About this Workshop
This year is the 23rd Annual AAG Department Leadership Workshop. Departments are increasingly concerned with survival in a time of disruption and change in higher education. The AAG Department Leadership Workshop focuses on helping members respond effectively to these challenges through strong management practices, shared decision-making, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and constraints geography departments may face in the coming years.
Audience
This workshop is intended for all geographers interested in strengthening their academic programs, including chairs and heads, associate chairs, deans, academic advisors, provosts, and other administrators, as well as faculty interested in leadership issues. It is particularly well suited for individuals who may soon assume leadership roles.
No advance preparation is required; however, participants are encouraged to reflect on key leadership challenges facing their own departments.
Learning Objectives
One of the most valuable aspects of the workshop is the opportunity to learn from and network with both new and experienced academic leaders and administrators. Participants will also take away:
- Greater confidence in leading geography programs during periods of institutional change
- Practical strategies for sustaining enrollments and generating student credit hours
- Tools for supporting faculty across career stages (pre‑tenure, mid‑career, and late‑career)
- Approaches to shared governance, collaborative decision‑making, and transparent leadership
- Examples of effective department self‑study reports and strategic plans
- Insights on managing emerging challenges and opportunities related to AI in teaching and research
Agenda
- Monday, June 15, 2026: 11:00 am- 4:30 pm U.S. Eastern Time
- Tuesday, June 16, 2026: 11:00 am- 4:30 pm U.S. Eastern Time
A detailed agenda will be shared in early June. Each day will include a combination of short presentations, facilitated discussions, and small‑group breakout sessions, with scheduled breaks. Time will also be set aside for participants to share and discuss their own concerns and experiences. While participants are encouraged to attend both days in full, the virtual format allows flexibility for those balancing other commitments.
Logistics
Modality: Virtual, held on Zoom.
Accessibility: AAG is committed to making this workshop accessible to all participants. Closed captioning will be provided. Participants with additional accommodation needs will be able to share specific requests in the registration form.
Number of seats: No limit
Recording: This workshop will not be recorded.
Code of Conduct: The workshop will follow AAG’s Professional Conduct Policy and Procedures and AAG’s Event Policies to ensure a respectful, inclusive, and productive environment. All participants must agree to these policies during registration.
Organizers
- Ken Foote, University of Connecticut
- Rebecca Lave, Indiana University Bloomington
- Patricia Ehrkamp, University of Kentucky
- Shannon O’Lear, University of Kansas
- David Kaplan, Kent State University
- Jennifer L. Fluri, University of Colorado-Boulder
- Coline Dony, American Association of Geographers
- Emily Frisan, American Association of Geographers
Please direct any questions about the workshop’s content to Ken Foote, and any questions about logistics or registration to Coline Dony.
Registration
Registration will open on Mon, April 27, 2026. The last day to register is Friday, June 5, 2026.
Fees
- AAG members: FREE!
- AAG Explorers: $350
How to register?
To register for this workshop, you will need an AAG account: either a free Explorer account or a Member account by selecting the “Join” link in the upper righthand corner of the website.
Make sure you are logged into your AAG account, then register for the workshop.