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Management Leadership Group Program

The Management Leadership Group is an eighteen-month program designed to help prepare a group of eight to ten participants for leadership positions in Student Affairs and/or in higher education administration. The goal of the program is to develop professional competencies, network across Student Affairs areas, and involve the participants in discussions of a broad range of current Student Affairs issues at UCLA, at the University of California, and of matters generally of concern in higher education.  The program was conceived by Vice Chancellor Janina Montero because of her belief that the development of mid-level professionals is a central task for management, and that experiences including exposure to fundamental theories and critical issues in student affairs offer a powerful and efficient way to achieve this end.

Participants will explore Student Affairs and University issues normally not part of their work experience. In addition, participants will be assigned a mentor from Student Affairs or other campus senior administration, and will also meet periodically with administrative colleagues, students, and faculty to engage broad institutional and professional issues.  A sampling of recent topics includes: Freedom of Speech and Civility; Emotional Intelligence; Student Mental Health; Leadership Styles; Issues in Delivery of Student Services; External Affairs and Media Relations; and a field trip to UC Santa Barbara.  Among the professional competencies explored are empathy, compassion, and integrity in interpersonal dealings; cross-cultural communication skills; crisis intervention skills; and skill in data analysis, to name only a few.  With exposure to these skills as a basis, the long-term goal is to help participants understand how to continue to develop these competencies beyond the program. 

Participants: The program is open to PSS Grades 2-6 and Program Analyst 2 and above

Selection: By application with supervisor/director approval and recommendation

Facilitators: Janina Montero, Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs and Kathy Sims, Director of the Career Center.

Structure: Bi-weekly meetings (1 ½ to 2 hours) during the academic year which will include the participation of UCLA and UC senior colleagues.


Eligible Student Affairs staff are encouraged to speak with their supervisor or director if interested.