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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.

Showcase Your Department: Strategic Media Messaging for Academic Leaders


February 13, 2026

8:00 a.m. Breakfast; 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Meeting

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

8:00 a.m. Breakfast; 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Meeting

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

8:00 a.m. Breakfast; 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Meeting

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


April 16, 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 faculty_development@rochester.edu.