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Women's Leadership Institute 2008
December 7-10, 2008
Amelia Island, Florida

Produced in cooperation with ACUI, NACUBO, NASPA, ACPA, APAA, and NAEP

ACRL is excited to collaborate on the 2008 Women's Leadership Institute with other higher education associations.  Be a part of a special program for women seeking to become leaders in higher education on administration.  With the sponsorship of seven higher education associations, this unique program will bring together mid-level administrators from across campus functions to share experiences, develop a better understanding of the campus as a workplace and culture, and create new networks and networking skills.  Through presentations, small group exercises, and discussion, you will gain a practical understanding of what it takes to be a leader on a college or university campus—both the challenges and the rewards. Examine the unique roles, skills, and relationships needed for success as the landscape of higher education changes over the next decade.

PROGRAM
This program will combine strong general sessions led by experienced professionals both inside and outside higher education, a small group case study project to put institute topics to work, and informal time for mentoring and networking relationships to form.

The Women’s Leadership Institute will have educational and programmatic offerings targeted to all levels of professional employment, from students to women with one to two years experience in the field to women who are in higher level leadership positions.  Topics may include:

Operational/Interpersonal
-Influence/power
-Communication (fierce/crucial conversations model)
-Problem solving/decision making
-Developing others: coaching/mentoring
-Gender/Cross cultural communication
-Appreciative Inquiry

Strategic/Organizational
-Change management
-Scenario building to prepare for future challenges
-Developing an engaged workforce
-Leading in a multigenerational environment
-Supporting work/life balance

Pre-program activities will include personal preparation guidance, a pre-reading, and a questionnaire.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes for the Women’s Leadership Institute include:

• To give women in academic libraries information and support in their pursuit of executive leadership positions on campus
• To increase the knowledge-base of all partner organizations about topics related to being a woman working on college campuses
• To identify trends that will be driving forces for higher education in the future
• To acquire knowledge of how culture/gender shapes identity and influences behavior
• To identify the steps required for effective problem solving/decision making
  

AUDIENCE
The Women’s Leadership Institute is designed for directors of libraries and those who report directly to them in positions such as associate university librarian or assistant library dean. The program will also be useful to other campus administrators regularly involved in senior-level decision making affecting the entire library operation and involving other important relationships on campus.

APPLICATION
There will be an application process for attending this year's institute to ensure that each partnering association has adequate space in the very popular program. Space is limited and requires that you apply through ACRL.  September 25, 2008 is the deadline to apply.  By September 25, complete the online application form for approval and once accepted, you will register online.

Have the following information prepared before you begin your online application:

1. Contact information
2. Statement of interest (approx. 500 words).  Provide a statement of interest why you would like to participate in the Women's Leadership Program.  The statement might include: your special strengths or experiences; what you would like to gain from the program; how your involvement might benefit your unit or institution; your greatest challenge as an administrator; and/or why you should be selected as  participant.
3. Short description of responsibilities and number of staff supervised
4. Statement of support from your institution.  Demonstrate support from your institution by submitting a brief statement of support from an appropriate supervisor/manager/director at your institution.

You will need to have all your materials ready at the time you complete the online application form.  (You are not able to save and edit later.)  You can cut and paste from Word into the online form.  Please note that the deadline cannot be extended due to last minute illnesses or emergencies.

REGISTRATION FEES
ACRL member: $775
Nonmember: $875

Deadline: Registration forms must be completed by November 7, 2008. 

Registration fees include general session and concurrent sessions, program materials, two dinners, two lunches, brunch, and two continental breakfasts. There will be group activities to fulfill the theme of relax, refuel, refocus, but there are many other activities you can do on your own.

Upon written request, cancellations will be issued a refund and assessed a $75 processing fee prior to the registration deadline of November 7, 2008. A $150 processing fee will be assessed for a cancellation requested after November 7. No refunds will be issued after December 4.  All registration fees will be refunded if the seminar is cancelled because of low registration.

TRANSPORTATION AND LODGING
Lodging: Lodging is provided by the beautiful Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island. A deeply discounted rate of $159 has been secured for this conference for either single or double occupancy. The resort offers many amenities including spa and golf. You are within a stone's throw of the beach, and the resort offers complimentary coffee and water for morning beach walkers. There is a fitness center available for no charge, but the spa also offers a wonderful day pass for $25, which includes use of the newly remodeled spa pool, sauna, hot tub, relaxation room, and locker room.

The resort is just a short drive to the 55-block historic district where we will eat dinner one night. It is a quaint historic sea-village with antiques, dining, novelty shops, and jewelers.

Resort information:
4750 Amelia Island Parkway
Amelia Island, FL 32034
Direct phone: 904.277.1100
Reservations: 800.241.3333

Transportation: The most used airport in the area is the Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) located about 30 minutes from resort.  Rental cars are available at the airport, but please note there is a valet fee of $15 if you have a car at the resort (this is a discounted rate and you must mention ACUI to the valet). No specific contracts have been made with these companies, but the following businesses service the JAX to Ritz Carlton route:

Southern Comfort Transportation: $45, 904.535.3202
ABC Transportation Jacksonville: $65, 866.496.8146
Carey Transportation: $69 for up to two people, 888.454.6646

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Sunday, December 7, 2008
5:00–7 p.m. Dinner
7:30–9 p.m. Opening session: Women and Leadership

Monday, December 8, 2008
8:00 –9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 –11:30 a.m.  Educational Block I
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch and wellness
3:00 –5:00 p.m.  Educational Block II
5:00–7:00 p.m.   Organized Dinner
7:00–9 p.m. Panel conversation

Tuesday, December 9, 2008
8:00 –9:00 a.m.  Breakfast
9:00–11:30 a.m.  Educational Block III
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch and wellness
3:00 –5:00 p.m.  Educational Block IV
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner on your own
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Moderated panel
9:00 p.m. Bonfire

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00–11:00 a.m.  Closing speaker

Complete details about the programs offered during the institute will be available in September 2008. 

Questions?  Contact Margot Conahan at mconahan@ala.org; or call 312-280-2522.