ESCOP/ACOP
Leadership Development Program
Class 9 - 1999

Class 9 Registration Deadline: May 1, 1999

Enlightened and effective leadership is critical to the continued success of the agricultural sciences and land-grant university system. The institutions in this system must have creative leadership if they are to maintain their position as leaders in the scientific community.

The ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Development Program is designed to develop and refine the leadership skills of faculty so they may contribute more effectively to their state agricultural experiment station research program and college's academic program. The success of the agricultural research and higher education system over the remainder of this decade and into the next century demands innovative, creative, and effective leadership.

Note: You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the application form.

How Participants are Selected

Agricultural deans; directors of state agricultural experiment stations and academic programs; 1890 institution research directors; USDA/CSREES administrators; and representatives of the home economics, forestry, and veterinary medicine academic communities are invited to designate candidates for Class 9 of the ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Development Program.

The procedure for selecting participants may be determined by directors, deans, and administrators at individual institutions. The ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Development Program Advisory Committee suggests that this brochure announcing the program be distributed throughout the college or unit and application forms be available in the office of the director, dean, or administrator. Additional copies are available from the Leadership Development Program coordinator. Other screening forms and/or processes may be used if desired.

The ESCOP/ACOP Leadership Development Program can be the catalyst experience for early- to mid-career academics to move into key leadership positions. In recognition of the increasing diversity in gender and ethnic origin in our institutions, directors may wish to use this opportunity to encourage members of minorities to seek leadership training.

Because the registration fee is not refundable, directors should identify alternate participants within their institution. Applications do not need to be submitted at this time for alternate participants. The application form serves as the participant's registration and provides important information to the instructors. Please ensure that participants complete the application form thoughtfully and thoroughly, even if it is not essential to the director's selection process.

The completed application form (with participant, dean/director, and supervisor/mentor's signatures) and registration fee should be forwarded to Jeannie Laird, TAES Annex, TAMU, by May 1, 1999. The first 75 applications accompanied by the registration fee will comprise Class 9.

Program Activities

PHASE I - September 18-23,1999

This six-day workshop includes stimulating presentations, exercises designed to identify and develop leadership skills, and opportunities to interact with colleagues from other states. Phase I will include the following topics:

• Leadership in Higher Education
• Personal Assessment: Strengths and Areas to Improve
• Giving and Receiving Feedback about Performance
• Managing Change
• Stress Management: Personal and Work- Related
• Handling Crisis and Conflict
• Strategic Thinking and Acting
• The Use of Teams in Higher Education
• Negotiation for Mutual Benefit
• Planning and Implementation
• Interpersonal Communications
• Values in Leadership and Followership

This portion of the program is an in resident experience. Guided by Phase I assignments and under the direction of a supervisor/mentor, participants will play an active role in the administration of their own institution. The core objectives are:

• Develop rapport with the SAES director or director of academic pro grams and an appreciation and understanding of the organization and function of the SAES or academic programs office
• Develop an understanding of the function and role of decision makers within the typical land-grant university campus
• Gain knowledge and appreciation of middle management within the university
• Gain knowledge and perspective of the station's and college's involvement in regional activities
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of the roles of support units

In addition to the core curriculum, participants and supervising directors or deans may consider other activities that take advantage of unique circumstances and opportunities.

• Study the history of the SAES and agricultural academic programs, including interviews of former directors or deans and other university administrators for their perspectives on the role of the land-grant college and the state's agricultural industry.
• Study the operation of off-campus research and education centers and the contributions these units make. This activity may lead to recommendations to the director for possible changes or improvements in programs, organization, or structure.
• Establish liaison with legislative leaders who are important to the SAES and academic programs.
• Become familiar with commodity and advisory groups, working to enhance the understanding of members of these groups of the SAES and academic programs.
• Develop rapport with agribusiness elements, working to enhance cooperation between these elements and the SAES and academic programs

During this three-day capstone experience in Washington, D.C., participants will interact with leaders representing government, higher education, and agricultural research and extension. Phase III will include the following topics:

• Phase II activities and accomplishments
• Agricultural research and academic programs funding in the 21st century
• Future directions for agricultural research and education in the U.S.
• Current issues in research, extension, and higher education

Comments from Past Participants

"This was the best leadership training, in any area, I have received during my 14 years at a land-grant university. "

"I got good news and bad news from my peers about the way I lead groups. Some of it was surprising, but all of it was helpful."

