Welcome to Our Training Programs

Executive Leadership Academy (ELA)

Established in 2011, the Executive Leadership Academy is a five-day intensive program aimed at higher education administrators who aspire to executive positions such as dean, vice president, provost, president, or chancellor. Guided by a distinguished faculty of over 20 senior-level higher education executives, the academy focuses on 26 essential leadership skills, including strategic planning, risk management, and multicultural competencies. Participants gain practical insights to navigate the complexities of academic leadership in today's dynamic educational landscape.

Gardner Fellowship on Higher Education

Named after UC President Emeritus David P. Gardner, this one-year fellowship is designed for doctoral students across various disciplines who are writing dissertations on higher education topics. Fellows participate in bi-weekly seminars, engage with prominent educational scholars and administrative leaders, and receive a $3,000 stipend. The program creates a supportive community of early-career higher education researchers within the University of California system.

Breakfast with George: A Mentorship Program for University Executives

"Breakfast with George" offers a unique mentorship experience with George Blumenthal, Chancellor Emeritus of UC Santa Cruz and former Director of CSHE. Over a series of weekly sessions, senior-level professionals explore topics such as institutional vision, leadership versus management, risk-taking, shared governance, and crisis communication. The program includes both group discussions and individual mentoring sessions, providing personalized guidance for university executives.

Visiting Scholars and Researchers Program

Our Visiting Scholars and Researchers Program invites academics from around the world to join CSHE for periods ranging from one to twelve months. Participants engage in independent research related to higher education, benefiting from access to UC Berkeley's extensive resources and the opportunity to collaborate with our faculty affiliates. The program fosters a diverse and engaged community, enhancing scholars' global perspectives on higher education research and policy.