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One of the most beneficial things people say they get out of the program is the networking... your workspace and email organized; and career planning, which includes setting goals, having conversations with your manager, and recognizing factors that can set you off course. Professional facilitators are brought in to lead courses and discussions.
STILL GROWING
More than 475 SDCCD employees have participated in leadership academies since 2009.
Such sentiments are common, says Erin Milligan Hill, the college district’ s Director of Employment and Professional Development, who oversees the academies.“ One of the most beneficial things people say they get out of the program is the networking,” she said.“ They learn what other people are doing. They attain a new respect and awareness about the challenges and opportunities their colleagues face, and it puts
them on a level of energy and enthusiasm where they want to learn and contribute even more.”
The academy for classified employees includes five halfday modules and two catered, brown-bag lunch discussions about the four self-guided study assignments. The Classified Academy is open to classified employees and others with an interest in gaining a foundational knowledge about the district, serving a lead role on a committee or project assignment, or who aspire to serve as a supervisor. Modules cover the following topics: leadership perspective, which includes personal awareness, key leadership characteristics, and understanding personal leadership style, in addition to an overview of the shared governance protocol in the district; cultural sensitivity and diversity, which covers working effectively across differences, the impact of structural and implicit biases, and understanding the essence of diversity, inclusion, and equity; self-management, which includes skills for effective communication under stress, and conflict management; time management, which includes tools to set priorities and get things done, and strategies for keeping
The most recent addition to the Professional Development Program is the Faculty Leadership Development Academy, which was launched in the spring of 2016. The focus: to assist faculty in developing the understanding and insight about the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to serve in leadership roles such as committee or department chairs, deans, or vice presidents.
Future goals call for a Leadership Academy Alumni Event with keynote speakers and enhanced networking opportunities, in addition to an Advanced Leadership Development Academy with guest speakers from other college districts and regional organizations. Also on the drawing board is an Action Reflection Learning Team program, which will include graduates from the Leadership Academies and mentors who will team up to actively engage in research and projects of interest to the Chancellor’ s Cabinet.
The intention is that every participant in any part of the Professional Development Program, and what they gain for themselves as well as bring back to the workplace and their colleagues, may be considered a positive long-term return on investment from the program.
Stephanie Bulger is Vice Chancellor, Instructional Services, of the San Diego Community College District in California. To view the full version of this article, visit www. league. org / node / 17566.
24 The League for Innovation in the Community College Innovatus