Program Design & Schedule
Opening Symposium Program Design
The Institute is designed as a five-part, six-month intensive learning experience for participants. It begins with a two-day in-person symposium during which leading speakers will discuss successful leadership strategies and effective institutional governance models. You will experience interactive leadership learning modules and an intensive community-building activity to develop connectivity with the other participants.
September 11-12, 2026
Chicago, IL
Interactive Online Workshops
Seven interactive online workshops will occur during the six months of the Institute.
- Meet and Greet – June 2026
- Half Day Virtual Kickoff – July 20, 2026
- Webinar – October 2026
- Webinar – November 2026
- Webinar – December 2026
- Webinar – January 2027
- Webinar -January 2027
Through these workshops, you will learn new leadership skills and apply those skills by collectively working through case studies that challenge institutional leaders. Workshop titles change yearly to ensure relevant programming. Past topics include:
- Managing the Presidential/Board Relationship
- Reading the Leadership Profile
- Presidential Families
- Preparing for and Negotiating the Offer
- How Best to Prepare for the Interview
Campus Shadow Visit with a Sitting President
Scheduled by Cohort participants and President
You will have an opportunity to visit a campus and spend quality time with a sitting president introduced to you by Institute faculty. You also will meet and spend time with senior campus leaders, members of the institution’s governing board, and other key community supporters.
Closing Symposium
The Institute will conclude with a three-day in-person capstone symposium during which you will take part in additional intensive case studies. You also will engage in cutting edge conversations about effective institutional governance and how to build effective and lasting relationships between presidents, board chairs and trustees.
February 2027
San Diego, CA
One-on-One Mentoring Sessions
Scheduled by Cohort participants and Institute Faculty
Institute faculty will provide mentoring sessions to individual Cohort participants to discuss leadership skills refinement and provide coaching on search materials and preparation.
* The content of all symposia sessions will be regularly updated to reflect and incorporate the latest research and opinions on vital components for effective college and university leadership. Participants will have access to this database as part of their registration fee.