Executive Leadership Program Inaugurated

On March 7 the first "class" of the CUNY Executive Leadership Program commenced its 10-week-long seminar. A total of 15 outstanding administrators from 12 of the campuses and six from the Central Office are participating in this initiative designed to nurture talented and motivated leaders within the University's own ranks.

One impetus for the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is concern about the significant turnover anticipated in leadership positions at CUNY in the relatively near term. The first wave of baby boomers is now in their mid-50s, and many of them in high-level positions are eligible for retirement. ELP will create an expectation of continuing learning for executives and will foster excellence in administration and customer service.

Targeted for nomination and selection to take part in the program were senior CUNY managers and key professionals who are already regarded as highly effective. Nominations for the program¤typically one from each campus—are made by the college president. Nominees must be serving at least at the rank of assistant vice president or its equivalent. Among the titles represented in the first 21 ELP participants are a Dean for Finance and Administration, a Dean for Student Life, a Director of Financial Aid, a Dean of Humanities & Social Sciences, and a Manager of LAN & Communications.

Participation in the once-a-week sessions is in addition to current college responsibilities. A "reality-based" program requirement will be the design of a project dealing with institutional assessment and emphasizing the measurement of institutional outcomes. Among the skill/competency areas ELP covers are ethical administration in the public ser vice, communication, the management of change, systems management, institutional assessment, professional networking, and leadership.