Big Ten Academic Alliance Programs

The Office of the Provost sponsors faculty and executive-level staff to participate in two Big Ten Academic Alliance professional development programs: Academic Leadership Program and Department Executive Officers Seminar.

Academic Leadership Program

The Academic Leadership Program is an academic-year fellowship to develop the leadership and managerial skills of faculty and executive-level staff. The program includes a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, including three seminars hosted at different Big Ten institutions. In addition, the UW–Madison fellows meet biweekly on campus with current university leadership (deans, provost, chancellor, etc.).

Eligible faculty typically have at least two years of leadership experience as a department or major committee chair, program director, assistant dean, or associate dean. Eligible staff typically serve in an institutional-level leadership role. We anticipate selecting five people each year for this program.

2025–2026 program schedule

September 19, 2025, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Welcome session, Zoom

October 9–11, 2025
Seminar 1, Indiana University

February 12–14, 2026
Seminar 2, University of Illinois

April 16–18, 2026
Seminar 3, University of Iowa

Department Executive Officers Seminar

The Department Executive Officers Seminar is a fall-semester professional development opportunity for department chairs. It includes a mix of virtual and in-person meetings, including a three-day workshop at the Big Ten Conference Center in Illinois. In addition, UW–Madison attendees meet occasionally on campus for networking and professional development. We anticipate selecting four to six department chairs each year for this program.

2025–2026 program schedule

October 3, 2025, 2:30–4 p.m.
Welcome Session, Zoom

October 16, 2025, 2:30–4 p.m.
Critical Friends, Session A, Zoom

October 23, 2025, 2:30–4 p.m.
Critical Friends, Session B, Zoom

October 30, 2025, 2:30–4 p.m.
Critical Friends, Session C, Zoom

November 5–7, 2025
Workshop, Big Ten Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois

Nomination Process

Deans, vice chancellors, and vice provosts are invited to nominate faculty and executive-level staff in their schools, colleges, or divisions. A person may be nominated for one program or both programs. If a person is nominated for both programs and their application is accepted, the selection committee will decide which program best matches their leadership experience. A person may not participate in both programs during the same academic year.

Nominations for both programs can be submitted via Qualtrics and are due Friday, April 11, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Nominees will be notified of their status by the end of April.

Please contact vpfsa@provost.wisc.edu with any questions.