Program

Higher Education Program for Executive Level Assistants

Sharpen your skills, grow as a leader

Hepela 2025 Class

HEPELA is an on-Grounds, 12-session program built for University of Virginia participants. Effective assistants can make impactful contributions at all levels of the organization and staying relevant is crucial. The HEPELA program will support executive administrators in growing personally, navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results.

2026-2027 Topics and Schedule  

This program is offered in person in fall 2026 and spring 2027 on Tuesdays from 8:30am - 12:00 pm EST. Participation in the program involves prior reading and completion of some pre-work as well as attendance at all sessions. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a digital badge as proof of your skills and a noncredit course designation on their academic transcript (NCBM 501 and NCBM 502).

Session Dates:

  • Tuesday, September 22, 2026
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2026
  • Tuesday, October 20, 2026
  • Tuesday, November 10, 2026
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2026
  • Tuesday, December 1, 2026
  • Tuesday, January 19, 2027
  • Tuesday, February 2, 2027
  • Tuesday, February 16, 2027
  • Tuesday, March 2, 2027
  • Tuesday, March 16, 2027
  • Tuesday, March 30, 2027

Topics

  • Leading at all levels
  • Working with multiple generations
  • Time and task management strategies
  • Influence
  • Conflict management
  • Communication and collaboration
  • And more!
Taylor Halstead headshot

HEPELA is an excellent skill-building class that also ties in self-awareness, strategy, and professionalism.

Taylor Halstead

Registration & Cost

The cost of the full program is $2000 and can be funded using UVA Education Benefits. The first payment of $1000 is due in October 2026 and the remaining $1000 is due in January 2027.  

Registration must be completed by July 1, 2026. 

Register for the Program

Register

After submitting your information, you will receive instructions by email on how to complete the registration process.  

Learn More 

To learn more about HEPELA, please contact Mary Hall, Program Manager, mth8n@virginia.edu   

Camille Lipnicky

[The] courses have allowed me to not only learn transferrable skills and strategies for work, but it also enabled networking opportunities with other highly motivated assistants across all areas of the University.

Camille Lipnicky
Smiling Woman on Computer

Open Learning and Noncredit Programs

Our noncredit classes and programs offer fast, skill-based learning at an affordable cost. Explore online and in-person opportunities to sharpen your skills and advance in your career with lower financial and time commitments.