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Leaders in Enrollment Advancing Diversity (LEAD)

The ASCEND Program prepares mid-career professionals with the competencies to ascend to an executive role within enrollment management leadership. The nine-month intensive yet immersive program seeks to:

  • Provide crucial Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) professional development to advance participants' career trajectories and prepare them for future senior-level leadership opportunities.

  • Cultivate a "deep bench" of talented, motivated SEM leaders from diverse backgrounds for AACRAO and state/regional associations, training the next generation of enrollment management executives.

  • Accelerate leadership development for individuals from underrepresented groups by combining theoretical insights with practical application through executive coaching. This approach prepares participants to navigate the complex landscape of enrollment management leadership, fostering their readiness for future executive roles in the field.

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.

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AACRAO ASCEND Leadership Development Withdrawal Statements

Participants may withdraw from the ASCEND program before the program starts on Sunday, July 10, 2025, and receive a full refund minus a 10% 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 intensive, nine-month executive leadership program that requires a significant time commitment. I acknowledge that I will need to dedicate an average of five hours per week to program activities.

I commit to fully participating in all aspects of the program, including monthly cohort meetings, regular coaching sessions, 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 below, 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.