Program Leader is the business title given to faculty and staff who lead study abroad programs. The Program Leader (PL) acts as the representative of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As PL, you are expected to be at the program location to assist students for the entire duration of the program, including arrivals and departures. PLs report to the International Academic Programs (IAP) Director or office designate.
Each PL receives an appointment letter from IAP that provides details on the terms of the appointment, including dates of appointment, responsibilities, salary and other compensation information. For instructors who lead the same program more than once, PLs will receive an appointment letter for each duration they serve in such a capacity.
Responsibilities of a Program Leader:
Responsibilities that you will have prior to the program approval include but may not be limited to:
- Continuing to work with designated staff on the final vetting of your program.
- Submitting a course syllabus.
- Submitting a program itinerary: the itinerary is used to develop a proposal with local partners so that a proposal can be provided outlining services and costs.
Responsibilities that you will have after the program approval include but may not be limited to:
- Meeting with prospective students.
- Program marketing: PLs involvement in promoting programs is crucial for reaching minimum enrollment numbers. Because of your relationship with your department colleagues and your knowledge of your department structure, we expect you to take the lead in spreading the word about your program within your department. You will receive more information and resources about promoting your program after your program is approved.
- Attending/completing any required PL trainings.
- Consulting with study abroad staff and the local partner (as appropriate) on final details of the program.
Responsibilities that you will have during the program include but may not be limited to:
- Teaching the program course. Most PLs will be teaching a course(s) while serving in the PL position. If the PL does not have a current or past lead instructional role as part of their employment duties at UW-Madison and the PL will be performing instructional duties as part of their IAP appointment, the individual must receive approval from the IAP Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC) before their PL appointment is finalized.
- Overseeing student well-being and participation,
- Offering virtual alternatives to program/class components for students as needed.
- Advising students on academic and cultural issues to ensure participant safety and success.
- Managing the on-site program budget as directed by IAP.
- Conducting on-site orientation in collaboration with local partners.
- Coordinating and participating on program excursions and activities,
- Communicating with the relevant study abroad staff as needed to ensure the smooth running of the program.