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 instruction format will be in-class sessions unless otherwise noted.  

If you are a non-UMass employee and are interested in obtaining supervisor development training, please contact Workplace Learning & Development for additional information: 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 instruction format will be in-class sessions unless otherwise noted.  

Focus:  Understanding the complexities of supervising at the University, strengthening foundational skills, core competencies and key behaviors needed to be an effective supervisor. 
Curriculum includes:

• understanding one’s management style
• creating positive team culture
• managing a flex workforce
• coaching as supervision
• managing performance
• and other topics and activities

Eligibility:  The Foundations of Supervision program is for emerging supervisors at UMass Amherst, as well as those new to supervising in the University environment. Eligible individuals must:

• currently be in a role of a direct supervisor at UMass Amherst* and
• have 2 years or less of supervising experience at UMass or
• have supervisory experience and are new to supervision in the university environment.

*A direct supervisor is the person to which an employee directly reports and who supervises the employee's work on a regular basis.

Class participant capacity: 30

Completion requirements to obtain a Certificate of Completion:

• attend all in-person sessions 
• 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: 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 more than 2 years of supervisory experience and are currently in a supervisory or management role at UMass Amherst. 

Class participant capacity: 26

Completion requirements to obtain a Certificate of Completion:

• attend all in-person sessions 
• 6 online Moodle courses (approximately 20-40 min. each)
• 1 one-hour group coaching session  
• 2 hours of self-directed course assignments (includes: 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

• Discuss your interest in 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 application deadline listed below.  

• Monitor your email for further information to confirm your enrollment and next steps. 

Apply online     deadline:  September 23, 2023

Essentials of Management:  To be announced

Strategic Leadership:  To be determined

NEW!  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:

Communication Fundamentals
Managing Work Fundamentals
Self-Awareness Fundamentals
 

• Classes run from 9am-3pm (full attendance is required) and will be offered monthly - times are subject to change.
• 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