Home / SSEOU / Women / Women in Leadership

Women in Leadership Program

About the Women in Leadership Program

The Women in Leadership Program (WIL) has been held annually since 1995, is fully sponsored by the University, and is coordinated by the Staff and Student Equal Opportunity Unit.

The program is designed for women who aspire to or are in leadership and management roles at the University of Sydney. Separate sessions are run each year for academic staff and general staff.

The program aims to introduce and explore key skills and qualities needed to be an effective leader, and address the unique issues faced by women in leadership. Topics include:

  • understanding your potential leadership strengths,
  • the link between leadership and management,
  • handling committees and meetings,
  • networking,
  • managing upwards,
  • mentors and coaching,
  • problem-solving and decision-making, and
  • career planning.

A popular part of the Program involves senior women at the University, who are invited as guest speakers to talk about their successful careers.

Back to Top

Program Objectives

On completing the course participants will have:

  • identified their strengths and approaches to leadership;
  • acquired techniques to enhance their leadership capabilities;
  • consolidated directions for career progression and networking; and
  • developed skills to enable them to fulfil their role as effective leaders within the University of Sydney environment.

Expectations

Participants are not required to be in a management position, however, some leadership or supervisory experience is desirable.

Participants will be expected to:

  • engage in reading, discussion and dialogue about leadership ideas and concepts,
  • contribute current personal leadership challenges as the basis for applying and critically evaluating leadership theories, and
  • reflect on their learning and any implications for further professional development.

Eligibility

The Women in Leadership Program is open to applications from:

  • Academic staff women at Levels A - C (Associate Lecturer to Senior Lecturer or equivalent)
  • General staff women at HEO Levels 6-9
  • A separate program for general staff women at HEO Levels 4-5 is also being offered

Applications from women outside these levels who have equivalent experience and learning goals will be considered.

Back to Top

Facilitators

The Women in Leadership Program for general staff is facilitated by Amanda Phillips from APA Training & Development. Amanda is an external consultant who has extensive management and leadership training experience in the Australian higher education sector.

The Women in Leadership Program for academic staff will draw on the skills and experience of senior academics from the University of Sydney, plus expertise from external consultants for some sessions.

Cost

The program is provided free of charge to University women.

Sponsorship requests will be considered for:

  • travel and accommodation costs for participants from remote campuses, and
  • teaching release funds for teaching staff.

2009 Dates and Venues

Academic Women in Leadership - for Academic staff women at Levels A-C
Monday 16 February and Tuesday 17 February 2009, 9.15am to 5.00pm.
The Darlington Centre, Conference Rooms 1-2

'Future Pathways' - for general staff women at HEO Levels 4-5
Monday 11 May and Tuesday 12 May 2009, 9.15am to 5.00pm
The Women's College at the University of Sydney

'Future Directions'- for general staff women at HEO Levels 6-9
Tuesday 23 June and Wednesday 24 June 2009, 9.15am to 5.00pm
The Women's College at the University of Sydney

'Refresh and Renew' - for female staff who have already completed the Women in Leadership program between 2003 and 2005
Tuesday 15 September and Wednesday 16 September 2009, 9.15am to 5.00pm
The Women's College at the University of Sydney

Back to Top

How to Apply

Email the with a short statement (1-2 paragraphs) of what you hope to achieve through participation in the program, relating the program’s objectives to your individual learning goals, current work situation and future career aspirations.

If you wish, you can also include a supporting statement from your supervisor or head of department.

The Staff and Student Equal Opportunity Unit will assess whether the Women in Leadership Program will be able to help you to meet your individual learning goals. If so, you will be offered a place at a session until the Program is filled.

The Staff and Student Equal Opportunity Unit will refer you to Learning Solutions for enrolment in another recommended learning and development program, if your statement indicates that this option would better meet your learning goals.

You are strongly advised to discuss your intention to apply for the Women in Leadership Program with your supervisor or head of department. You may also wish to include attendance at the Women in Leadership Program as a goal in your annual PM&D Performance and Development Plan.

Contact for more information

Women in Leadership Program Coordinator

(02) 9351 8769

Comments from past participants

  • “I wanted to let you know that I have recently been offered a management position, and that I consider my success in gaining this role a direct result of my participation in the recent Women in Leadership Program. Not only was the Program the catalyst for me reviewing my career directions, but the two days gave me an opportunity to reflect on my strengths such that I went into the interview process so much more confident in my own abilities.”
  • “...a fantastic facilitator who was inspiring, inclusive and personable.”
  • “If only I had done this course 2 years ago! Thank you.”
  • “Really enjoyed our guest speakers and their stories.”
  • “It is a wonderful opportunity to share with like-minded women.”
  • “I think it was excellent – I wish I had done it earlier in my ‘career’. I will certainly recommend it.”
  • “Really well-run program. All speakers were excellent and [the facilitator's] ability to summarise and present key points in a really relevant way made this one of the best staff development sessions I have ever attended.”
  • “I really gained a lot of useful knowledge and potential contacts.”
Back to Top