51������

Overview

The mission of the MAC ALDP is to identify, develop, prepare and advance faculty as academic leaders in the Mid-American Conference universities. The program provides an opportunity for 51������ faculty to gain valuable knowledge and experience in academic leadership by working closely with select administrators from other colleges and universities in the MAC. 

Key outcomes of the program include:

• Articulate the complexity of the structure and operations within an institution and across institutions;
• Describe the impact of the external influences on the role of leaders in a higher institution. This should include, but is not limited to, federal/state regulations and mandates, accreditation, and community influence;
• Identify best practices in academic leadership;
• Assess one’s own leadership potential, including strengths and weaknesses, and identify leadership pathways;
• Communicate the importance of inclusive excellence.

Up to four outstanding individuals are selected each year to serve as Western Michigan ALDP Fellows under the mentorship of the Associate Vice President for Teaching and Learning. The program has three basic, required elements: (i) a university-level development program led by the associate vice president for the selected 51������ fellows, (ii) participation in multiple MAC-wide workshops for all program participants that will include up to two in-person meetings on other MAC campuses (as conditions allow), with the remainder to be held virtually; and (iii) completion of a portfolio that documents and allows for reflection of the experience. The workshops will address topics such as conflict resolution, budgeting, accreditation and accountability.

The goal of this program is to expose faculty who are interested in administration and those who have recently moved into an administrative role as chair or associate dean (within the last three years) to the challenges and rewards of institutional service and to prepare them for potential leadership positions within the academy. Whether or not a Fellow ultimately chooses to pursue an administrative position in the future, the program will, at a minimum, provide them with a better appreciation for and understanding of how universities operate.

Deans and the Executive Board of the Faculty Senate are responsible for getting the following application material to the candidates they select.

The nominating letter and application should be submitted electronically:

Application Form

The application deadline is May 24, 2024, and decisions will be announced shortly after.

Throughout the year, the Fellow will have the opportunity to meet with the other Western Michigan Fellows and the Associate Vice President for Teaching and Learning to discuss relevant professional literature and to design a leadership portfolio to be completed during the spring semester. The portfolio will include several leadership artifacts, including leadership philosophy, CV and leadership goals. The goal of the portfolio is to assist the Fellow to reflect and gain insight on their future leadership goals. The MAC-ALDP Liaisons (who are upper level administrators in other MAC institutions) will provide input on the Fellows’ portfolios.

In addition, all Fellows are required to attend the MAC ALDP Workshops scheduled during the year. These workshops are hosted by MAC institutions and will follow a format designed to maximize interaction among the Fellows. Case studies, group discussions and other group activities will be incorporated into the workshops. All expenses for the workshops are covered by either the MAC or 51������.

Questions regarding the Academic Leadership Development Program should be directed to Dr. Jason Glass, Associate Vice President for Teaching and Learning, at jason.glass@wmich.edu.