The Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) is a 10-month cohort-based program designed to support and inspire a diverse group of academic leaders through learning and engagement opportunities in support of leadership growth, managing well, leading strategically in service of the academic and organizational mission, and to positively impact and inspire others in that goal.
Co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic and the Vice-President, Human Resources, ALDP aims to strengthen academic leadership capacity through structured learning across three domains: relational, operational, and strategic leadership; practical application; and community-building.
The objectives of ALDP are to support leaders to:
- Build confidence and skills to engage with, enact, and evolve strategic priorities in service of the academic and organizational mission and to positively impact and inspire others in that goal;
- Gain familiarity with operational units that they can call upon for support when tackling leadership issues and challenges; and
- Develop increased awareness of the ways in which their identities, values, and motivations impact their approach to leadership.
History of ALDP
For more than two decades, the Academic Leadership Development Program has played a central role in supporting leadership development at the UBC Vancouver campus for Department Heads, Associate Deans, and Directors of Centres and Institutes. Over this period, 900 academic leaders have graduated from the program, strengthening leadership capacity and academic networks across the university.
The program’s success reflects sustained support from senior leadership, strong collaborative partnerships, and the values of UBC’s collegial governance model. We acknowledge with gratitude the founders, past directors, and the many faculty and staff whose contributions have helped build and sustain this internationally recognized academic leadership program.