Excelsicore
Directors Institute
Directors in Higher Education
Focused on critical skills for success leading teams and accomplishing organizational goals
In partnership with 
2025 Cohort Closed
Next Session: Coming Soon!
Empower Your Journey
Expert Guidance & Community for Higher Ed Leaders Focused on Newer Directors (less than 5 years)
The Directors Institute is not your typical training program. We’re tailored exclusively for Directors, recognizing the distinctive challenges and responsibilities you face on today’s dynamic campuses.
Amidst the whirlwind of competing priorities, the shifting landscape of higher education, and the constant pressure to innovate, renovate, and delegate for success, this program provides expertise and community to unlock your potential.
- Enhance Skills & Knowledge
- Discover Best Practices
- Build Capacity
- Prepare for Tough Challenges
- Develop a Community
- Explore New Strategies
Designed for You.
Designed for emerging and seasoned leaders, the Directors Institute program is tailored to directors with under five years of experience in diverse roles that center around community building and program development.
Early-Career Focus
Our program is tailored for early career professionals who have served in a Director role for less than five years. We recognize that the transition to the Director role requires a shift in leadership and management skills that don’t always come from on-the-job training.
Key Functional Expertise
We invite professionals who specialize in Student Affairs areas including Student Union, Res Life/Housing, Cultural Centers, Greek Life, Recreation, International Students, Conference Services, Career Services, and more — roles dedicated to fostering vibrant communities and delivering dynamic programming.
2025 Cohort
The Directors Institute starts: Coming Soon
Participation is limited to ensure engaging discussions and focused attention.
Program Details
5 Week
Program
2.5 Hour Session Once a Week Focused on New Topics Weekly
Virtual
Sessions
Flexible Online Sessions for Monthly Workshops and Coaching
Dynamic
Interaction
Join Real-Time Problem Solving and Cohort-Driven Discussions
Personalized
Guidance
Navigate Individual Challenges with Optional 1:1 Coaching
Individual Coaching (optional)
1:1 Attention + Specific Challenges
In four dynamic 2-hour sessions spread across two months, you can address your urgent concerns, devise strategic solutions for the long term, or plot your career trajectory. The Directors Institute offers optional one-on-one coaching with Dr. Justin Camputaro, a 25-year veteran in Student Affairs, who mixes coaching, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving to propel you forward on your journey.
Meet Your Lead Faculty Mentor
25 Years of Excellence in Student Affairs
Dr. Camputaro started his Student Affairs career as nearly 25 years ago. During his career, he served as a Student Union & Activities Director at Florida State University (Interim), University of Washington, Virginia Tech, University of North Florida, and Jacksonville University. Collectively, he’s managed 1,000,000+ square feet of space, ten facilities, 150 professional staff, and 1000+ student employees. He has overseen construction/opening of two student unions and one of the first esports facilities on a college campus. His roles also included advising student governments, major programming boards, and union advisory boards.
National Reputation
For 25 years, Justin has served the industry with volunteer roles in ACUI and NACA. He was honored with ACUI Emeritus status in 2022 and served as Chair of ACUI’s Role of the College Union Statement Working Group.
Education Foundation
Justin earned a Doctorate and Master degrees in Higher Education. His research on The Role of the College Union in Developing Students’ Sense of Community won ACUI’s 2019’s Daniel M. Maxwell Dissertation of the Year.
JUSTIN CAMPUTARO, Ph.D.
Cohort Sessions
Expert Faculty + Cohort Discussions
The Directors Institute provides exclusive access to seasoned higher education executives, directors, and leading experts, empowering you to master critical departmental topics and forge connections with directors nationwide facing similar challenges.
2025 Cohort Has Ended Next Session: Coming Soon!
Jan 7 & Feb 4: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (PST) / 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (EST)
Jan 14, 21, & 28: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM (PST) / 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (EST)
Once a week for 5 weeks every Tuesday
Session Topics
Relevant, critical topics challenging Directors in student affairs roles today
Expert Faculty: Dr. Justin Camputaro
Strategic management provides you and your staff with clarity on your department’s goals and how you will achieve them.
Expert Faculty: Dr. Will Lewis*
Engaging with DEI and creating a sense of Belonging in your workplace.
Expert Faculty: Dr. Justin Camputaro
Understand the framework on how to create Healthy, Cohesive, Inclusive teams to accomplish your department’s goals.
Expert Faculty: Dr. Kimberly Jacobs*
Fundraising is not just for development staff any longer. Learn how to engage with doners and secure funding.
Expert Faculty: Dr. Jeremy Schenk*
Internal and external politics are increasingly impacting the Director’s role. Learn how to navigate difficult conversations in our ever-changing industry.
Your cohort can customize the experience by choosing additional session topics, ensuring the program meets your needs.
- Agile Leadership: Supporting Staff in Change & Transition
- Fiscal Management
- Preventing Staff Burnout
- Managing in All Directions
- Professional supervision
- Risk Management
- Renovation and Construction
- Authentic Leadership Style
- Decision Making for Directors
- Risk Management
Expert Guest Faculty
*Guest Speakers are subject to change
2025 Cohort
The Directors Institute starts: Coming Soon
Participation is limited to ensure engaging discussions and focused attention.
Supercharge Your Success
Five week deep dive into relevant topics
Unleash your full potential with our comprehensive program, offering you:
Forge invaluable connections with peers navigating similar challenges, connections that will extend far beyond your time at the Director Institute.
Delve deep into vital topics with insights from guest experts, expanding your knowledge and honing your skills.
Join our exclusive LinkedIn group, a secure space to engage in confidential discussions and access timely insights shared by your fellow cohort members.
ADD-ON: two months of personalized coaching sessions, each guided by a former Student Affairs Executive Director armed with a PhD in Higher Education and expertise in organizational development.
Start Your Journey to Become an Exceptional Director Today.
Invest in your success
Directors I
nstitute Cohort – $700 for ACUI members / $950 Non-ACUI members
Optional 1:1 Coaching – $500
Note: Coaching rates are discounted for Directors Institute participants only. Sign-up for coaching will be offered after Institute registration.