The Women and Leadership Programme is designed to help develop the leadership potential of all female staff in the University. It runs a variety of workshops and seminars that focus on different aspects of career development and leadership skills. It is coordinated by Rachel Spronken-Smith (HEDC) and Jill Turner (Human Resources).
Women in Leadership at Otago (WiLO) Programme, 2012-2013
The Strategic Direction to 2012 for the University of Otago includes the imperative “Building and Sustaining Capability”. Staff are recognised as the most important asset at the university, which needs investment in staff in order to “sustain Otago’s capability as a vital and collegial University” (p.5). Leaders have an important role in any organisation and the Women in Leadership at Otago Programme (WiLO) explores the qualities and skills associated with leadership and management. In order to do this the programme will focus on:
- the context for leadership at the University of Otago
- developing leadership skills
- planning your ongoing professional development as a leader
The programme is offered to both general and academic staff women from all Otago campuses.
To be eligible for this programme you should normally have a leadership role such as:
- coordinating a team concerned with administration, teaching or research
- chairing committees at divisional or university level
- overseeing significant duties in your department, such as director of postgraduate or research activities
Further criteria include:
- an interest in and/or demonstrated willingness to accept leadership or decision-making roles within the University
- a commitment to the full programme (see below)
- a willingness to engage with a variety of learning approaches and methods including group work, action learning and self-reflection
The programme consists of four core elements:
- An introduction to the programme on November 15 in Dunedin from 2.30-5.00 pm at the HEDC Seminar room, 65 Union Place West, and an introduction for the northern campuses with HR staff in UOC and UOW at a time to be arranged.
- A two-and-a-half day course in Dunedin (13-15 February 2013) focusing on leadership and management. In this course we will explore the context for leadership at Otago, further develop your leadership skills and set you up for ongoing professional development to enhance your leadership capability. The course will be facilitated by University staff.
- Peer mentoring – you will be allocated to a peer learning group, who will plan to meet regularly over the following seven months. Each group will be facilitated by an alumna of the NZVCC sponsored New Zealand Women in Leadership Programme. This group will support you to achieve your personal development goals that will be identified in the February course.
- A one day course to be offered in the August semester break 2013 to conclude the programme. At this event peer mentoring groups will report back to the wider group on their progress and there is an end of programme celebration.
How to apply
Please submit a short (up to a page) written application that:
- states your current position level
- outlines your current leadership role(s) and/or aspirations
- describes your objectives for attending
- describes how you (and your department/Division) might benefit from the programme
Your application must be endorsed by your Dean (if in Health Science) or Pro-Vice-Chancellor or your Divisional Head.
Applications for the 2013-2014 programme will be invited in late 2013.
If the programme is oversubscribed, selection of participants will be made by the co-convenors Jean Hay-Smith and Jill Turner.
Note that Health Sciences Divisional funding may be available to support travel for northern campus attendees.