Overview
The CLA offers faculty and staff opportunities to engage with leaders in higher education and interactively learn the tools and styles that comprise leadership in higher education. CLA is a one-year professional development program that prepares participants to pursue leadership positions in higher education administration at UC Merced.
The goal of the program is to:
• Build management competencies and leadership abilities.
• Introduce aspiring professionals to the complexities of the University.
• Assist participants in exploring important issues on the campus, and in higher education in general.
Participants interact with internal and external experts, academics, and senior administrators to discuss issues such as the University’s relationship to the state legislature, academic preparation initiatives, capital planning and construction, supervision and management, and perspectives on student services.
About the Program
CLA is a one-year program with 6 sessions and a graduation event. Sessions will be full days of active learning (approx. 6.5 hours instructional time) in a collaborative community of leaders. Sessions are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes breakfast, a full lunch break (one hour) and breaks throughout the day. The program includes presentations and discussions with an array of distinguished internal and external experts, as well as modules on topics such as Personal Leadership, Financial Acumen, Team Development, and Inclusive Leadership. Review the curriculum here.
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Who should apply?
Interested staff members should have one of the following:
• at least 5 years of service with UC Merced,
• OR 5 years within the UC system,
• OR 5 years of leadership experience AND 1-2 years at UC Merced.
Interested faculty members should be:
• at or above the Associate Professor/Associate Teaching Professor and Continuing Lecturer (Unit 18) level
All applicants should have:
1. Demonstrated interest in career development, specifically in supervision, management, and leadership.
2. Involvement in workgroups, committees, staff assembly role(s), etc. is preferred.
3. Good standing (no disciplinary action or documented performance), have completed annual mandatory training on time, and have no financial obligation to the University.
How to apply?
Each applicant will require approval from their direct supervisor (staff) or Dean (academic) and will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of administrative and academic leaders who are dedicated to growing the leadership potential in the UC Merced campus community.
If this program is of interest to you or your staff, submit your application or encourage your staff to do so by August 5. The CLA Selection Committee will review all submissions and forward recommendations, including alternates, for final selection. Participants will be notified by August 19 if selected to participate in the 2025-26 CLA cohort.
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For more information:
Please contact CLA@ucmerced.edu or review our FAQ page if you have any questions about the Chancellor's Leadership Academy.
Download the CLA flyer here.
