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Leaders in Enrollment Advancing Diversity (LEAD)

The ASCEND Program prepares mid-career higher education professionals to:

  • Leverage Personal Strengths for Leadership Excellence
    Participants will identify and apply their top CliftonStrengths themes to enhance self-awareness, leadership confidence, and impact, fostering authentic and strengths-based leadership.

  • Advance Strategic Enrollment Management Expertise
    Participants will master AACRAO Core Competencies—including change management, holistic and systemic thinking, data interpretation, and collaborative decision-making—to design and implement effective strategic enrollment management plans aligned with institutional goals.

  • Cultivate Collaborative Leadership Through Cohort Engagement
    Participants will build productive peer networks, practice consensus-building, and engage in collective problem-solving within cohort activities and virtual/in-person sessions to expand relational and leadership capacities.

  • Apply Change Leadership with Strengths-Based Agility
    Using insights from CliftonStrengths, participants will enhance adaptability, resilience, and proactive change management skills to successfully lead and sustain institutional transformation in dynamic higher education environments.

  • Demonstrate Executive Communication and Professional Presence
    Through coaching and cohort feedback, participants will develop competency in articulating vision, strategic priorities, and professional brand, preparing them to influence across institutional levels and serve as effective change agents.

Drive Real-World Impact via Participant-Led Capstone Project

Participants will collaboratively create and implement a strategic enrollment management initiative that integrates AACRAO competencies with individual strengths, demonstrating applied leadership and operational effectiveness at their institutions.

AACRAO ASCEND Leadership Development Program Participation Requirements
There are five critical requirements for completing the ASCEND Leadership Development Program:

  1. Meeting regularly with your coach
  2. Actively contribute to the group capstone strategic enrollment management plan project, synthesizing program learnings and demonstrating AACRAO and SEM competencies.
  3. Complete at least 90% of the required micro-courses that provide cross-functional fluency.
  4. Maintain attendance with no more than three absences from the interactive workshops vital for knowledge building.
  5. Providing feedback through the engagement of course surveys, which assess your progression and satisfaction with the program.

Application Period Open

Are you an AACRAO Member?
How long have you been in your current role?
Do you aspire to obtain an executive leadership position within the next 12-18 months?
What AACRAO Proficiency area does your position fall under? (Select one)
What is your chosen pronoun?
While the ASCEND coaching faculty represents diverse backgrounds and experiences, we aim to provide intentional connections and innovative development opportunities. Please indicate if you prefer to be matched with a coach of a specific gender or share any aspect of your identity that would allow more robust engagement with a role model with a similar perspective.
Have you completed the Clifton Strengths Assessment before?
How did you learn about the ASCEND Leadership Development Program?

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Cohort and Alumni Network Statement: Higher education is a close-knit field, and as your career progresses, your professional network naturally expands. You may find yourself in a cohort or alumni meeting with someone you currently work with or have worked with previously.

AACRAO ASCEND Leadership Development Withdrawal Statements

Participants may withdraw from the ASCEND program before it starts, and receive a full refund minus a 15% processing fee. After this date, no refunds will be provided. Transfers/deferments are not allowed.

In rare cases, AACRAO may need to withdraw a participant due to lack of progress, unprofessional conduct, three or more unexcused absences, unresponsive to ascend coaches, coordinator, or other staff members, or any other reason that violates AACRAO’s policies and core values. In such cases, the participant will not be eligible for a refund.

 

AACRAO ASCEND Leadership Development Participation Agreement

Should I be accepted into the ASCEND Leadership Development Program, I understand:
The ASCEND Leadership Development Program is an interactive, nine-month leadership program that requires approximately 8-10 hours of commitment per month. I acknowledge that I will need to dedicate an average of 2.5 hours per week to program activities.

I commit to fully participating in all aspects of the program, including monthly cohort meetings, regular coaching sessions, conference attendance, and the completion of a capstone project. Consistent engagement is crucial for my success in the program and supporting my fellow cohort members.

I confirm that I have secured support from my institution's leadership for my participation in ASCEND, including any necessary time commitments and travel for in-person events (AACRAO SEM & AACRAO Annual Meeting). This support is essential, regardless of whether I or my institution funds my participation.

I agree to adhere to the program's payment schedule, with the full program fee due by April 11, 2025. I understand that failure to meet the payment deadline may result in my removal from the program.

By checking the box, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms and commitments for participating in the ASCEND Leadership Development Program. I confirm that:

  • I understand the program requirements and commitments, including sessions, assignments, coach meetings, and events that participation entails.

  • I am committing to fully engage in and complete the 9-month ASCEND leadership development program to the best of my abilities, barring any unforeseen circumstances.

  • I will actively participate, collaborate with my peers, provide feedback when requested, and uphold AACRAO ASCEND values and expectations.

  • I can contact program staff anytime with questions or for additional support.

  • I understand and agree to the withdrawal policy statements.

AACRAO ASCEND Leadership Development Participation Agreement

By participating in the ASCEND Leadership Development Program, I understand that my photo and/or likeness may be used for AACRAO and/or ASCEND promotion. By clicking this box, I hereby grant permission to AACRAO to use photographs, audio, and/or video taken during ASCEND/AACRAO program events, virtually or in-person, in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications.


AACRAO ASCEND Photo/Video Consent
Use the button below to submit your application.