AALI LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MENTORS
Mentors are a vital part of the American Academic Leadership Institute’s leadership development experience. Serving as an AALI mentor offers a unique opportunity to support the next generation of academic leaders while engaging in a meaningful professional partnership.
AALI collaborates with partner organizations, American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the Council for Independent Colleges, to provide year-long leadership development programs, including Becoming A Provost Academy (BAPA), Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), and Senior Leadership Academy (SLA). As part of these programs, participants collaborate with their mentors to accomplish their Professional Experience Plan for the year. Mentors are identified as those who endorse professionals during the AASCU and CIC application process.
The Role of an AALI Mentor
As a mentor, you play a crucial role in guiding the next generation of higher education leaders toward success.
AALI mentors are experienced higher education leaders who are committed to nurturing leadership potential in academy participants on their campus. Mentors support participants as they develop and implement a Professional Experience Plan, providing guidance, feedback, and access to leadership opportunities.
Your dedication to fostering leadership development among higher education professionals is commendable and appreciated.
What Mentors Do
Mentors play an active role throughout the academic year by:
- Build Relationships: Initiate early conversations to understand their mentee’s goals, strengths, and leadership aspirations.
- Guide the Professional Experience Plan (PEP): Assist with the development and refinement of the plan, which serves as a roadmap for growth.
- Meet Regularly: Engage in regular one-on-one meetings with their mentee to review progress on the PEP and support continued leadership development.
- Facilitate Opportunities: Open doors to campus leadership experiences such as committee participation, interviews, and professional networking.
- Join Check-In Calls: Participate in two brief virtual check-ins with the AALI President and mentee to reflect on progress and realign goals if needed.
- Encourage Reflection and Growth: Share insights from their own leadership journey and create space for personal and professional dialogue.
Hallmarks of Successful Mentoring
Great mentors go beyond routine advising. They:
- Create safe, open spaces for authentic leadership conversations.
- Share their own leadership paths to inspire and model transparency.
- Champion their mentees by offering developmental experiences on and off campus.
- Support intentional visits to other institutions to broaden exposure and insight.
AALI Mentor Resources
- Virtual Mentor Orientation: Access a virtual Mentor Orientation meeting to ask questions and discuss the upcoming year with other mentors.
- Mentor Handbook and Key Dates: Access a Mentor handbook and Key Dates document for reference, outlining important dates and guidelines for effective mentorship.
- Support from AALI Leadership: AALI Leadership is available to answer your questions or provide assistance as needed.
Contact AALI Leadership
We appreciate the commitment to developing future leaders in higher education. Your mentorship helps shape the path for rising executive leaders.
We look forward to a successful mentorship journey together!
Javier Cevallos, Ph.D., President
Tara M. Hart, Ed.D., Assistant Director