March 12, 2012 — Among the several hats faculty members wear, academic leadership presents particular challenges. The University of Virginia's faculty development office is soliciting nominations of faculty to participate in its "Leadership in Academic Matters" program, and they are due March 23.

Aiming to help produce the next generation of department chairs, deans and other leaders, the semester-long program provides participants with access to expertise, resources and experiential learning opportunities focused on a variety of topics, including managing change, building and managing teams, handling difficult conversations, developing successful networks and balancing work and personal life.

Leadership in Academic Matters will be offered twice in the coming year, in the fall and in spring 2013. Each will feature weekly half-day sessions facilitated by leading experts in academic leadership. Enrollment is capped at 30. Sessions will be held at Morven Farm, owned by the U.Va. Foundation.

Nominations of those who have demonstrated leadership characteristics and future potential should include a letter or email of support from the nominee's department chair, as well as a brief statement as to how the nominee will both benefit from and contribute to the program. Email nominations to uva-ifa@virginia.edu.

The Commission for the Future of the University included faculty leadership development as a priority. Leadership in Academic Matters was first offered in 2009.

For information, email Maggie Harden, director of the Institute for Faculty Advancement, at mph4d@virginia.edu.