AdvanceRIT Learning Circles

The goal of the learning circles is to set up supportive networks of women faculty on topics related to career success and work-life balance. These circles will utilize guided activities and discussion, build connections with other faculty across the university and provide the opportunity to build a network of potential new mentors, collaborators, and sponsors across campus.

AdvanceRIT is launching a cohort-based leadership development program designed to empower women faculty to embrace their leadership goals, develop a strong and supportive network, and build their leadership knowledge and toolkit.

The program will consist of six in-person sessions interspersed with virtual engagement.

 Program Schedule: (2024-2025)  In-person sessions: Friday 1.30-3:30 pm on

• Sept 27th
• Oct 25^th
• Nov 22^nd
• Dec 6/Dec 13^th
• Jan 24^th
• Feb 14^th

Attendance: This cohort-based program requires regular attendance at the in-person sessions.

Facilitator: Dr. Molly McGowan, Co-Director, EMBA & Executive Education Programs,
Saunders College of Business, Rochester Institute of Technology.

Program Objectives:

1. Set personal and professional leadership development goals, build an accountability network, and develop your leadership identity.
2. Build self-awareness on personal leadership and communication styles and develop your leadership brand.
3. Develop an understanding of the challenges of leading in today’s academic environment.
4. Explore relative leadership models and theories and participate in activities to identify strategies for implementing theories.
5. Engage in conflict management, change management, emotional intelligence, and resiliency activities to build your leadership toolkit.
6. Build your leadership brand by learning techniques to influence, inspire, and communicate effectively with others.

Eligibility: Full-time faculty committed to the future of RIT and who aspire to a leadership role in the future or are currently serving in a leadership role; want to expand knowledge about leadership in higher education; have a desire to learn more about the role effective academic leadership plays in academia.

Key topics covered:

1. Developing your leadership identity and strengths using  Clifton’s Strengths Assessment.
2. Exploration of working with different leadership and  communication styles using the DISC assessment
3. Exemplary Practices of Leadership: Modeling the Way and Creating a Shared Vision
4. Enabling Others to Act and Encouraging the Heart – building those influence skills
5. Leading Change – Challenging the Process;  Emotional Intelligence at Work: Building Resiliency
6. Leading with an Inclusive mindset; Managing conflict

Selection Process:

Faculty can nominate themselves or be nominated by college administration. Interested/nominated faculty need to complete the application form. There will be a selection process.

Click the following link to access the application form:  https://rit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEet1KcxWnOXETc

Director, AdvanceRIT Dr. Malar Hirudayaraj

Email: malar.h.raj@rit.edu

The group will read Rena Seltzer’s book, The Coach’s Guide for Women Professors Who Want a Successful Career and a Well-Balanced Life. The book is available electronically through the Wallace Library (note, if off campus, need to be on VPN for this link to work).

Access book through Wallace Library 

Topics will be selected based on the interests of participants and may include: 

• How to Have More Time with guest facilitator: Laura Tubbs, Ph.D.
• Teaching: the impact of gender with guest facilitators: Jeanne Christman, Ph.D., and Amina Kothari, Ph.D.
• Work-Life Balance with guest facilitator: Professor Maureen Valentine 
• Networking & Social Support with guest facilitator: Assoc. Provost Carmie Garzione, Ph.D.
• Authority, Voice & Influence with guest facilitator: Callie Babbitt, Ph.D.
• Negotiation with Guest facilitator: dt ogilvie, Ph.D.
• Gender impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Higher Education
• Tips from the Top on success strategies for women faculty with guest facilitator: Provost Ellen Granberg, Ph.D.

Guest facilitators will be invited based on the topic of each session. 
 

The first meeting was held in September (10 weekly meetings). If you would like to join this teaching circle, email Silvia Caraballo.

Each week there will be a reading assignment and 1-2 Into Action worksheets assigned. These can be found on the MyCourses shell and are organized by chapter.