The Centre for Higher Education Research and Development (CHERD) at the University of Manitoba’s Women in Academic Leadership 2018, held from Oct. 1 to 5 in Winnipeg, welcomed 24 participants and an impressive team of facilitators and mentors.

Ana Campos, woman in leadership

 It was fantastic
“It was a great event, fantastic,” says Ana Campos, Director, School of Interdisciplinary Science, McMaster University. “We had such a wealth of information piled up in the room that we were joking that we could set up our own university from scratch.”

Campos and her two female faculty council colleagues were advised to attend the event by her boss/dean who said they needed to come. There are only three women in her faculty council.

“I absolutely recommend this program. I am from Brazil. I came to Canada for my job. It gave me the opportunity to get to know people from other provinces, to learn about cultures and values. This doesn’t come naturally.”

Campos appreciated the diverse perspectives. “People were so reflective of their journeys and using their experience in a mindful manner. It aligned my personal values and my work values. For me, it crystalized the need to move forward for yourself and for who you are trying to serve.”

She highlighted the introduction of management tools, the mentorship, and the opportunity for reflection.

“It gave me framework for high-level thinking and practical tools. It showed me how to find a vision from the bottom up, to get people to walk in each other’s shoes.”

Susan Tighe, woman in leadership

Susan Tighe, Deputy Provost and Associate Vice-President Integrated Planning and Budgeting , University of Waterloo, noted the value of meeting other women in academic leadership roles.

Quality mentors and facilitators
 “The peer sharing as well as the quality of the mentors and the facilitators contributed to the experience. The groups were smaller and everyone was very honest about their challenges, strategies and tools,” says Tighe.

“I recommend the program for women at any stage in their leadership journey, There is something for everyone. It was broad and diverse, an enriching experience.”

One of the questions raised really resonated with Tighe.

Inspiring takeaways
“Do you want the title or do you want the job? Don’t be afraid of changes and challenges. Continue your growth journey.”

Keltie Jones, woman in leadership

Keltie Jones, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, took another strong statement away with her. “Leadership is believing in yourself. Do what you need to do to accomplish this.”

Different and deep
Jones facilitates a lot of leadership training, but she soon discovered this event was much different than she expected.

“I thought this would be a nice break. I wasn’t ready for how deep it went,” she says, noting how she felt the power of the atmosphere, the tools, the space, how she felt, who was there, the challenges, and the discussion. She noted how the many different pieces came together, the power in an organization and your personal power.

“This is an opportunity for learning and reflection, with an incredible added bonus. You develop a network with women you may have no chance of meeting otherwise.”

Jones, too , was inspired by the program.

“I am leaving here with more of a spark than when I arrived. I am looking forward to much more because of this.”

Learn more about Women in Academic Leadership

Attend UMC 2018 from June 10 to 15 at the historic Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. Participants must complete some preparations in advance, so it’s essential to apply now.

Over 1,000 managers and administrators from across Canada have attended the University Management Course (UMC) to date. Department heads, directors, managers, senior executive assistants and more have taken this opportunity to build their university administration and management skills. Now you can too.

The 2018 event is sure to inspire with the addition of guest speakers, and the incorporation of a more active and interactive approach.

Insightful guest speakers
This year’s knowledgeable and insightful guest speakers include Kevin Lamoureux and Michael Kennedy.

Kevin Lamoureux, National Education Lead, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, U of M, and Associate Vice President Indigenous Affairs, University of Winnipeg, will discuss Indigenization.

Michael Kennedy, partner and chair of the university practice group at Hicks Morley, will look at human rights legislation including organizational justice, fairness, and accommodation.

Other university-experienced speakers will also present topics that will help you to better understand the Canadian university, trends in Canadian higher education, budget models, emerging student issues in Canadian universities and how to respond to them.

More than just a lecture
UMC is more than just a lecture. It’s an opportunity to connect and grow, with new ideas and new colleagues. You will work together in teams to create solutions for your challenges. You will learn about where you are as a leader or administrator, to identify your style and how to adapt to become an even better and more effective professional. You will reflect on your experiences.

UMC is your opportunity to step beyond familiar daily routines, to connect with new people and new ideas for fresh perspective, and continued personal and professional growth.

