Program

Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals Academy

The Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals (LEAP) Academy is an online, 12-session program built for individuals in administrative roles. Effective assistants and administrators can make impactful contributions at all levels of the organization and staying relevant is crucial. The Academy will support individuals in growing personally, navigating logistics, solving problems, and delivering results. 

Classes will take place online in fall 2025 and spring 2026 on Wednesdays from 9:00 am-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 their skills.

Session Dates and Topics:

Block 1: Leadership Foundations and Self-Awareness

  • October 1: Leading at all Levels
  • October 8: Navigating Organizational Change
  • October 15: Workplace Big 5
  • November 5: Etiquette, Professionalism, and Building Your Brand  

Block 2: Building Interpersonal & Inclusive Leadership Skills

  • November 12: Conflict Management and Difficult Conversations
  • November 19: Advanced Communication Skills

Block 3: Leading Together: Team Dynamics and Operational Excellence

  • January 28: Working with Multiple Generations
  • February 4: Building and Supporting Effective Teams
  • February 11: Task, Time, and Project Management 

Block 4: Leading with Purpose: Strategy, Integrity and Resilience in Action

  • February 18: Strategic Influence and Impression Management
  • March 4: Ethical Decision Making
  • March 18: Grit and Growth: Stress Management and Resilience 

Cost and Registration

The cost of the full program is $2000. For any organization registering 5 or more employees, please contact Mary Hall (mth8n@virginia.edu) for a code to access the group rate.

Registration must be completed by September 1, 2025. 

Register for Leadership Excellence for Administrative Professionals (LEAP) Academy

What to Expect

Online Sessions: Participation includes attending three-hour online live sessions to engage with the topic, facilitator, and the cohort. We understand life is busy, so you can notify the Program Manager if you need to miss a session. Participants may miss up to two sessions and still receive a digital badge.

Assignments: Some sessions require pre-work, including brief readings, videos, and assessments. Please complete all pre-work before the session where it will be discussed. 

Build your Network: Expand your professional network through engagement with peers in your cohort. Live sessions feature interactive exercises to help you get to know your cohort and deepend your connections.

Earn a Digital Badge:  Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a digital badge as proof of their skills. Digital badges are a great way to show your verified skill development. 

Learn More 

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