The Leadership Academy for Women Faculty (LAWF) program is an eight-month cohort-based leadership development experience for women faculty members at Georgia State University. The program seeks to empower current and emerging women leaders who are committed to self-discovery, lifelong learning, career advancement, and leading from where they are.

Mission

The mission of the LAWF program is to provide leadership development for current and emerging women faculty to prepare them as future leaders at GSU and in the world of higher education to close the gender gap in the academy.

Program Objectives and Curriculum

The LAWF program will enhance the leadership skills and competencies of participants, while introducing them to the broader GSU community and higher education in general.

The curriculum will:

• Provide participants with greater knowledge of GSU, its structure, mission, and vision
• Increase the participants’ understanding of higher education and the issues facing university leaders
• Give participants a better understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses
• Strengthen participants’ commitment to improving the University climate to ensure an open, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all
• Educate participants about budgets and financing at a public institution
• Offer participants an opportunity to engage in team building experiences
• Prepare participants for mentoring roles

Eligibility

Full-time women who hold faculty rank from any discipline are eligible with the exception of limited term faculty. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

To apply the applicant will submit:

• Online application
• Personal statement of interest in the program
• Curriculum vitae
• Bio sketch (100 words or less)
• Three letters of recommendation and support
  • A GSU colleague
  • Department chair (if applicable)
  • Dean or designee

Applications due April 8, 2022

Selection Process

Successful candidates will:

• Demonstrate the skills, potential, and aspiration to be leaders in higher education
• Be at a point in their career where this program will be most beneficial
• Have the support and commitment of their departments to participate fully
• Have the desire to further develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities

A selection committee will review application materials and invite strong applicants for in-person interviews. The interviews consider the overall strength of the applicant, with specific attention to leadership characteristics, skills, diversity, and academic and experiential backgrounds. Applicants will be notified of the results by May 15, 2022.

The selection committee consists five members with at least four holding a faculty position.  

1. Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
2. One member from the FAC committee (and an alternate in case of conflicts)
3. Three Advancement of Women Advisory Committee members (two with faculty rank)
   

Time Commitment

Membership in LAWF is rewarding but also demanding. It requires a substantial commitment of time and energy as well as full and active participation. The program is designed to maximize interaction between participants so any absences will affect the group as a whole.

A less-than-full commitment is unfair to fellow participants and to the many qualified candidates who were not accepted. The program year spans an eight-month time frame. Attendance is mandatory for all program events, including the orientation kickoff, workshops, and graduation.

Before applying, please review the schedule. Sessions will meet monthly in-person for a full day (9am-4pm) at the Downtown Campus unless noted.