The Illinois Academic Leadership and Management Institute (ALMI) is a small, interactive academic leadership program for any faculty member who is building a research group in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences or the Grainger College of Engineering. Course content is delivered by experts from inside and outside of Illinois using individual and group exercises, lectures, case studies, and discussions.
In alignment with our mission to foster a supportive environment for all members of our university community, this program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, or national origin.
Objectives
- Equipping faculty with the tools they will need for successful careers at Illinois
- Enhancing the ability of faculty to provide strong research group experiences for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars
- Building a network among early-career investigators to support each other as peer mentors
- Sharing tools that align with the criteria outlined in the UIUC Provost Communication 9 guidelines
Benefits
- Access to academic leadership experts, including resources and tools
- Participation in a peer network
- Develop activities and strategies that can be included in materials submitted in response to Provost Communication 9
- Certificate of completion at the end of the program for faculty competing all of the sessions
The program exceeded my expectations. I found the exercises thought-provoking and valued the opportunity to interact with peers in different departments, who all brought very different perspectives.
It was a great opportunity to meet other assistant professors in different programs and discuss our common struggles, challenges, and potential solutions. The advice offered on how to deal with situations, what we might encounter, and how to prioritize our time was insightful.
I felt like the program was very useful for thinking big-picture about how I want to approach this phase of my career, finding resources online and on campus, and getting to know the cohort.
Application
Interested applicants should discuss their potential participation with their department chair/head, institute, or center director with the understanding that this time commitment is significant for an investigator since, if accepted, the participants must attend the entire course. Participants in the course will be selected in a competitive review process with 10-15 applicants being accepted each year.
Please have the following ready to upload before you begin filling out the application:
- 200-400 word personal statement describing why you should be selected for this leadership development program
- A current CV
Course content and dates
A total of five 2-hour workshops will be held approximately every three weeks during the spring 2025 semester on Tuesdays, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. in room 2043 Lincoln Hall. Lunch will be provided.
Feb. 4, 2025 - The Academic Environment
The academic environment provides opportunities for growth and development, and it can also present its own unique challenges. This program provides a grounding on the challenges and opportunities special to the academic environment and not present in other workspaces. Participants are introduced to tools and resources to help them navigate their early years at Illinois
Feb. 25, 2025 - Navigating Boundaries and Achieving Inclusive Mentoring Success
Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants will explore the complexities of mentorship, learn strategies for setting boundaries, and foster inclusive environments in their research groups and beyond. This program presents practical tools and insights for navigating challenges, communicating effectively and promoting diversity and inclusion in their mentoring practices.
March 25, 2025 - Solving Challenges Through Negotiation
Negotiation is a topic that has been intensely studied and about which a great deal is known. There are teachable, learnable skills that, when applied to your work, can reduce conflict and help you be successful. This program is tailored around knowledge other faculty members find helpful for problem-solving and successful collaborations.
April 15, 2025 - Difficult Conversations
Participants will learn techniques for navigating challenging conversations effectively within a research context. Topics include addressing conflicts, providing constructive feedback, and managing difficult interactions with colleagues, collaborators, and students. Through interactive discussions, and case studies. Participants develop practical communication strategies that can foster positive relationships, promote collaboration, and enhance their overall research productivity.
May 6, 2025 - Giving and Receiving Feedback
This program aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to deliver feedback in a constructive and impactful manner, fostering a positive and supportive research environment. Through interactive discussions and case studies, attendees will learn strategies for delivering feedback that is specific, actionable, and respectful. They will also gain insights into how to receive feedback with an open mindset, leveraging it as a tool for personal and professional growth. By mastering the art of giving and receiving feedback, assistant professors can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence in their research endeavors