A new year often inspires fresh goals, renewed focus, and a desire to grow. At 蘑菇AV, that spirit of development is taking shape in a major way with the launch of the , a new initiative designed to strengthen leadership capacity across the university.
Introduced in December, the Academy offers a suite of learning opportunities that meet employees where they are in their leadership journey 鈥攚hether they鈥檙e exploring leadership for the first time or already guiding teams through complex challenges.
鈥淥ur employees have told us clearly in workplace听surveys that career development matters,鈥� says Grace Jefferies, vice president, People & Culture. 鈥淭he Leadership Academy is one of the ways we鈥檙e responding directly to that feedback. We want every employee to feel supported, encouraged, and equipped to grow.鈥�
Three pathways for leadership development
The Academy includes three distinct programs, each tailored to a different stage of leadership:
Launch
Open to all faculty and staff, provides accessible, flexible learning with no application required. Employees can join virtual sessions at any time through the Employee Learning Calendar, with new sessions posted in early January.
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Navigate
Designed for faculty and staff in supervisor and manager roles, is a cohort-based program that deepens leadership skills through guided learning and peer connection. Note: The application deadline is Monday, January 19 and the first cohort begins in February.
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Beacon
Set to debut in spring 2026, will support senior leaders as they navigate strategic decision-making, organizational complexity, and high-level leadership responsibilities.
Building a culture of learning and excellence
The Leadership Academy blends online and in-person learning, offering high-quality training that is both practical and inspiring. The goal is to empower employees to strengthen their skills, expand their leadership capacity, and contribute to 蘑菇AV鈥檚 long-term success.
鈥淟eadership isn鈥檛 a title 鈥� it鈥檚 a practice,鈥� says Jefferies. 鈥淲hether someone is leading a project, a classroom, or a team, we want them to have the tools to do that with confidence. Investing in our people is investing in the future of 蘑菇AV.鈥�
Leadership isn鈥檛 a title 鈥� it鈥檚 a practice.
The Academy also reflects a broader commitment to supporting leaders as they navigate increasingly complex environments.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 leaders are facing challenges that require adaptability, empathy, and strategic thinking,鈥� Jefferies adds. 鈥淧roviding tangible supports 鈥� real tools and real learning opportunities 鈥� has never been more important.鈥�
Explore the Academy
Employees interested in learning more about the programs, upcoming sessions, eligibility or application details can visit the or contact leaders@dal.ca.
As 蘑菇AV continues to grow and evolve, the Leadership Academy stands as a key investment in the people who make that progress possible.
鈥淓very employee deserves the chance to grow,鈥� says Jefferies. 鈥淭his Academy is about opening doors, building confidence, and helping our community thrive.鈥