UMB’s Faculty Leadership Development Program (FLDP) aims to enhance the leadership skills of its faculty members and prepare them for advancement in their careers.
FLDP alumni will hear from university leadership on strategic planning and decision-making, thus gaining critical insight into the successes (and lessons learned) of leaders in higher education. Finally, FLDP alumni will strengthen their faculty network in the UMB community, fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Background
The FLDP was launched in January 2021 by Provost Roger J. Ward and Faculty Senate President Joshua M. Abzug with the support of the President and UMB school deans. The program was created at the request of the Faculty Senate to enable UMB faculty to learn executive leadership skills for their career advancement. The inaugural cohort consisted solely of members of the Faculty Senate but has since expanded most faculty on campus (see eligibility requirements below).
Learning Outcomes
Understanding Institutional Structure and Resources
- Gain insights into the University System of Maryland (USM) and UMB's organizational structures.
- Identify and utilize key resources available at UMB for understanding the shared governance leadership structure (e.g. Faculty Senate, System-level committees).
Personal and Professional Growth
- Utilize Clifton Strengths™ to identify and leverage key personal strengths.
- Practice self-awareness and intentional leadership to enhance well-being and leadership effectiveness.
Leadership Skills
- Enhance executive presence and leadership capabilities for leading groups, teams, and individuals.
- Address and manage leadership challenges effectively.
- Develop strategic planning skills to contribute to the university's goals.
- Review the principles of organizational change and development. (i.e. “change management”)
Effective Communication and Public Interaction
- Improve skills in interacting with the public and managing external relations.
- Develop effective communication strategies for various stakeholders.
Financial and Administrative Acumen
- Understand university budgeting processes and financial management.
- Develop skills to make informed financial decisions and communicate them.
- Gain knowledge of advancement of philanthropy in higher education.
Conflict Resolution and Legal Knowledge
- Learn conflict management techniques and strategies.
- Understand the basics of employment law relevant to faculty leaders.
University Culture, Engagement, and Belonging
- Develop an understanding of engagement and belonging principles and their application foster an inclusive university culture.
Community Relations
- Understand the role of government affairs in higher education.
- Engage with community and government stakeholders effectively.
Networking and Collaboration
- Build relationships with university leadership and peers.
- Collaborate with colleagues across different departments and disciplines.
Program Reflection and Graduation
- Reflect on the learning experiences and personal growth throughout the program.
- Celebrate achievements and plan for continued leadership development post-graduation.
- Identify a mentor (if you do not already have one) and create meetings to share and connect throughout the program.
Core Values
UMB has adopted the four core values below to guide expectations of behavior, strategies, and decision-making. The FLDP is part of UMB’s mission to train and enable its faculty leaders to model these values as they advance in their careers.
Respect and Integrity
We value each other and hold ourselves accountable for acting ethically and transparently using compassion and empathy.
Outcome: FLDP alumni will learn how to be excellent communicators through active listening, transparency, accountability, and empathy.
Well-Being and Sustainability
We care about the welfare of our people, planet, communities, and University.
Outcome: FLDP alumni will learn the importance of work-life harmony, the role of healthy behaviors in managing conflict, how to plan for the future, and how to be an intentional leader.
Equity and Justice
We embrace and are committed to diversity, and we value inclusive and just communities. We oppose discrimination in all its forms.
Outcome: FLDP alumni will learn how to embrace diversity by demonstrating equitable practices, exploring their own identity and implicit and explicit biases, and provide space to learn about different experiences, backgrounds, and how others might have encountered and overcome systemic barriers.
Innovation and Discovery
We imagine and explore new and improved ways to accomplish our mission through education, research, clinical care, and service.
Outcome: FLDP alumni will know how to challenge constraints and inertia by pursuing bold ideas, learning how to accept failure, collaborating and sharing knowledge in teams, and celebrating successes
About the Program
Tuition
The costs associated with this program are covered by the Office of the Provost.
Time Commitment and Schedule
The program takes place on a Thursday each month in September- May from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
The graduation ceremony takes place in May.
Sample Topics
- Leadership in Higher Education and Self Assessment
- Executive Presence
- Conflict Management
- Diversity and Leadership
- Intentional Leadership
- Interacting with the Media
- Philanthropy in Higher Education
- Government Affairs
- Strategic Planning
Eligibility
Eligible faculty have met the following requirements:
- Served full-time on the faculty of UMB for a minimum of three years.
- Program is open to tenured and non-tenured faculty.
- Program is not open to faculty who have not yet met the three-year requirement.
- Have the written approval of their Department Chair and/or Dean.
- Can make the time commitment of one day a month for 9 months.
Nomination Process
Applications open in the fall through an electronic self-nomination form. The form will ask:
- Demographic and contact information (Name, School, Rank, etc.)
- A brief description of past and current leadership roles
- An essay that describes the faculty member’s interest in the program and what they hope to gain from it.
- A signed letter from the faculty member’s Department Chair and/or Dean approving the time commitment.
Selection
Section to the cohort is determined at the discretion of the FLDP Leadership. The leadership weighs factors including the number of applicants from each school and the quality of the faculty essay. The FLDP Leadership strives to ensure each cohort is diverse in relation to university tenure, rank, and school, in addition to individual identities.