Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals

ALAP Applications

Applications for the 2026-2027 ALAP Cohort are open from Monday, March 30th through Friday, May 1st, 5:00 pm.

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The Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals (ALAP) program offers UF academic and professional leaders the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills.

Developed in collaboration with UF’s Office of the Provost, Faculty Senate, and Human Resource Services, the ALAP program offers two tracks: one for academic leaders and another for professional staff. It is designed based on leadership competencies crucial for success at UF, developed through interviews and focus groups with successful UF leaders. Participants attend track-specific activities and collaborate on leadership development issues.

“The self-reflection, networking, learning and action that ALAP provides you undoubtedly helps the university. But, that pales in comparison to how much it helps you as an individual”

See all of our ALAP spotlights

Eligibility

Candidates should meet the following criteria:

  • To join the Academic Track, you must be a UF faculty member in a leadership role
  • For the Professional Track, applicants must be in a TEAMS position at the assistant director level or above
  • Support from immediate supervisor with protected time for full program participation, satisfactory performance reviews, and attendance records
  • Willingness to adjust personal and professional schedules to attend all monthly leadership development training (see schedule below)

Benefits for Academics and Professionals

  • Develop stronger self-awareness
  • Enhance people management and leadership skills
  • Gain a better understanding of strategic and operational university issues to support your division, department, and college
  • Contribute to advancing the university’s strategic agenda while assisting others in achieving their goals

New Department Chair or School/Institute Director?

If you are a new department chair or school/institute director, consider the New Chair Leadership Program.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Structured around UF’s key leadership competencies for success
  • Individual 360-degree assessment for personalized development
  • Guest speakers from UF and other institutions aligned with program competencies
  • Leadership challenges presented as academic and professional case studies
  • Selected readings catering to both academic and professional perspectives
  • Opportunity for job shadowing with a UF leader

Participation Fee

Upon acceptance into the ALAP program, there is a participation fee of $1,500. The fee covers all materials, including a 360-degree evaluation, and meals. There is no need for travel if you live and work in Gainesville.

Key Information

  • Applications will be considered by the UF Leadership Development Selection Committee
  • This program meets over the course of the academic year, beginning August 2026 (see full program dates below)

2026-2027 Program Schedule

Session

Date & Time

Opening Session

August 27, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
August 28, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session 2

October 1, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
October 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session 3

November 5, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
November 6, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Elevator Speech Review

January 21, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Session 4

February 18, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
February 19, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session 5

March 25, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March 26, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Session 6

April 22, 1:00 p.m.  to 5:00 p.m.
April 23, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closing Reception

May 6, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 

Selection Committee

  • Frank Bova – Past Chair, UF Faculty Senate
  • Melissa Curry – Vice President for Human Resources
  • Chris Hass – Associate Provost
  • Melissa Long – Executive Director of Human Resources
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