The MGRdev program uses a competitive selection process to ensure you and your fellow cohort members have the best learning experience possible. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program, so please read below to make sure you have the best possible chance to participate!

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

Our program is designed for participants who are able the practice skills and concepts learned throughout the program at their current jobs. To be eligible for consideration, you must:

• Be a current manager, supervisor, or team lead with responsibilities that allow for coaching and team development

• Be a member of a higher education (post-secondary) university or institution

• Able to commit to in-person attendance to at least 5 of the 6 program workshops for your assigned cohort (we do not offer options for remote workshop attendance at this time)

• Able to commit to at least 5 of 6 professional coaching meetings (in-person OR remote) which are held between program workshops

Program Cost
Our program fee is $600, which covers the cost of conference room facilities, participant materials, and lunch during each of the workshops. Travel, hotel, and other costs are not included and are the separate responsibility of the participant. There is no fee to apply for the program; fees are only collected once you are accepted and confirm that you will attend.

Workshop Location

All in-person program workshops are held at the i-Hotel and Illinois Conference Center (1900 S. 1st Street in Champaign, Illinois, 61820) located in the southwest portion of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

Step 2: Review available cohorts

If selected to attend the program you will be assigned to a specific cohort and must be able to attend at least 5 of the 6 full-day (9 AM - 3 PM) workshops available in that cohort option. We will ask you about your availability and potential conflicts during the application process.

Step 3: Fill out and submit your application

We require an application to be considered for acceptance into the program. This application collects basic information such as your contact information, desired learning goals, and cohort options.

Applications for our 2024 MGRdev Program are now closed.

2024 Program Applications were due March 22, 2024.

Helpful Tips for Applicants
Below are some things that you can do to increase the effectiveness of your application.

• Provide specific, detailed examples of how you’ve approached management-related situations.

• Showcase both successful and unsuccessful management moments.

• Demonstrate approaches you’ve used to learn and grow your management capabilities over time.

• Speak to how specific skillsets and topics from the MGRdev program will benefit you.

Step 4: Be nominated by a supervisor or peer

We also require an accompanying supervisor or peer nomination to be considered for acceptant to the program. This nomination provides us additional insight into your managerial experience and the impact of your participation in the program.

Nominations for our 2024 MGRdev Program are now closed.

2024 Program Nominations were due March 22, 2024.

Helpful Tips for Peer or Supervisor Nominators
Below are some things that you can do to increase the effectiveness of your supervisor or peer nomination:

• Provide specific, detailed examples of how the skillsets and topics from the MGRdev program will help the applicant grow in their management capability.

• Illustrate the applicant’s approaches and attitudes in contributing to thoughtful, engaging, and challenging discussion topics.

• Describe the impact that you believe the applicant will have on their team, peers, and colleagues as a result of having participated in the MGRdev program.

Step 5: Cohort Selection (MGRdev Team)

After the close of the application and nomination period, the MGRdev team will review all submitted applications for eligibility and determine which applicants will be chosen for the current year's program(s). Selecting cohort members is a challenging and competitive process and, though we want as many people as possible to experience our program, not all who apply may be accepted for the current year.

When complete, successful applicants will then receive a formal invitation to the program, information on how to submit payment, and calendar invites to their cohort's program dates. 

Applicants who are selected for this year's program(s) will be notified by April 8, 2024. Applicants will then have one standard week to accept or decline the invitation.

Applicants who are not selected for the current year's program(s) will also be notified approximately one week after the above deadline. This allows us to invite additional participants in the case of a declined invitation.

We look forward to hearing from you!