Application Process - Women’s Leadership Program

Applications are closed for the 2026-2027 school year, thank you for all those who applied!

Application Process

The Women’s Leadership Program at CU Denver will take place during the academic year 26-27, designed to offer faculty and academic staff with potential and interest in academic leadership the necessary time, space, and guidance to advance diverse leadership skills.. This program facilitates substantial self-reflection and provides career mentorship. Aligned with CU Denver’s commitment to equity, the Women’s Leadership Program will complement existing equity initiatives across campus and support the 2030 Strategic Plan. Participants in this program will be empowered to contribute to the future development of higher education at CU Denver, address gender bias obstacles, and better recognize talent, thus reducing barriers to career opportunities. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to mentor and advocate for future generations of leaders at CU Denver. Moreover, CU Denver’s dedication to supporting the leadership development of women will play a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of faculty and staff.

Examples of past Core Components and Topics Covered in the Program:

• Exploring diverse academic leadership models
• Examining gender dynamics in higher education
• Analyzing institutional data at CU Denver (including faculty, staff, and women-specific data)
• Developing effective communication strategies
• Addressing equity, intersectionality, bias, and power dynamics
• Balancing work-life integration
• Navigating conflict resolution
• Establishing and expanding professional networks
• Enhancing self-reflection and self-awareness
• Fostering a supportive community

Examples of past participation in this program will involve the following in-person components:

• Approximately 2 full-day and 8 half-day in-person sessions over the course of the academic year
• Approximately 2 community building social activities each semester (four total activities)
• Year-end culminating event featuring individual presentations of CU-focused proposed initiatives (leadership development projects) followed by a luncheon reception.
• Completion of assigned readings and participation in leadership interviews throughout the year.
• Proposal for a leadership development project aimed at enhancing a crucial initiative at CU Denver 
• Participants are expected to dedicate an average of 15 hours per month to activities related to this program. Meals will be provided for some half-day and full-day activities, and in-person attendance is expected for all activities.
• Optional participation in future leadership programming events, participation in a community of practice and opportunities to serve on committees for advancing leadership at CU Denver in subsequent years.

Who is eligible to apply:

• The cohort will consist of approximately 12 individuals.
• Faculty and academic staff with a minimum of seven years of full-time higher education employment, with at least three of those years at CU Denver.
• Faculty and academic staff from various positions (e.g., IRC faculty, tenure-track faculty, Center or Institute staff, student affairs staff) are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be employed full-time at CU Denver at the time of application.
• Faculty and academic leaders from traditionally underrepresented groups and minoritized populations  are encouraged to apply. 
• Faculty and academic staff seeking increased leadership opportunities at CU Denver are encouraged to apply.

Application Materials:

Self-nominations are welcome, as well as nominations by Chairs, Deans or other administrators and supervisors. The application packet should include:

1. A letter of support from a Chair or Dean (for faculty), or AVC/supervisor (for academic staff). This letter should comment on the perceived value of the program for the individual, and the applicant’s potential for leadership at CU Denver. If an applicant has a service allocation of 10% of less, letter writers are encouraged to think about ways to allow for more meaningful engagement in this program (e.g. reduction of service allocation, modifying dates of class teaching) and write about these strategies in the letter.
2. A letter of interest from the applicant presenting evidence of interest in academic leadership, experience in leadership or administrative duties to date, and what the nominee hopes to accomplish with the support of the program (2 pages maximum).
   • If the applicant has a service allocation of 10% or less, the letter must explain why this amount of time allocation will allow for meaningful participation. Letter writers are encouraged to think about ways to allow for more meaningful engagement in this program (e.g. reduction of service allocation, modifying dates of class teaching).
3. A current C.V. or resume.

The deadline to submit your application is March 30th, 2026 at 12:00pm. Application materials should be submitted on Formstack. The Women’s Leadership Program is administered by the CU Denver Office of Faculty Affairs. Questions about the Women’s Leadership Program may be directed to Dr. Bryn Harris, Professor & Affiliate Faculty for Strategic Initiatives, Office of Faculty Affairs (BRYN.HARRIS@UCDENVER.EDU).