"This leadership development workshop was well-planned and well-executed. I enjoyed learning about various topics such as strategic planning, crisis management, communications, motivation, decision making, conflict resolution, and group dynamics. learned a lot about myself during the workshop and met many wonderful people."

Expectations of Participants and Mentors

Prior to Phase I Workshop (July - September 1999)

Prior to the Phase I Workshop the participant and supervisor/mentor will also be expected to work together on a Leadership Development Action Plan to guide their activities during the Phase III internship. The participant will be required to complete several personal assessment instruments.

Participants must attend the workshop, September 18 -23,1999, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The workshop will include stimulating presentations, exercises to identify and develop leadership skills, and opportunities to interact with colleagues from other states. Phase I includes an assessment instrument that enables the participant to establish performance goals and to evaluate his or her progress toward new leadership behaviors and skills throughout Phase II.

Phase II - Resident Internship Experience (October 1999 - June 2000)

During Phase II the participant gains hands-on experience as he or she applies the course work from Phase I. Phase II is integrated with Phase I through a formal assessment process that enables the participant to evaluate, with the input of his or her supervisor/mentor and colleagues, new leadership behaviors and skills. Participants will gain knowledge of the operation of the SAES and academic programs and of others' perceptions of agricultural research and higher education. In addition to independent reading, participants will have an opportunity to undertake special assignments that are beneficial to the station or academic programs office. Opportunities also exist for independent projects and activities initiated by participants and accomplished under the supervision of the director or dean or mentor.

The supervisor/mentor and participant will be responsible for planning and implementing the Phase II internship experience in a manner appropriate to the individual participant and institutional circumstances. Inmost cases, office space should be provided throughout the Phase II experience for the participant in the director's, dean's, or supervisor's/mentor's area. Some portion of time should be released from faculty responsibilities during the course of the leadership development experience. The participant's contribution to and benefit from the leadership development experience will depend on conscientious efforts by the participant and supervisor/mentor to arrange in-depth and continuous involvement in the administration of agricultural research or higher education.

Phase III - Washington, D.C. Workshop (June 2000)

This three-day capstone experience in Washington, D.C. will provide the participant opportunities for interaction with leaders in government, higher education, agricultural research, and extension.

Registration fee- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -$1,600

(to be remitted with application, made payable to Texas A & M University)

APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION FEE SHOULD BE SENT DIRECTLY TO Jeannie Laird, TAES Annex, TAMU, by May 1, 1999
(See application for full mailing address)

Phase I Costs:

The workshop will be held at the University Place Executive Conference Center and Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana. This facility serves as a conference center for Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. It is located 20 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport. Parking is free, and excellent meals are included in the daily rate. The athletic facilities at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis will be available to workshop participants.

The Phase I workshop will begin at noon on Saturday, September 18,1999. It concludes on Thursday afternoon, September 23,1999. The workshop will offer opportunities for social interaction and athletic and group activities.

RESERVATIONS FOR LODGING AND MEALS SHOULD BE MADE DIRECTLY WITH THE UNIVERSITY PLACE HOTEL AT (800) 627-2700
(Major Credit Cards Accepted)

Friday, 9/17, arrival; Thursday, 9/23, departure $1187 +tax single occupancy or $967 +tax double occupancy

Saturday, 9/18, arrival; Thursday, 9/23, departure $993 +tax single occupancy or $815 +tax double occupancy

NOTE: These costs include room for days noted and all meals
Saturday, 9/18, dinner through Thursday, 9/23, lunch.
Prices are approximate.

Transportation costs from the home institution to Indianapolis and return, lodging, and meals are the responsibility of the participant's institution.

Phase II Costs:

Any release time, logistical arrangements, and other costs are the responsibility of the institution and will vary according to the agreement between the participant and the supervising director/dean.

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The workshop is planned for June 2000 in Washington, D.C. Phase III's lodging, meals, and travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant's institution.