Rate My Professor Alison Stewart

Dr Alison Stewart is the Head of the Academic Leadership Development Programme (ALDP) at the University of Otago, part of the Organisational Development team in the Human Resources Division. She oversees a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing leadership capabilities among academic staff, with particular emphasis on supporting individuals in roles such as Academic Head, Course Convenor, Chair of Committee, and Principal Investigator. The ALDP emphasises reflective leadership practice, peer learning, and applied just-in-time learning. Key programmes include the New Academic Heads' Leadership Development, a five-day programme delivered over 12 months for new Heads of Department/Programme, School, and Directors of Centre/Programme, helping participants navigate their roles effectively. Other offerings encompass Developing Academic Leadership workshops and courses open to academic heads, directors, and other nominated staff, as well as one- to two-hour Policy and Practice sessions on University policies for both academic and professional staff. Centrally funded by the university, these programmes are provided free of charge to departments and participants, promoting widespread accessibility and participation across the institution.