The University of Iowa offers leadership training and career development for faculty at all stages of their academic career.
We value the crucial role faculty play in our academic mission. That is why we are proud to offer a variety of development opportunities to help our faculty reach their career goals and/or prepare them for leadership roles. Below you can find courses, workshops, and other programs offered through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, University Human Resources, and academic units on campus.
Courses & Workshops
Continue learning, improve your skills, and establish new competencies. Most programs are self-paced or have sessions that are optional to attend.
Series of workshops for faculty in all tracks and ranks to support career development. Sessions include Iowa New Faculty Orientation (INFO) Series, Navigating Mid-Career, Promotion, and Retirement.
Cost: No charge
Schedule: Self-paced, 5 hours in class
Includes the Iowa New Faculty Orientation (INFO) and a group of workshops open to newer faculty in all tracks to learn about resources at the institution and to develop a plan for your career.
Cost: No charge
Schedule: Specified dates
Program helps tenure-track and tenured faculty gain the skills necessary to increase research and writing productivity while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
All UI faculty are eligible for NCFDD Membership (no cost)
FSP Cost: $4,250-5,050*
* registration assistance available
Schedule: Fall, Spring, and Summer bootcamps
Comprehensive training for staff and faculty in supervisory roles.
Cost: No charge
Schedule: Self-paced, 5 hours in class
Workshop series for staff, faculty, and graduate students committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Also offered as a 6-week cohort program—see below.
Cost: No charge
Schedule: Self-paced
Course series for staff and faculty who hire, onboard, and develop student employees. Offered in partnership with the Pomerantz Career Center and STEP.
Cost: No charge
Schedule: Self-paced, 9 hours in class
Cohort Programs
Connect with colleagues while you learn leadership skills. Programs run for varying lengths of time and some require a nomination from your dean/DEO for selection to the cohort.
Develops leadership and managerial skills of faculty who have demonstrated exceptional ability and administrative promise.
Cohort: Invitation only
Application/Nomination information: Nominated by Dean or previous participant
Deadline: March
Designed for department heads/chairs to hone key skills specifically related to their role. Topics include conflict competency and communication, faculty development, performance reviews, and group problem solving.
Cohort: Departmental Executive Officers; Invitation only
Application/Nomination information: Nominated by Dean
Deadline: March
New program designed to support the leadership and managerial skills of collegiate deans. Both new and more experienced deans may find the experience beneficial.
Cohort: Collegiate Deans; Invitation only
Application/Nomination information: Nominated by Provost
Helps new or aspiring departmental executive officers or other new campus leaders make a successful transition to these key roles. Program includes competency-based seminars, coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Cohort: new or aspiring departmental executive officers and other new campus leaders; Invitation only
Application/Nomination information: Nominated by Dean
Deadline: March
A set of skill and knowledge building workshops open to all DEOs. Topics include Leading through the Faculty Career Life Cycle and Conducing Effective Faculty Reviews.
Cohort: all departmental executive officers (DEOs)
Schedule: Specified dates
A unique opportunity for DEOs to speak directly with key campus leaders and network with other DEOs across colleges and disciplines.
Cohort: all departmental executive officers (DEOs)
Schedule: Specified dates
An award that enhances scholarly activities and provides career development opportunities with the goal of supporting a cadre of scholars across a broad array of academic disciplines.
Cohort: tenured mid-career faculty; Invitation only
Application/Nomination information: Nomination by Dean
Deadline: March
Comprehensive leadership program for staff and faculty. Combines assessments, coaching, workshops, and other activities. Nominations from college/division leaders due in late December. Core program runs May to August.
Cost: $485
Schedule: Summer, 14-18 hours in class plus 4 hours coaching over 4 months
Intensive program for mid- to senior-level staff and faculty with strategic and operational leadership responsibilities. Applications due in spring for May/June selection. Cohort participates in immersion, coaching, and other activities from October to April.
Cost: $2,000
Schedule: Fall-Spring, about 10 hours per month over 7 months
Coaching & Mentoring
Explore your leadership goals, path, and practices, and get personalized support.
Helps new or aspiring departmental executive officers or other new campus leaders make a successful transition to these key roles. Program includes competency-based seminars, coaching, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Cohort: new or aspiring departmental executive officers and other new campus leaders; Invitation only
Application/Nomination information: Nominated by Dean
Deadline: March
Discover your most powerful natural abilities with the CliftonStrengths talent assessment. Maximize your personalized strengths for career and leadership development. Includes online assessment, report, and individual coaching.
Cost: Starting at $20
Schedule: By appointment
Advice from certified coaches on leadership development or specific challenges. Assistance with next steps, resources, mentors, and more.
Cost: No charge
Schedule: By appointment
Other Opportunities
Explore more information and reference resources, other self-guided learning tools, and Iowa academic programs.
Appointed faculty position focuses efforts on strategies to support faculty development on our campus, including but not limited to developing seminars for early and mid-career faculty, DEO development and planning for retirement.
Application/Nomination information: April call for self-nomination
Deadline: May 1
Paid leaves and fellowships to encourage scientific inquiry, research, artistic creation, clinical/technical expertise, and innovation in teaching. Includes Professional Development Awards, May Brodbeck Humanities Fellowship, and James Van Allen Natural Science Fellowship Programs).
Application/Nomination information: Deadlines and requirements vary
Many national and international organizations recognize the achievements of our exceptional faculty. The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost may provide assistance in the review and application process of awards for faculty members when possible.
Application/Nomination information: Deadlines and requirements vary
All University of Iowa faculty are eligible for membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, which includes career resources, newsletters, and webinars to support faculty in making successful transitions throughout their careers.
Cost: No charge for Iowa faculty, staff, and students
A hub for information, programs, and resources to support University of Iowa faculty and DEOs.
Resources to assist faculty related to teaching, research, service, and policies.
Faculty Development Plan
This Faculty Development Plan template facilitates the planning, support, and feedback that faculty require to support career progression, regardless of rank or track.
Registration Assistance
Faculty may receive financial support to cover fees associated with the NCFDD Faculty Success Program or other nationally recognized faculty development programs through a cost share between the college, department, and provost office. To begin, request cost share from your department and college.