• Discussions of the evolving leadership competencies needed to lead in today’s complex and turbulent times
• Tailored to the distinctive needs of mid-career academic or administrative professionals exploring leadership roles at regional public universities
• Opportunity for real-time application and impact of tools and trainings via a campus project
• Strong relational component—commitment to create and support trust, encourage peer-to-peer learning, confidentiality, and safety among the cohort

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the academe and how they relate to each other
• Learn and apply the fundamentals of project management
• Develop critical skills for leading transformational institutional change
• Strengthen communication skills
• Enhance management and leadership skills; specifically leading up, down and sideways
• Build a strong and supportive network of peers and mentors
• Demonstrate leadership skills by leading an on-campus project or initiative

• University governance, structure and systems to support students
• Budgeting, finance and administration
• Effective communications
• Navigating and leading change
• Leadership case studies in crisis management
• Managing staff and faculty
• Navigating the search process
• National trends in higher education
• Regional Public Universities – our unique role
• Project management

Participants will lead a project or initiative at their home campuses over the course of the academic year, under the guidance of a designated advisor. The project will have an impact on the campus community and align with the participant’s professional goals. Examples of university projects include the following:

• Chairing or co-chairing a division, university-wide committee, or task force that requires working with multiple constituencies
• Managing a project for a division or university strategic initiative
• Conducting a research project that investigates a challenge the university faces and provides an opportunity for the participant to influence campus decision-makers using data

Programming will be a blended experience, with in-person and virtual programming. In-person programming will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded. 100% attendance and participation is expected. Virtual programming will take place on select Wednesdays and Fridays between 3 and 5 p.m. ET (exact dates TBD).

• An intensive in-person program at AASCU’s Washington, D.C. office (June 23–25, 2026)
• Up to 12 interactive 60-to 120-minute interactive virtual sessions (August–December 2026)
• A project or initiative the participant leads on their home campus

• Applications that are complete, including a nomination/endorsement from a president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator, and submitted by the deadline will be considered.
• ELP faculty review applications and select a cohort that reflects AASCU institutions across the country
• Preference is given to applicants from AASCU member institutions and regional public universities.

• A complete application for ELP includes the following: 
  • Nomination or endorsement from the president/chancellor or cabinet-level administrator from your home institution 
  • Clear and concise summary of your personal and professional development goals 
  • Description of your campus project and how it supports your professional goals 
  • Commitment to 100% participation 

2026 Registration Fees

• Participants from AASCU member institutions: $2,500 
• Participants from non-member institutions: $3,500 
• The registration fee covers program administration, meals during the in-person intensive, and all materials. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation in Washington, D.C.
• Upon acceptance to ELP, participants must register no later than April 10, 2026

Scholarships

• Limited scholarships are available to accepted applicants from AASCU member institutions.

Cancellation Fees

• Cancellations received before May 1 are eligible for a refund, minus a 25% administrative fee.  
• Cancellation requests received on or after May 1, 2026 are NOT eligible for a refund.
• If you need to cancel after May 1, please email leadershipdevelopment@aascu.org to explore if you are eligible for a deferral to a different iteration of ELP or receive a credit toward a different program.