Strategic Administrative Leadership & Communication (SALC) Institute

Overview

The Strategic Administrative Leadership & Communication (SALC) Institute is an 8-session program developed for University of Virginia staff who have completed either the HEPELA or LEAP program offered by the UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies. 

It is offered in-person on Grounds in fall 2026 and spring 2027, on Tuesdays from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Participation in the program involves some prior reading and completion of occasional pre-work, as well as attendance at all sessions.

To receive a badge for this program, participants will be required to complete a project or portfolio that builds on learning throughout the program. Specific details will be introduced in the fall with several opportunities to discuss and receive feedback before the final session.

Session Dates and Topics

Block 1: The Strategic Individual
Personal agency, cognitive mastery, and high‑level execution

• September 29: MBTI 2.0: Strategic Decision‑Making Under Pressure
  • This session will enable participants to apply advanced MBTI insights to recognize decision‑making patterns, stress responses, and blind spots in order to make more intentional and credible strategic choices in complex environments.
• October 20: DRiV: Motivators, Energy, and Strategic Sustainability
  • This session will guide participants in interpreting their DRiV assessment results to understand what motivates, drains, and sustains their performance, supporting intentional energy management and role alignment as they move into higher‑impact strategic work.
• November 10: Resilience & Self‑Advocacy for Strategic Roles
  • This session will equip participants with advanced resilience and self‑advocacy strategies to sustain performance, manage boundaries, and increase strategic visibility in high‑pressure institutional roles.
• December 1: Strategic Project & Initiative Leadership
  • This session will prepare participants to lead projects and initiatives at a strategic level by translating vision into execution, managing complexity, and owning outcomes that advance organizational priorities.
• December 8 (9am - noon)
  • Holiday/Combined session w/ current HEPELA cohort: (60 minute panel w/ 30 min Q&A followed by networking social)

Block 2: Strategic Influence & Stakeholder Impact
Leading through others, navigating complexity, and projecting presence

• February 2: Strategic Relationships & Stakeholder Influence at UVA
  • This session will introduce NeuroLeadership principles to help participants understand how trust, threat, and motivation shape behavior, enabling more effective strategic relationships, stakeholder influence, and institutional navigation.
• February 16: Strategic Conversations & Conflict Navigation
  • This session will develop participants’ ability to facilitate strategic conversations and navigate conflict by framing issues at the appropriate altitude and aligning stakeholders during high‑stakes situations.
• March 2: Executive Presence, Coaching, and Strategic Partnership
  • This session will strengthen participants’ executive presence and coaching capability to support the transition from expert contributor to trusted strategic partner and organizational thought leader.
• March 16: Leading Through Others: Teams, Trust, and Institutional Impact
  • This session will help participants scale their impact by leading through others, fostering trust and accountability, and shaping team environments that enable sustainable organizational success.

Cost

The cost of the full program is $1,750. Registration must be completed by July 1, 2026. 

What to Expect

In-Person Sessions: Participation includes attending three‑hour, in‑person sessions designed to engage participants in interactive learning with expert facilitators and peers. Sessions emphasize discussion, case studies, and judicious application to UVA‑specific contexts. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.

Assignments & Pre-Work: Some sessions include required pre‑work such as brief readings, videos, reflection activities, or assessments (e.g., DRiV). Participants are expected to complete all pre‑work prior to the session in which it will be discussed to ensure meaningful participation and learning continuity.

Build your Network: Participants will expand their professional network through sustained engagement with peers across schools and units at UVA. Sessions include interactive exercises, small‑group discussions, and collaborative activities designed to strengthen relationships and foster a trusted learning cohort.

Applied Learning and Practice: Throughout the program, participants will apply concepts to real workplace challenges, focusing on strategic thinking, institutional impact, and leadership presence. Many sessions will incorporate best practices or case study discussions to support practical transfer of learning.

Earn a Digital Badge:  Upon successful completion of the program requirements, participants will receive a digital badge recognizing their development in strategic leadership and communication. Digital badges provide a verified way to showcase skill development and professional growth.

Learn More 

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