introduction
Welcome to Aspire Auburn
Auburn University aspires to achieve the pinnacle of excellence as one of the most sought-after institutions in the country, for both students and employees. Such aspiration can only be achieved through our greatest asset: our people.
Aspire Auburn, AU’s free leadership development program, will reinforce our values-based culture and maintain our status as a premier institution. Auburn's core values — excellence, integrity, respect and the leadership principles of enabling, empowering, and developing others — are at the heart of this effort.
Aspire Auburn will equip leaders at all levels with the tools needed to succeed as employees, supervisors, faculty leaders, directors, or executives at Auburn University.
Program Specifics
Results from the July 2023 performance management assessment identified the need for improved leader development.
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In August 2023, an advisory group was formed with seasoned leaders to discuss campus needs and a framework for a series of leadership development initiatives.
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In January 2024, a sub-committee was created to operationalize the framework.
Aspire Auburn is the result of over a year of dedicated analysis and effort by several members of our Auburn family.
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Promote a shared definition, foundation, and expectation for leaders.
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Create a culture of effective leadership that benefits all employees.
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Provide resources that empower leaders to achieve their full potential.
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Prepare supervisors for healthy conversations with direct reports to articulate goals, priorities, and focus areas.
The components for Aspire Auburn include ACE Performance (performance development), mentorship, and a training program for four different leadership development levels (Leading Self, Leading People, Leading Teams, and Leading the Organization).
Consistent throughout Aspire Auburn is a commitment for leaders to seek out and provide professional development opportunities for themselves and their teammates.
The foundation for Aspire Auburn is The Auburn Creed, the Aspire Core Values, and the university's Strategic Plan.
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The Auburn Creed is synonymous with our great institution. Included with student acceptance letters, etched in stone around campus, and proudly displayed in office spaces, the AU Creed is timeless, defines our culture, and articulates our deeply held beliefs.
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Closely tied to the Auburn Creed is the adoption of the Aspire Auburn Core Values. The most successful organizations are values-based, defining what they believe in and working together to model their values.
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The university's Strategic Plan articulates our vision for the next decade. Detailed within the plan are several aspirational pillars/goals.
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