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.
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Martin Cooke
Martin Cooke, Assistant Vice-President, Academic – Leadership and Strategic Initiatives
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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
Tenure, Permanence, and Promotion - Support Group for Chairs and School Directors
Department chairs and school directors are responsible for directing the tenure and promotion processes within their units. The process can be challenging and, although procedural problems are rare, they have serious implications for colleagues and the institution.
Join us for a supportive open discussion with experienced chairs as well as the FAUW Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee Chair and the AVP Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism. Topics will include promotion among tenure and teaching stream faculty, as well as considering diversity in scholarship and service.
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.
Advancement: What you need to know as an academic leader
As a department chair, associate chair, director, or associate dean, you play a key role in shaping the University’s future, and philanthropy is an increasingly important lever for advancing Waterloo’s mission and vision.
Colleagues from Advancement will host our May 14th session, designed to give academic leaders a clear, practical understanding of how Advancement works at Waterloo and how your leadership directly influences fundraising success and alumni engagement that support both departmental and institutional priorities.
Please click on the title for additional details about thi session.