As a prospective applicant, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the President's Emerging Leaders Web site to gain an understanding of the program.

More about the President's Emerging Leaders program

Participants will be expected to commit up to eight hours per week to program activities. Those selected must have the support and approval of their supervisor and unit in order to participate in this program.

Application Process

Applications for the 2008-09 President's Emerging Leaders Program are due by March 20, 2008. The application process application includes seven steps, listed below.

Applications will not be complete until all materials have been received. The order in which we receive these materials is not important as long as we receive all requested materials by the deadline.

1. Conversation with a PEL alumnus

The first step in the application process is to have a conversation with a President's Emerging Leader alumnus. The purpose of this conversation is solely to help you understand what the program is like and what will be required of you; it will have no impact on the review of your application.

Find a PEL Alumnus

2. Nomination, or Letter of Reference, from a University Leader

University leaders* may identify and submit a form and letter to nominate a potential candidate to the PEL program. This nomination form and letter should be submitted by February 15, 2008. You may request an extension for submission of the nomination letter. Send your request to Dave Dorman, PEL coordinator, at dorma001@umn.edu.

Download the Nomination Form (pdf)

If you have not received a nomination, you may submit an application on your own. Please ask a University leader* (someone who is not your supervisor) to write a letter of reference. The Letter of Reference Request Form describes the program, the information to be included in the letter of reference, and the process for submitting the letter.

Download the Letter of Reference Request Form (pdf)

* Examples of University leaders include, but are not limited to, individuals who serve in roles such as Deans, Assistant or Associate Deans, Vice Presidents, Vice Chancellors, Chancellors, or Directors.

3. Application and Essay

The application form includes a short essay (500-750 words). You may wish to prepare the essay and then copy and paste it into the online application.

Complete the Application Form

4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Send your current resume or curriculum vitae to the PEL administrator: Adi En Gal, 200 Donhowe, 319 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. You may also send a fax to 612-625-2574 or send an e-mail to engal001@umn.edu.

5. Supervisor's Endorsement

Use the link below to open and print the supervisor's endorsement form. Please ask your supervisor to sign the form, indicating his/her willingness to support your participation in all aspects of the President's Emerging Leaders Program.

Download the Supervisor Endorsement Form (pdf)

Your supervisor should send the form directly to Adi En Gal, PEL administrator, at 200 Donhowe, 319 15th Ave SE., Minneapolis, MN 55455, or send by fax to 612-625-2574, or send an e-mail to engal001@umn.edu.

6. Senior Officer Endorsement 

The Senior Officer responsible for the candidate's unit (e.g., Senior Vice President, Vice President, Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, or Dean) should sign and submit this form to Adi En Gal, PEL administrator (see address information above).

Download the Senior Officer Endorsement Form (pdf)

7. Participate in an interview

You will receive information on this step after your application and other materials have been received in the PEL office.

Review of Applications

After the application deadline, a Talent Selection Committee will review all the applications and select up to twenty-five candidates for participation in the program. Applicants will be notified by late April to early May as to their status.