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University of Rochester
Office of the Provost
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Conversations on Academic Leadership

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A year-long forum empowering emerging academic leaders with essential skills in team management, budget oversight, government relations, and fundraising. Beyond practical knowledge, participants will build a strong peer network to amplify their leadership impact across the University.

Upcoming sessions

In order to fully participate in the activities and engage with your colleagues, we encourage you to attend in person.

Legal Tips for Academic Leaders from the Office of Counsel


September 18, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


This practical session offers legal guidance for navigating common employee-related issues that carry potential legal risk. The Office of Counsel will share its “Top Eight Tips for Academic Leaders,” including tips on how to make your life as a Department Chair easier. A panel of experienced academic leaders will follow with real-world perspectives and advice.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Identify Legal Risk Areas: Recognize common employee-related issues that may present legal challenges.
  2. 2. Apply Legal Guidance: Use the “Top Eight Tips for Academic Leaders” to guide you in your role as Department Chair.
  3. 3. Learn from Experience: Gain practical insights from academic leaders on handling real-world scenarios that present some legal risk.

Academic Leadership Essentials: Understanding PADH and Title IX


October 21, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


Academic leaders play a crucial role in fostering environments where students and staff feel respected and protected. This session empowers leaders with essential knowledge about the Policies Against Discrimination and Harassment (PADH), including reporting procedures, investigations, alternative resolutions, confidentiality, anonymity, and an overview of Title IX.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Describe the core principles and requirements of the Policies Against Discrimination and Harassment and Federal Title IX regulations.
  2. 2. Identify prohibited behaviors as defined in the University of Rochester’s Title IX policy, including sex discrimination, harassment, and gender-based misconduct.
  3. 3. Understand employee responsibilities for reporting and supporting students who disclose Title IX-related concerns.

Collaborating for Impact: Government Relations Essentials for Academic Leaders


November 19, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


This workshop will show how the University’s Government and Community Relations team advances priorities by engaging officials, agencies, and the community. Academic leaders will learn to coordinate on legislative and economic initiatives, support outreach, ensure lobbying compliance, and position their departments for greater public impact through collaboration with Government Relations.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Understand Government Relations: Learn how the University’s Government and Community Relations team engages with officials, agencies, and the community to advance institutional priorities.
  2. 2. Support Strategic Initiatives: Identify ways to collaborate on legislative, economic, and community outreach efforts.
  3. 3. Ensure Compliance and Impact: Understand lobbying compliance and how to enhance public impact through coordinated efforts.

Showcase Your Department: Strategic Media Messaging for Academic Leaders


December 2, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


Enhance your ability to showcase your department’s achievements and engage confidently with the media. Develop skills to prepare for interviews, handle challenging questions, and align your messaging with institutional goals—equipping you to communicate clearly and effectively.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Recognize Newsworthy Stories: Identify and promote departmental accomplishments effectively.
  2. 2. Communicate with Confidence: Prepare for media interviews and respond to challenging questions.
  3. 3. Align Messaging: Collaborate with staff to ensure communications support institutional goals.

A Roadmap to University Finances


February 5, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


Effectively manage the University’s financial landscape while embracing your vital stewardship role. This session offers essential insights, connects you with key resources, and clarifies audit policies—empowering you to lead with integrity and accountability.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Understand University Finances: Gain a clear overview of the University's financial structure and organization.
  2. 2. Practice Effective Stewardship: Learn financial responsibilities and expectations for academic leaders.
  3. 3. Access Financial Resources: Identify key contacts, support services, and audit policies for informed decision-making.

Advancing the Mission: The Academic Leader’s Role in Philanthropy


March 5, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


Discover how university advancement fuels our mission and why your role as an academic leader is vital to driving philanthropic success. This workshop offers a powerful overview of advancement strategies and equips you to make a meaningful impact through active engagement in fundraising efforts.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Explain University Advancement: Understand the goals and functions of university advancement.
  2. 2. Recognize Leadership Role in Philanthropy: Appreciate the importance of academic leaders’ involvement in fundraising efforts.
  3. 3. Engage Effectively: Identify ways academic leaders can actively support and contribute to philanthropic initiatives.

BREAKFAST WITH THE PRESIDENT AND PROVOST: Your Questions, Your Voice


March 5, 2026

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

107 Wallis Hall, River Campus


Discover how university advancement fuels our mission and why your role as an academic leader is vital to driving philanthropic success. This workshop offers a powerful overview of advancement strategies and equips you to make a meaningful impact through active engagement in fundraising efforts.


Learning outcomes:

  1. 1. Explain University Advancement: Understand the goals and functions of university advancement.
  2. 2. Recognize Leadership Role in Philanthropy: Appreciate the importance of academic leaders’ involvement in fundraising efforts.
  3. 3. Engage Effectively: Identify ways academic leaders can actively support and contribute to philanthropic initiatives.

If you have questions, please contact Adele Coelho at adele.coelho@rochester.edu.