
Senior Administrative Fellows
This program allows selected faculty to explore administration for approximately five hours each month.
KU is dedicated to the development of administrative leadership at all levels. The Senior Administrative Fellows program allows a small group of competitively selected tenured faculty to explore administration.
Each year's cohort, selected from applications and nominations, works together for approximately four hours per month. Fellows learn more about KU and administrative roles, engage in self-reflection and assessment of their own leadership styles and preferences, and consider possible pathways of leadership in academia.
Past participants have appreciated the opportunity to meet face-to-face and learn from those with administrative roles at KU, develop in personal leadership development, and engage with challenges that leaders face in academia.
A small group of faculty members are selected from applications and nominations each year as Senior Administrative Fellows. The Fellows work together for approximately four hours per month in exploration of the “nuts and bolts” of administration at KU. Fellows benefit from:
- Time spent with administrators at KU exploring the nature of the work they do and the challenges they face;
- Twice-monthly meetings designed to give a general overview of all the major units of the university including administrative units such as budget, human resources, general counsel, and governmental relations;
- Discussions on such major issues as academic leadership, the future of higher education, and public policy;
- Insight into administrative-level decision processes.
There is no stipend or release time offered nor is there a promise of an administrative position at the conclusion of the year.
Please apply by April 7, 2025.
To apply, please complete the online application, which will ask applicants to upload pdf copies of a current CV and a letter answering the following prompts:
Why did you apply to the SAF program at this point in your career?
What do you hope to learn through participation in the SAF program?
What leadership skill(s) do you hope to develop/strengthen during the fellowship and why?
Once all applications are submitted, the Office of Faculty Affairs will contact department chairs and/or Dean's offices for an endorsement.
Applicants will be notified by the end of April.
SAFs meets on Fridays from 1:30-3:30 pm in both the fall and spring for a total of 16 sessions (eight in the fall and eight in the spring). Regular participation is an important aspect of the SAF learning experience.
Please review the SAFs calendar below to ensure that you will be able to attend meeting times and dates. Recognition for successful completion of the program is indicated by attending meeting times and dates and engaging in the year-long development of a leadership project.
2025-26 | Dates |
---|---|
Week One | Sept. 5 |
Week Two | Sept. 19 |
Week Three | Oct. 3 |
*Fall Break | Oct. 13-14 |
Week Four | Oct. 17 |
Week Five | Oct. 31 |
Week Six | Nov. 7 |
Week Seven | Nov. 21 |
*Thanksgiving Break | Nov. 26-28 |
Week Eight | Dec. 5 |
*Classes Begin | Jan. 20, 2026 |
Week Nine | Jan. 30 |
Week Ten | Feb. 13 |
Week Eleven | Feb. 27 |
Week Twelve | Mar. 6 |
*Spring Break | Mar. 16-22 |
Week Thirteen | Mar. 27 |
Week Fourteen | Apr. 3 |
Week Fifteen | Apr. 17 |
Week Sixteen | May 1 |
Celebration | Week of May 4 |
*Last Day of Class | May 7 |