2025 ELA Schedule
EVENT | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Immersion 1: Model the way | Sept. 19, 2025 | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Immersion 2: Inspire a Shared Vision | Oct.17, 2025 | 8:30am - 3:00pm |
| Immersion 3: Challenge the Process | Nov. 14, 2025 | 8:30am - 3:00pm |
| Immersion 4: Enable Others to Act | Feb. 6, 2026 | 8:30am - 3:00pm |
| Immersion 5: Encourage the Heart | March 6, 2026 | 8:30am - 3:00pm |
| Closing Session & Leadership Lab Presentation* | April 10, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm |
*Participants present team-based solutions to real University of Iowa leadership challenges identified by senior leaders.
Program Details
ELA combines immersive learning, coaching, and real-world application to support leaders as they expand their strategic and systems-level impact across the university.
Immersions
Five in-person immersions anchor the program and integrate leadership theory with practical application. Sessions are grounded in The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner) and focus on the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership:
- Model the Way
- Inspire a Shared Vision
- Challenge the Process
- Enable Others to Act
- Encourage the Heart
Each immersion features expert speakers, interactive learning, team-based work, and time for collaboration and networking.
Leadership Labs & Final Presentation
Participants work in peer teams to explore real University of Iowa challenges identified by university leadership. Leadership Labs provide structured opportunities to experiment, problem-solve, and apply leadership approaches, culminating in a team presentation during the closing session.
Executive Coaching
Participants engage in individual executive coaching throughout the program, scheduled directly with an assigned coach. Coaching sessions support reflection, application of learning, and development of a personalized Individual Leadership Development Plan (ILDP).
Mentorship
Participants are paired with experienced mentors and encouraged to meet regularly throughout the program. Mentorship offers perspective, professional insight, and connection, strengthening both individual growth and the broader leadership community.
Participant Commitment
To participate in ELA, individuals are expected to:
- Commit approximately 10 hours per month over 7 months
- Complete LPI 360 and DISC assessments
- Participate in executive coaching, mentorship, Leadership Labs, and the final presentation
- Engage supervisor support for scheduling, coverage, and reflection
Supervisor Support
Supervisor engagement is essential to maximizing the impact of ELA and supporting participants as they apply strategic leadership learning in complex, real-world contexts.
Supervisors are asked to:
- Support scheduling and coverage to enable full participation in immersions, coaching, and program activities
- Engage in periodic check-ins to discuss learning themes, leadership challenges, and application to unit or institutional priorities
- Encourage application and reflection as participants practice new approaches related to strategy, influence, and systems leadership
- Reinforce leadership growth by connecting program learning to ongoing performance and development conversations
This partnership helps ensure learning translates into meaningful leadership impact across teams, units, and the institution.
