Applications now being accepted for Fall 2012 LEAP cohort


The Division of Human Resources is now accepting applications for the Fall 2012 cohort of its Leadership Education Advancement Program (LEAP). Participation in the program is open to employees in supervisory positions.

LEAP is the first major initiative of the university’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI) , which debuted in January, 2012. The institute is designed to help FIU leaders strengthen their management and leadership skills to reflect FIU’s vision, mission, and values.

“We took a look at what we were offering in the way of professional development to our employees,” says Vice President for Human Resources Jaffus Hardrick. “There was a gap there. We weren’t giving our managers enough support. This is about empowering our team to lead effectively.”

Pilot group graduation

Topics covered throughout the two-and-half month program include institutional knowledge, effective communication, operational excellence and performance management. Participants meet five times for a total of 35 hours in a highly interactive setting.

Birgitta Rausch-Montoto, chief of staff in the Office of the Provost, was a member of the first LEAP cohort. She says participating in the program allowed her to take a step back from workdays that typically allow little time for reflection.

Class of Spring 2012 graduates

“What I realized is that all day we’re required to make decisions on the spot that range from possibly high-impact to the necessary minuscule. I often find myself wishing I had more time to think about things,” she says. “This program gave me useful tools to employ when taking more time simply isn’t possible. The overview of ‘legal landmines,’ presented by university lawyers Isis Carbajal and Shirlyon McWorther, was a particularly valuable lesson”.
Rausch-Montoto, who has worked at FIU for 8 years, says the program’s benefits extend beyond what participants learn from the presenters.

Dean Schriner facilitates one of the courses

“I learned from my colleagues how they deal with critical issues and certain situations,” she adds, ”and at the same time made new friends across campuses.”

Individuals must be serving in a supervisory capacity at the time they apply to the program. Applications for the Fall 2012 cohort are due by Aug. 3. To apply, click here.

For additional information regarding the Leadership Development Program, contact the Department of Talent Management & Development at tmd@fiu.edu or 305-348-3206.