UCAR provides ongoing support and professional development to supervisors and leaders through regular peer-support groups. Supervisor forums are open to all supervisors and offer additional information that supports supervisors in staying up to date with the latest information and changes from UCAR, NSF NCAR, and UCP. Leadership Circles are restricted to those who have completed one of UCAR’s supervisor training programs and provide a peer support space for addressing current challenges and common threads. 

Supervisor Forums

Supervisor Forums are open to all supervisors, and cover practical topics relevant to anyone in supervisory roles (e.g., employee benefits, recruiting, payroll, onboarding, etc.). These sessions are offered regularly and may correspond to a given time of year (e.g., promotions, performance evaluation, end of fiscal year, etc.).

Leadership Circles

Leadership Circles are organized groups where Leadership Program graduates (LEAD, Leadership Academy) come together to discuss and share experiences around a common topic. Unlike a typical workshop, a Leadership Circle is focused on peer support and conversations with colleagues about challenges supervisors are facing, as well as sharing best practices and celebrating successes. Leadership Circles create a network of supportive peers you can call upon for help, encouragement, and input. 

Each session focuses on a specific topic for deeper exploration. Topics expand on content learned in our leadership programs, giving participants opportunities to discuss real-world issues and practice supervisory skills. Topics may include coaching practice, performance management, leading hybrid teams, managing conflict, to name a few. In addition, Leadership Circle sessions may revolve around a book summary or chapter, an exploration of new research/best practices, or a “case study” from a participant seeking group input.

These sessions are only available to Leadership Academy and LEAD graduates. These sessions are closed and confidential so that participants feel comfortable sharing experiences and challenges with other leaders in a safe and supportive environment.