Connections With CUPA-HR Leaders

Whether it’s gathering on monthly calls with current and Emeritus CUPA-HR leaders, connecting at events specifically for association leaders or getting introductions to higher ed HR colleagues from across the country, program participants will have many opportunities to connect with HR and association leaders throughout the experience.

Association Leadership Program (ALP) – Each Year in July

Participants will kick off the program year at this annual gathering of CUPA-HR chapter, regional and national leaders. The ALP offers Ignite participants an orientation to the program and the association, as well as the opportunity to connect with other higher ed HR professionals from across the country.

Monthly Topic of Interest Conversations

The cohort will gather on a video call each month to talk about a specific topic important for higher ed HR professionals. Program leaders will guide the conversation while invited subject matter experts will share their knowledge on the topic and program participants will ask questions or share their perspectives. Topics include change management, establishing credibility, employee engagement and others.

E-Learning Experiences

Beginning in August and ending in December, participants will be prompted to take the CUPA-HR Boot Camp and Understanding Higher Education e-learning series. Program leaders and CUPA-HR staff will guide the cohort through the course material and prompt discussion through a private group in the CUPA-HR Connect online community.

CUPA-HR Annual Conference and Expo – October

During the conference, Ignite participants will have the opportunity to connect with one another while also attending outstanding professional development sessions.

Experiential Learning Opportunities – Flexible Timing

As part of the application process, applicants will identify key areas for development over the course of the year. With those areas in mind, the program will offer participants tailored learning experiences that could include shadowing a higher ed HR leader, participating in phone or video conferences with CUPA-HR leaders and other higher ed HR subject matter experts, or taking applicable CUPA-HR e-learning courses.

Ignite Project – Ongoing

Each participant is required to develop and implement a project that is connected to identified areas for development. Past projects have included creating an HR mobile app, developing supervisor training, implementing inclusion programs and exploring topics such as mental health and well-being of HR professionals or becoming an ally for LGBTQ+ employees. At the conclusion of the project, each participant will share a summary of their work and collaborate with CUPA-HR staff to share the project outcome with other CUPA-HR members. This could take many forms, such as an article, CUPA-HR conference presentation, webinar or e-learning content, etc., and can be done with the assistance of a mentor, a CUPA-HR leader or staff member, in collaboration with a colleague or individually.

For participants, this program is essentially free. CUPA-HR pays for all costs directly associated with the program, including event registrations, travel, meals and accommodations for participants.*

*Some limits may apply.

To be eligible for the Ignite program, you must be:

• Employed by a CUPA-HR member institution;
• An entry-level or mid-level professional with no more than 10 years of higher ed HR experience looking for opportunities to enhance your higher ed HR competencies and grow personally and professionally;
• Willing and able to commit the required time, as outlined above;
• Fully supported by your direct supervisor to participate in all components of the program;
• Committed to using your leadership skills and knowledge for the long-term benefit of the higher ed HR community;
• Committed to working in higher education;
• Interested in actively engaging with mentors and connecting with other higher ed HR professionals; and
• Willing to remain engaged with CUPA-HR at the conclusion of the program in a volunteer capacity.

You are ineligible to apply if you:

• Serve on the CUPA-HR national board of directors; or
• Have served on a CUPA-HR board or committee.

Participants will be selected based on application responses explaining:

• How the program would be of benefit personally and professionally;
• Why the participant should be selected to participate; and
• Strengths and areas for development using CUPA-HR's Learning Framework.

We encourage all applicants to give some thought to the criteria above before applying. Final candidates will be evaluated based on the answers given in the application.

Selected Ignite program participants must:

• Acknowledge and confirm that they have the full support and approval from their supervisors to participate in the Ignite program.
• Be willing and able to commit to actively participating in all program components for the full program year.

• Attend all applicable events included in the program, such as the CUPA-HR Association Leadership Program and the CUPA-HR Annual Conference. (CUPA-HR will cover registration, hotel, reasonable airfare and other costs to attend and participate for program participants);*

Download this document to review additional program requirements and an overview of the 2025-26 Ignite program schedule.

*Some limits may apply.

Meet the 2023-24 participants.

Meet the 2022-23 participants.

Meet the 2021-22 participants.

Meet the 2020-21 participants.