enhancing understanding of the nuances of supervision at the University.

Eligibility Criteria:   

• Eligible individuals must: 1) currently hold a supervisor position at UMass Amherst, and 2) either have two years or less of supervisory experience at UMass, or have supervisory experience from another context and are new to supervising in a university environment.
• Applicants must be able to attend all program session dates to be eligible.   

*A direct supervisor is the individual to whom an employee reports directly and who regularly oversees the employee's work. The Foundations of Supervision workshop is not intended for employees who only supervise undergraduate or graduate student workers. Separate workshops are available throughout the year for those managing student employees.

Foundations of Supervision is offered every spring, summer and fall.

Dates and Application:

First, discuss your interest in the program with your manager. Consider ways your participation could enhance effectiveness for both you and your team.
 

"I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging the sessions were. The interaction with my cohort peers was unexpected but learning the similar challenges we face was great."

Focus:  

This cohort-based program enhances the change leadership effectiveness of mid-level managers. Participants will actively practice and apply key leadership concepts and skills in their work environments through interactive sessions and assignments. This program is an investment in individuals committed to advancing their learning and professional development. There is no charge for university staff to attend this program. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• At least 3 years of supervising/managing experience at UMass or elsewhere. Time managing undergraduate student workers cannot be included. 
• Must currently be in a managerial position at UMass Amherst. Being a manager includes managing a single department/unit, multiple units/teams, or teams of external vendors/contractors.
• Attendance of all program session dates is required to earn a certificate.

NOTE:  It is highly recommended that applicants will have already completed the Foundations of Supervision Certificate Program so that they have a strong base of experience and practice. Graduates of Foundations of Supervision must wait to apply to Essentials of Management at least 9 months from their program graduation date.

SPRING 2025

Participants will: 

-  Learn effective change leadership practices to foster a change-ready organizational culture.
-  Gain a deeper insight into their personality and leadership style to help tailor their approach for engaging employees in the process of change and transition.  
-  Create and present a Change Leadership Action Project that meets a departmental/divisional priority.   
-  Enhance their influential communication and strategic thinking skills.
-  Further their knowledge and skills through complementary LinkedIn Learning courses.

Essentials of Management is offered 1 -2 times per calendar year.

Dates and Application:

First, discuss your interest in the program with your supervisor. Consider ways your participation could enhance effectiveness for both you and your organization.

** Applications for Spring 2025 are closed. Future dates will be posted.

To be announced 

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

For over 20 years, UMass Amherst's Workplace Learning & Development (WLD) has been a leader in designing and delivering high-quality leadership development programs for UMass and other state employee groups. The Leadership Academy has evolved from WLD's former signature program, the Supervisory Leadership Development Program (SLDP), which ran for 15 years, into a flexible, multi-option learning model.