A past participant and director of academic and administrative services, described UMC as “what university administrators have been looking for: a practical, relevant, and helpful course on how to manage a university environment surrounded by peers who are facing similar challenges.”

Time is running out
Apply now to secure your place in this specialized leadership development program. Universities and colleges are encouraged to nominate people holding academic and professional support positions.

Learn more about the University Management Course

The Centre for Higher Education Research and Development (CHERD) has been providing professional development for university and college administrators and managers for over 30 years. Like institutions, we are changing too, with new current curriculum, technologies and delivery modes. This fall we have two fully online credentials targeted to the evolving higher education professional in Canada: one focusing on University and College Administration and one dedicated to Academic Advising.

Learn more about our Post-Secondary Administration Programs

Janice Ristock, current Vice-Provost (Academic) and soon-to-be Provost and Vice-President (Academic) as of July 1, 2016 says, “You could feel the excitement in the room. Over 35 leaders came together to share their experiences and learn from one another. I am very proud of this collaborative effort by Manitoba’s post-secondary universities.”

Participating universities included University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Canadian Mennonite University, Université de Saint-Boniface and Brandon University.

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the U of M, the two-day workshop was comprised of interactive sessions, including an informal speed-networking event at a private reception held at U of M’s Degrees restaurant. Participants could ask questions or tackle issues in one-on-one sessions with a facilitator.

Sharing their academic leadership experience and expertise were workshop facilitators Sheila A. Brown, former President and Vice-Chancellor, Mount Saint Vincent University, and Neil Gold, former Provost and Vice-President (Academic), University of Windsor.

Themes included best practices in teaching and research, meeting the needs of students, supporting indigenous student success, strategic planning, and many more. Participants also benefitted from peer conversations and networking.

Participants network at Degrees restaurant

Mark O’Riley, director of learning and organizational development (LOD), human resources, at the U of M, was one of the event organizers, in partnership with the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development (CHERD). “We are pleased that the workshop was so well-received, and we very much look forward to future similar collaborations with post-secondary educational institutions from across the province,” he said.

The professional development program supports the mandate of the University of Manitoba’s strategic plan, Taking Our Place, adds Ristock.

“Together, we are working towards the goal of developing a culture of leadership and teamwork among faculty at the U of M and across the province. Collaborative events such as this one broaden and strengthen the work of developing academic leadership potential and sharing resources as part of the academic community in Manitoba.”

For more information on the workshop, read previous UM Today story.

Read more about academic leadership development at the University of Manitoba.

“Developing and Enhancing Leadership Potential” is the inaugural workshop of the Manitoba Academic Leadership Development Program, and takes place on May 4 and 5 at the University of Manitoba. The program was initiated as a joint effort by universities including the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Canadian Mennonite University, Université de Saint-Boniface and Brandon University. The U of M is strongly endorsing the collaboration by hosting this first program.

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), in partnership with the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development (CHERD) and learning and organizational development (LOD), human resources, the workshop is open to department heads throughout the province.

Janice Ristock, current Vice-Provost (Academic), and soon-to-be Provost and Vice-President (Academic) as of July 1, 2016, says, “Academic leaders are crucial to our post-secondary community. The Manitoba Universities Academic Leadership Development Program allows individual post-secondary institutions to collaborate in the development, support and enhancement of leadership potential. We are very pleased to host the inaugural workshop and look forward to future initiatives.”

In addition to providing academic leadership development support, the workshop is an opportunity to network and learn from others, including colleagues at the University of Manitoba and from across the province, says Kathleen Matheos, associate dean, extended education, and interim director of CHERD. Established in 1987 and offering regional and national courses, programs, seminars, and workshops, the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development at the U of M is Canada’s leading institution dedicated to scholarship and the professional development of faculty and administration in post-secondary education.

The workshop will explore topics such as best practices, mentoring, promoting excellence in teaching and research, forming partnerships and facilitating collaboration, challenges and key issues for Manitoba universities, fostering a positive and respective work environment, organizational justice and fairness, leadership models, strategic planning, leading and managing change, and developing a strong culture of leadership and teamwork among faculty.

Read more about academic leadership development at the University of Manitoba.

For more about the Centre for Higher Education Research and Development (CHERD), see http://umanitoba.ca/cherd/