University Management Development Program (UMDP)

The University Management Development Program has been placed on hold for 2010 to allow an opportunity for program alignment and redesign. Applications will not be accepted for the 2010 program. An announcement will be made when the program is open for application.

The University Management Development Program (UMDP) is a 10-month professional development program specially designed for University managers and supervisors. Up to 40 participants (35 from UNC-Chapel Hill and five from NC Central University) are selected annually, through application, to attend the program.

Cost

There is no fee to attend UMDP. By investing in the careers of its leaders, UNC seeks to help managers increase their job effectiveness and advance the quality of work life for all. The University would like to ensure that the UMDP experience is rich and rewarding, one that provides learning that is readily applicable to the participant's managerial career with UNC.

Objectives

1. Expand participants' knowledge, skills, and abilities - critical needs in a changing University environment (through a range of experiential and classroom sessions).
2. Increase awareness of professional strengths and developmental needs (through assessments and coaching).
3. Network with other UNC and NC Central leaders - strengthen capabilities and provide ongoing feedback and support systems (through small group exercises, breakout sessions, and peer coaching).

Training & Development has designed a comprehensive program that addresses core competencies needed to lead effectively in a University and academic environment. The program provides opportunities for growth through: 

1. Professional development training sessions 
2. Situations that promote valuable networking 
3. Assessments 
4. Large and small group activities 
5. Individual feedback & coaching
6. Peer coaching
7. Project teams

The program includes: 

1. A Prologue day, which introduces the content, scope and requirements for the program, and allows participants to begin networking.
2. Five "core program" days, covering topics such as Leadership Development; Organizational Life; Diversity Appreciation and Awareness; Coaching; and Managing Change & Transitions. 
3. A 360-degree multi-rater assessment that will identify each participants' professional strengths and developmental needs. 
4. An individual coaching session with a qualified trainer to design a customized development plan. 
5. Regular peer coaching sessions to practice coaching and listening skills, promote networking, and provide support and feedback for other participants.
6. A project focusing on key management or leadership issues that will be completed in teams.

Assessment Instruments

UMDP participants will explore leadership issues and best practices using a 360-degree multi-rater assessment tool and the Myers-Briggs Type Indication (MBTI).

Research shows that leaders seek out feedback about their professional strengths and developmental needs to further their learning and growth. Multi-rater assessment instruments are one of the best mechanisms available for providing feedback to UMDP participants. This type of assessment gives participants input from the people they currently work with: superiors, peers, and direct reports.

A second assessment instrument used during UMDP is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) (see "Prerequisites"). The concept of "type" and its application to workplace dynamics and leadership styles will be explored throughout UMDP.

A 360-degree multi-rater assessment will be distributed at the Prologue session. Once the data is retrieved and scored, participants will schedule a coaching session with a qualified trainer to review the assessment results. Using these results, combined with MBTI, a development plan will be designed to use as a guide for future professional growth.

Peer Coaching

UMDP participants will participate in peer coaching sessions. The sessions are designed to promote individual coaching and listening skills, and provide networking opportunities. Participants are responsible for choosing their own partners. Peer coaching sessions are the responsibility of the participants to schedule. Participants are required to meet at least once a month with their partner(s).

Projects

Working in teams, UMDP participants will complete a project focusing on one aspect of leadership or management.  The project is designed to provide participants the opportunity to explore an area of management or leadership they may not have been exposed to in UMDP, or to further explore a topic that was covered.  This assignment provides further networking and across-campus growth opportunities.

Each applicant should be an SPA or EPA permanent employee who is currently working in a supervisory or professional project manager role. The selection criteria considered are: 

1. Years of supervisory or managerial service (three-year minimum)
2. A minimum of three personal learning objectives for the UMDP (see Application Form)
3. Professional development experience (e.g. training programs, conferences, professional memberships, etc.) 
4. Availability to attend all sessions (see Program Outline)
5. Completion of all prerequisites (see Prerequisites) 
6. Length of University service 
7. Current number of direct reports (if applicable)

Required Dates of Attendance

Because of the high volume of applicants competing to participate in UMDP, as well as high program costs, the University requires that participants commit to attend all sessions (see Program Outline). Emergency situations that arise while the program is running will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The daily class schedule during UMDP will be from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Participants will have at least one break during the morning and afternoon sessions, as well as an hour lunch period each class day. This should allow time for lunch, checking electronic and voice mail, and returning messages as needed. Participants should plan accordingly so they do not have to leave class in order to attend to work issues.

Prerequisites

All applicants must complete the following courses as prerequisites to admission for UMDP: 

1. Supervisory Resources 
2. Interaction Management 
3. It Takes All Types: Understanding Your Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Personality Type*

*All applicants who are accepted into UMDP are asked to disclose their MBTI results during the program to all participants and presenters. Results will be kept confidential within UMDP and will be used for development and learning purposes.

All prerequisite courses are offered through Training & Development. The Training & Development Program Guide (available on the web or by calling 962-2550) lists course offerings, dates, and times. UMDP applicants may register for courses through Training & Development's open enrollment registration process.

If you have any questions or comments regarding UMDP, please contact Will Frey at 962-9685 or will_frey@unc.edu.