Faculty Emerging Leaders Program
Applications for the sixth cohort of the Faculty Emerging Leaders Program, starting January 2026, are now closed. Please email FoM.OrgDev@ubc.ca if you would like to be notified when the next application period opens
The Faculty of Medicine’s Emerging Leaders Program provides faculty the opportunity to develop key leadership skills and prepare for future leadership roles within the academic environment.
Who should participate?
Faculty members who are interested in academic leadership positions or are early in their leadership journey.
What is the commitment?
- Participate in six modules held over six months (January to June 2026) as follows:
- Two in-person events in Vancouver: Kick-off & Module 1 (January 2026) and Wrap-up & Module 6 (June 2026)
- Four virtual modules: held on the last Tuesday of each month from February to May 2026, 4–7 pm
- Complete assigned pre-work, requiring 1 to 2 hours per month
- Provide feedback through module and program evaluations to support future program improvements
Why participate?
- Strengthen your leadership capabilities and gain insight into your personal leadership approach and perspective
- Learn about the support and resources available to you through the Faculty and University
- Connect with and build a network of diverse emerging leaders within the Faculty
What is the cost to participate?
Program costs will be covered by the Faculty of Medicine, including travel from distributed sites for the first and final in-person modules.
Questions?
For questions, please email the Faculty of Medicine’s Organizational Development team at FoM.OrgDev@ubc.ca.
Program Structure
Kick-Off & Module 1: Developing Self as Leader
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 10-4 pm
Location: In person
Kick off the program by connecting with your cohort in person. Spend the morning setting the stage for the six-month journey, exploring program goals and expectations, and building a foundation for shared learning and collaboration. In the afternoon, discover a learning model for effectively and accurately understanding the motives behind behaviours. Using the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) 2.0, deepen self-awareness, build skills to navigate conflict, and enhance personal effectiveness when relating to others. This session strengthens your ability to reflect, assess, and identify the areas of your leadership with the greatest potential for development and positive impact.
Module 2: Strategic Decision Making
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 4-7 pm
Location: Virtual
Explore the elements of effective decision making and practical solutions for overcoming common decision-making challenges. Learn key strategic concepts and proven techniques for finding the best options in the face of complexity, uncertainty and conflicting objectives. Increase your confidence as a skilled leader in making optimal decisions through the use of these concepts and tools.
Module 3: Supporting Wellbeing Through Leadership
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 4-7 pm
Location: Virtual
Learn about, reflect on, and gain an understanding of leadership strategies, actions, and tools to better support mental health, resilience, and psychological safety in the workplace. Identify foundational elements for creating workplace environments that are supportive, resilient and adaptable. Recognize individual skills and behaviours that support wellbeing, as well as actions that can enhance it at the academic unit level.
Module 4: Undoing Inequities Through Leadership
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time: 4-7 pm
Location: Virtual
Gain a better understanding of what it means to be a leader at this moment in time. Become aware of barriers to belonging and thriving for underrepresented groups. Build interpersonal skills for supporting individuals and identify leverage points for shifting systems to support individuals from underrepresented groups.
Module 5: Navigating Through Conflict
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 4-7 pm
Location: Virtual
Recognize different perspectives of conflict and apply communication skills for effectively engaging in difficult conversations and positively navigating through conflict.
Wrap-up & Module 6: Leadership in Practice
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 11-3 pm
Location: In Person
Celebrate the completion of the program by connecting in person with your cohort and with Faculty of Medicine leaders. Gain valuable insights from their leadership experiences, hearing firsthand the challenges they have faced and the lessons they have learned on their journey as leaders. This culminating session offers space to reflect on your growth, strengthen connections, and celebrate the achievements of the past six months.
Academic Leadership Development Program
The Academic Leadership Development Program is a 10-month, cohort-based program for new Department Heads, Associate Deans, and Directors of Centres and Institutes at UBC. The program aims to strengthen academic leadership capacity through structured learning across three domains: relational, operational, and strategic leadership; practical application; and community-building.
The Academic Leadership Development Program is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Vancouver, in partnership with UBC’s Human Resources.
Maximizing Impact Program
The Maximising Impact Program is an eight-month, cohort-based program for non-tenured Assistant Professors within their first three years at UBC. The program aims to maximize the impact of research, teaching, and leadership through helping participants to learn more about how the university operates, consider their roles and goals in faculty positions, develop leadership skills, and advance equity and change.