Maximizing Impact is an 8-month cohort-based program now entering its 7th year. All non-tenured faculty members at the level of Assistant Professor in the research stream and the educational leadership stream within their first three years at UBC are invited to join the program. The 2026/27 cohort will include 35 faculty members from both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Please see Call for Applications for this year's application. The deadline is September 4th but please apply as soon as possible.
This unique and intentionally designed program provides mentorship and coaching to engage early-career academics and educational leaders in maximizing the impact of their research, teaching, and leadership. The program focuses on helping participants learn more about how the university operates, consider their roles and goals in faculty positions, develop leadership skills, and advance equity and change.
Maximizing Impact is led by Dr. Lisa W. Loutzenheiser, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, supported by the Provost’s Office and the Equity and Inclusion Office.
The program will focus on the following components:
1) Networking opportunities for faculty who are at the start of their academic careers.
2) In partnership with UBC Coaching Services, Learning and Talent Development, Human Resources, One-on-one and/or group coaching with certified and experienced UBC Leadership Coaches to navigate the complexities associated with the role, explore strengths, uncover the broader system, and set and achieve professional and personal goals. Coaching will begin in October and run through April, depending on participant needs.
3) Monthly events/workshops where participants will join invited speakers to discuss navigating early-career faculty transition to faculty and fostering connection to UBC, including:
- An in-person institute/orientation (at the suggestion of the last cohort) will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 2025 at UBC Vancouver. Arrangements will be made for UBC Okanagan participants to attend in person without cost. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
- A selection of the following from October to April:
- Tips and Tricks for New Faculty
- Expanding Mentorship
- Finding Balance
- Reframing Imposter Syndrome
- How to say no (and yes)!
- Building a Research Pipeline
- Tenure expectations
- Working with graduate students
- Building a lab/group culture
- An additional workshop will be held on the UBC Okanagan campus
4) A monthly or bimonthly online/hybrid writing group