Excelsicore
Directors Institute
New Directors in Student Affairs focused on Space, Programming, and Community Building
Spring 2024
Empower Your Journey
Expert Guidance and Community for Student Affairs Leaders, Focused on Space, Programming, and Community Building
The Directors Institute is not your typical training program. We’re tailored exclusively for Student Affairs 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 leaders in Student Affairs, the Directors Institute program is tailored to directors with under five years of experience in diverse roles that center around community building, space management, 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 Union, Res Life/Housing, Cultural Services, Greek Life, Recreation, International Students, esports, or Conference Services — roles dedicated to fostering vibrant communities, optimizing space, and delivering dynamic programming.
Now Enrolling 2024 Cohort
The Directors Institute starts January 9, 2024, so save your seat today. Participation is limited to ensure engaging discussions and focused attention.
Program Details
5 Month
Program
Monthly, 2-Hour sessions focus on Vital Skills and Topics.
Personalized
Guidance
Navigate Individual Challenges with Four 1:1 Coaching Sessions
Dynamic
Interaction
Join Real-Time Problem Solving and Cohort-Driven Discussions
Virtual
Sessions
Flexible Online Sessions for Monthly Workshops and Coaching
Individual Coaching
1:1 Attention + Specific Challenges
In four dynamic 60-minute sessions spread across the five-month program, you can address your urgent concerns, devise strategic solutions for the long term, or plot your career trajectory. The Directors Institute offers 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 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.
Monthly Cohort Sessions
Expert Speakers + Cohort Discussions
The Directors Institute provides exclusive access to seasoned student affairs directors and leading experts, empowering you to master critical departmental topics and forge connections with directors nationwide facing similar challenges.
2024
Dates & Times
Sessions run from 8am – 10am PST (11am – 1pm EST) on these dates.
January 9
February 6
March 5
April 2
May 7
Session Topics
Relevant, critical topics challenging Directors in student affairs roles today
Expert Speaker: Dr. Justin Camputaro
Strategic management provides you and your staff with clarity on your department’s goals and how you will achieve them.
Expert Speaker: Dr. Will Lewis*
Engaging with DEI and creating a sense of Belonging in your workplace.
Expert Speaker: Dr. Justin Camputaro
Understand the framework on how to create Healthy, Cohesive, Inclusive teams to accomplish your department’s goals.
Expert Speaker: Dr. Kimberly Jacobs*
Fundraising is not just for development staff any longer. Learn how to engage with doners and secure funding.
Expert Speaker: 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 voting on three of the eight 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 Speakers
*Guest Speakers are subject to change
Now Enrolling 2024 Cohort
The Directors Institute starts January 9, 2024, so save your seat today. Participation is limited to ensure engaging discussions and focused attention.
Supercharge Your Success
4 Personal Coaching Sessions + 5 Monthly Cohort Sessions
Unleash your full potential with our comprehensive program, offering you:
4 personalized coaching sessions, each guided by a former Student Union Executive Director armed with a PhD in Higher Education and expertise in organizational development.
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.
Limited Availability: Seats are limited. Secure your spot by January 3, 2024 to embark on a transformational path to success. Enroll now!