Despite universitywide budget cuts of ,30 million to ,34 million, UF is implementing a leadership training program for its employees that will cost ,1,000 per individual, paid for by his or her department.
The yearlong class, which will consist of about 20 to 25 people, was created to give UF faculty and staff leadership skills to move up in UF's ranks, according to Kyle Cavanaugh, senior vice president for UF's administration.
"We do believe it's very important even with a lean budget," Cavanaugh said.
UF just wants to make sure it has a qualified work force, he said.
UF Provost Janie Fouke could not be reached for comment.
Cavanaugh said as far as he knows, none of UF's administrators are leaving any time soon.
He also said the program probably won't be completed in time for participants to be considered for the open dean position in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
"Even if you don't change positions, you'll work better in your own position," he said.
There will be four quarterly workshops, each lasting two days.
Cavanaugh said the participants would be interviewed to assess their leadership skills.
During the classes, members will hear speeches and meet some of the higher-up administrators.
"It's a combination of networking and exposure to many who already have advanced leadership skills," Cavanaugh said.
The program is an expansion of an existing training program in UF's Office of Finance and Administration called the UF Academy. The academy has been successfully used since 2002, he said.
The expanded part of the program will be dubbed Next Level Leadership and will be available for UF employees in all departments.
It's aimed at individuals who want to move up from associate director positions.
