About the Academic Leadership Program
The Academic Leadership Program provides education, support, mentorship, and networking opportunities for faculty members in leadership roles at the University of Waterloo.
Run by a tenured faculty member with extensive administrative experience, the program aims to facilitate the development of knowledge, skills, and relationships that contribute to effective academic leadership at Waterloo.
Looking for resources covered in a ALP session?
Martin Cooke
Martin Cooke, Assistant Vice-President, Academic – Leadership and Strategic Initiatives
Browse upcoming sessions by tag!
Three Pillars of the Academic Leadership Program
Administrative Knowledge
Knowledge of Waterloo-specific contextual factors that affect our work as academic leaders, including:
- Leadership roles and authority across the University
- Legislative and regulatory context
- Policies and procedures and how to apply them effectively
- Units that support academic leaders
Leadership Competencies
Effective leadership requires specific skills distinct from administrative knowledge. The program aims to help academic leaders understand and develop leadership skills in the following domains:
- Effective decision-making
- Leadership communication
- Planning and change management
- Mentorship and team development
Networking and Mentorship
The Academic Leadership Program is an opportunity for academic leaders to meet others at Waterloo who can support them in their work, including the following:
- Peers in similar roles from across the university
- More experienced leaders
- Potential leadership mentors
Events
Academic Leadership in a Crisis
Crises—whether global, institutional, or discipline-specific—present complex challenges for academic leaders. While formal crisis management typically resides with senior administration, department Chairs and program Directors remain essential sources of guidance and stability for their colleagues and students.
Please join us for a session with Dr. Richard Florizone, former President of Dalhousie University and Special Advisor to the President of the University of Waterloo, along with a panel of senior academic leaders. The discussion will examine the particular challenges of academic leadership during periods of significant disruption. Participants will gain practical frameworks for crisis leadership and identify resources to strengthen their units' resilience for future challenges.
Topics will include:
-
Maintaining academic continuity amid uncertainty
-
Balancing institutional priorities with departmental needs
-
Supporting faculty, staff, and students through crisis periods
-
Aligning unit-level decisions with institutional values and protocols
-
Developing preparedness through strategic relationship-building
Waterloo Leadership Academy (Day 1)
The Waterloo Leadership Academy is now open for registration. The Waterloo Leadership Academy is an in-person intensive retreat for Waterloo academic leaders and is set to take place across three days from May 6 to May 8th, 2026 at the Stratford campus. Intended primarily for department chairs and school directors, the Academy provides highly engaging executive education and opportunities for interaction with colleagues from across campus. Topics to be covered include Leadership, Change Management, Negotiation, Leading Team Decision-making, Thinking Strategically, and more.
Please click on the session title for details about Waterloo's Leadership Academy.
Waterloo Leadership Academy (Day 2)
The Waterloo Leadership Academy is now open for registration. The Waterloo Leadership Academy is an in-person intensive retreat for Waterloo academic leaders and is set to take place across three days from May 6 to May 8th, 2026 at the Stratford campus. Intended primarily for department chairs and school directors, the Academy provides highly engaging executive education and opportunities for interaction with colleagues from across campus. Topics to be covered include Leadership, Change Management, Negotiation, Leading Team Decision-making, Thinking Strategically, and more.
Please click on the session title for details about Waterloo's Leadership Academy.
Waterloo Leadership Academy (Day 3)
The Waterloo Leadership Academy is now open for registration. The Waterloo Leadership Academy is an in-person intensive retreat for Waterloo academic leaders and is set to take place across three days from May 6 to May 8th, 2026 at the Stratford campus. Intended primarily for department chairs and school directors, the Academy provides highly engaging executive education and opportunities for interaction with colleagues from across campus. Topics to be covered include Leadership, Change Management, Negotiation, Leading Team Decision-making, Thinking Strategically, and more.
Please click on the session title for details about Waterloo's Leadership Academy.