Department Executive Officers Program

ALP Seminar II UofI 2026_2

Each year approximately 65 new department executive officers across the Big Ten Academic Alliance universities participate in a unique leadership development program. This is a hybrid program with three online synchronous sessions and one in-person workshop. Topics range from conflict resolution and mentoring to faculty development, performance reviews, and group problem-solving. 

Program Structure

This is a hybrid program with four online synchronous sessions and one in-person  workshop. Topics range from conflict resolution and mentoring to faculty development, performance reviews, and group problem-solving. The first online session offers welcome and introduction to the program. The Critical Friends component of the program is facilitated during the second, third, and fourth online sessions. The in-person workshop is held in Rosemont, Illinois over three days.

  1. 1st Week of October

    Welcome Session
    (Virtual)

  2. 2nd Week of October

    Critical Friends Session A (Virtual)

  3. 3rd Week of October

    Critical Friends Session B (Virtual)

  4. 4th Week of October

    Critical Friends Session C (Virtual)

  5. 1st Week of November

    Workshop
    (In-Person)

Program Objectives

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  • Understand the central roles and responsibilities of academic unit leaders, including faculty rights, personnel management, and performance evaluation
  • Facilitate awareness of one's own and others' leadership styles to empower all people to thrive and maximize unit success
  • Develop effective internal and external communication strategies and cultivate a support network for trusted, candid feedback
  • Navigate the range of challenges and opportunities confronting academic leaders within and beyond the unit
  • Enhance faculty and staff development, mentoring, and personal well-being as a leader

Selection Process

BTAA member universities select a cohort of up to five Fellows to participate each year. Participants are selected by their respective universities. In order to be considered, participants must attend all virtual events and the three-day workshop at the Big Ten Conference Center in Rosemont, IL.