HERS Leadership Institute

The HERS Leadership Institute is an inclusive, intensive professional development experience with a focus on women and people who are gender diverse. UVM proudly supports the institute and fully funds the tuition and other expenses for two UVM employees to attend every year.

HR's Leadership Development Program

HERS Leadership Development Program

A unique opportunity for aspiring woman and gender diverse leaders in higher education.

The HERS Leadership Institute, part of Higher Education Resource Services (HERS), is a transformative program with a focus on developing women and gender-diverse leaders in higher education. All HERS programs and services are open to all regardless of gender identity. Founded to fill leadership pipelines with dynamic leaders, participants share their leadership visions and develop skills to achieve them in a supportive, noncompetitive environment. 

More about the HERS Institute

Attending HERS through UVM

The HERS Leadership Institute is designed for faculty and staff who generally hold mid-to-senior level positions in higher education and have a desire to emerge as more dynamic leaders for themselves and their institutions. Every year, UVM fully funds the tuition and other expenses for two employees to attend the HERS Leadership Institute. 

The Leadership Institute takes course over three long weekend sessions in Newton, MA. UVM faculty and staff interested in attending must first submit their application to UVM's Selection Committee. If you are selected by UVM, you will then be required to submit your application to the HERS Leadership Institute by their application deadline. 

In addition to the networking, training, and development you receive as a participant, you will be connected to a group of notable program alumnx at UVM. Participants are also expected to share what they learn with the UVM community and assist in the selection of candidates in future years.

The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025 - apply today!

Complete UVM's HERS Leadership Institute ApplicationPanel recording

Want to learn more about the HERS experience from your colleagues and program alumnx?

Watch the 2025 UVM HERS Info Panel (video)

2025 Institute Details

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Institute Dates

  • Weekend 1: October 1 - 5, 2025
  • Weekend 2: December 3 - 7, 2025
  • Weekend 3: February 4 - 8, 2026

Application Timeline

  • UVM application open: March 3, 2025
  • Info session for interested employees: March 21, 2025
  • Deadline to submit application to UVM: April 25, 2025
  • Application review period: April 26 - May 12, 2025
  • Deadline to submit application to HERS Institute (if selected): May 19, 2025

Application Process

Prepare

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UVM's application closely mirrors the one used by the HERS Leadership Institute. The application process requires some planning ahead and cannot be completed in one sitting. We encourage applicants to view the application questions ahead of time and compile your answers in a separate document. Once you are ready to submit, you can copy and paste your responses into the electronic submission form.

View application questions (PDF)

Applicants must also include a letter of recommendation from a senior leader. Make sure you give your writer enough time to provide a letter for the April 25th deadline.

Please view Letters of Recommendation Tips in the Resources section for more information.

Submit your Application to UVM by April 25, 2025

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Once you have compiled your answers and letter of recommendation, fill out UVM's online application.

Complete UVM's HERS Leadership Institute Application

Reminder: The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025.

If You are Selected

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You will be notified by the Selection Committee by mid-May if you have been selected.

If you are selected, you are still responsible for submitting your application via the HERS Leadership Institute by May 19.

HERS Weekend Leadership Institute Application

Please note: For the HERS application, you will have to provide contact information for your letter of support writer. Please notify them that they will be contacted by HERS directly. 

Application Resources

Selection Committee
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Chair: Melissa Murray, Women & Gender Equity Center Director

Members: Jeralyn Haraldsen, Tiffanie Spencer, Erica Spiegel, Cynthia Reyes, and Payne Hiraldo

Requesting Letters of Recommendation
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We encourage you to reach out to one of the following individuals at your institution to secure a recommendation:

  • President/Chancellor;
  • Provost/Vice-President Academic Affairs
  • Chief Student Affairs Officer
  • Chief Financial/Budget Officer
  • Chief Diversity Officer
  • Chief Advancement/Development Officer
  • Chief Information Technology Officer
  • Chief Human Resources/Talent Management Officer
  • Chief Enrollment/Admissions Officer

This letter is a requirement because we want you to think across the institution and beyond your role. If you’ve never met these senior officers, this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself.

Tips for Successfully Submitting Your Recommendation

The letter should address the applicant's potential for leadership, ability to complete a campus leadership project, and some acknowledgment that the applicant's supervisor supports their attendance in the HERS Leadership Institute.

HERS alumnae are expected to share what they learn with the UVM community and assist in the selection of candidates for the next year.