Foundations of Leadership (FOL) is a cohort-based leadership development course. It is available to supervisors, managers or team leads who:
- Supervise at least one regular staff or faculty member
- Are new to the university and in a supervisory position, or are a current U-M employee that is new to supervision
- Have up to three years of supervisory or management experience
The content focuses on expanding the capacity of individuals to perform in leadership roles. It is based on five key U-M expectations:
- Communication
- Coach and Develop Talent
- Foster and Promote Multi-Faceted Teams
- Lead Innovation and Change
- Solve Problems
You will learn to:
- Develop values-based leadership practices that promote positive organizational culture
- Determine how legal obligations apply to specific situations
- Utilize university policy resources
- Adapt communication styles and resolve conflicts using effective techniques
- Use performance management strategies to support team members' growth and development
- Leverage the U-M 7-Stage Change model to guide teams through change and transition
You will benefit by:
- Enhancing team cohesion and performance
- Cultivating a thriving workplace culture
- Advancing your personal leadership development
- Upholding ethical standards and ensuring accountability
Audience:
Ann Arbor campus (including Medical School) leaders who are new to U-M or their supervisory role with at least one direct report who is a regular staff or faculty member (not including temporary or student employees or interns)
Michigan Medicine supervisors (excluding Medical School) should refer to the Michigan Medicine Foundations of Leadership program.
Upcoming Cohorts:
Fall Cohort (OL27CAMFOL01)
- Session dates: Thursday, September 10, 2026 - Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Application deadline: July 31, 2026
- All sessions meet from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Winter Cohort (OL27CAMFOL02)
- Session dates: Tuesday, January 26, 2027 - Tuesday, April 6, 2027
- Application deadline: December 1, 2026
- All sessions meet from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Application Process:
Interested leaders must complete a brief application. This includes sharing the name and contact information of their direct supervisor. The direct supervisor will be asked to verify the applicant's eligibility. We accept up to 50 leaders who meet the eligibility requirements for each Foundations of Leadership cohort. All applicants will be notified via email about the status of their application, about two weeks after the registration deadline.
