The Rio Hondo College Leadership Academy is a 10-month program that offers over 60 hours of engaging professional development for individual participants and culminates in the implementation of a Campus Improvement Project (CIP). The intent of the program is to provide staff from all employee groups the opportunity for professional growth, leadership development, and to enhance their ability to lead from any position on campus.

Eligibility Requirements
  • Full time employees who are past their probationary period
  • Part-time employees who have at least 4 consecutive semesters at Rio Hondo at the time of application (limited to 3 potential cohort slots)

Academy Components

  • Evening Orientation
  • Opening Retreat (overnight)
  • 9 seven-hour class sessions held once a month between September and May
  • Campus Improvement Project
  • Academy Completion Award & Recognition at Board Meeting

Topics may include:

  • Self-awareness: Assessing & reflection on who you are as a leader
  • Theories & models of ethical leadership
  • Effective communications
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team and trust building
  • Promoting equity & inclusion
  • Leadership in Action: Campus Improvement Project

Topics addressed via:

  • Self-assessments
  • Guest speakers
  • Reflection on outside readings, case studies and participant experiences
  • Individual assignments in and out of workshop sessions

Academy Expectations

  • Full attendance at all scheduled sessions including an opening 2-day retreat, and 9 seven hour sessions
  • Missing more than 1 full day may result in the need to withdraw from the academy for that year
  • 6-10 hours each month in outside reading/assignments and other related activities, arranged around your own schedule & done on your “own” time to include:
    • using Canvas to access pre-session assignments
    • completion of required readings and outside assignments by given due dates
    • timely completion of post-session evaluations
    • work on selected “Campus Improvement Project”
  • An openness to honest self-reflection
  • An enthusiasm to learn and grow with colleagues from all employee groups
  • A willingness to challenge yourself
  • A commitment to risk-taking, laughter, and fun

2025-2026  Academy Dates

 

Orientation – Thursday, May 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Opening Retreat – Friday-Saturday, August 8-9, 8:00am Friday – 2:00pm Saturday

Session 1 – Friday, September 5, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Board Introduction – Wednesday, September 10, 6:00pm – 6:30pm

Session 2 – Friday, October 3, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 3 – Friday, November 7, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 4 – Friday, December 5, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 5 – Friday, January 9, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 6 – Friday, February 6, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 7 – Friday, March 6, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 8 – Friday, April 10, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Session 9 – Friday, May 8, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Board Presentation of Certificates – Wednesday, May 13, 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Ready to lead?

Apply Now