• Who might consider Executive Development Institute?
• What is the time commitment?
• What is the departmental cost?
• What is the value?
• How do I apply?

Who might consider Executive Development Institute?

Virginia Tech faculty and staff members who:

• Experienced leaders readying for their next stage in leadership
• Leaders expanding their careers, or their effectiveness in their current roles;
• Technically gifted faculty or staff who want to sharpen their people-leadership skills; and
• High-potential individuals who wish to prepare for increased leadership roles.

The Executive Development Institute (EDI) complements faculty or staff members’ current or future leadership course work, coaching, or “community of practice” involvement. Why? By aligning with organizational goals and applying insight gained from a comprehensive assessment.

What is the time commitment?

The following estimates may help prospective candidates and their supervisors gauge Executive Development Institute (EDI) involvement.

For participants (once enrolled): about eight (8) days during the seven month program

Phase I: 2 day onsite session
Distance Learning: 10 hours
Phase II: 2 day onsite session
Distance Learning: 10 hours
Phase III: 2 day onsite session
Phase IV: 2 day onsite session
Meetings with Mentor/Coach: Face-to-face meetings during the seven month program for a total of about 3 hours
Self Assessments: Participants will complete three assessments during the cohort
Ongoing Communication: We recommend participants and their direct supervisors meet on a monthly basis throughout the program to discuss EDI goals and the use of enhanced skills in the department for a total of about 3 hours. Supervisors will be updated and receive an evaluation on their direct reports at the end of each phase.
Reviewing plans: We encourage participants meet with their supervisor to review their Individual Development Plan and discuss actions and development opportunities for a total of about 3 hours during the seven month program
Ongoing Communications: We encourage participants meeting with their direct supervisor to discuss progress on goals and the use of enhanced skills in the department for a total of about 3 hours during the seven month program.

What is the cost?

The cost for the Executive Development Institute is centrally funded by the university and will not cost individual departments anything. Although the Executive Development Institute is centrally funded, by nominating an individual, the Virginia Tech sponsor should commit future funding and support for additional learning opportunities.

What is the Value?

The Executive Development Institute is designed to develop Virginia Tech’s leaders and will provide multiple approaches to career enhancement and development. EDI provides a structured method for assessing and developing leadership competency. Conferences, continuing education, and even advanced degrees, may be costing a good deal of time or money on leadership development. Since EDI is a personalized awareness-building and goal-setting program, it complements other educational activities. You should consider EDI a sort of “insurance plan” for your other educational investments.

Services your faculty or staff member receives by participating in EDI include:

• Confidential feedback from direct reports, peers, or colleagues. Direct developmental feedback from supervisors. Targeted assessment tools to match various leadership roles
• Pre and post assessment: two (2) assessment opportunities spanning seven months
• Comprehensive written reports of assessment results, providing measurable progress of growth in leadership competency
• One-on-one consultation with mentors/coaches: On average, 3 hours of personalized, one-on-one consultation with an EDI mentor/coach with follow-up throughout the program
• An Individual Development Plan tailored to individual needs and linked to resources aligned with career development goals

How do I apply?

Ready – Make an Inquiry

We encourage potential candidates to first talk with their supervisor about their interest in EDI. Then a candidate needs to initiate the application process on the University Organizational Development website, under Executive Development Institute/Programs/How Do I Apply.  The nomination period begins in June of each year is will remain open from approximately one (1) month.

Even if your supervisor has provided you with EDI information, we encourage you to review the EDI website for further information on the Executive Development Institute program.

Set – Ensure Commitment

Enrollment in the EDI program requires the following:

• Your commitment to participate in all steps of the program
• Your supervisor’s participation
• Acceptance into the program by the Succession Management Advisory Group

Go – Meet Your Mentor/Coach

If you haven’t been already, you will be matched with an EDI mentor/coach, who can provide detailed program information, answer your questions and get you ready to begin the program. At this overview meeting, you and your mentor/coach can discuss the assessment products available and help you in considering who you will identify as rater to review your survey. EDI recommends you also consult with your supervisor about assessment choices and rater selection.

University Organizational and Professional Development
North End Center, Suite 2300 (0538)
300 Turner Street, NW
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: 540/231-5100 Fax: 540/231-6479
Contact UOPD: uopd@vt.edu