Governance and Leadership Academy Q&A
Last updated 30.09.2024
What is the Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA)?
The NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy (GLA) provides training to minority and female athletics administrators focused on NAIA governance, committee work, strategic initiatives, and leadership acumen.
When will GLA be held this year?
GLA will be held on the first day of the NAIA National Convention on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.
What topics will be covered?
GLA covers various topics, including NAIA governance, committee service, eligibility, compliance, fundraising, marketing, effective communication, mentorship, and creating welcoming environments for diverse/underrepresented student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and staff.
Who is invited to attend GLA?
GLA attendance is capped at 50 participants, with each conference sending two individuals. Any minority or female working within athletics, regardless of title, can be nominated by their institution and selected by their conference to attend. This includes administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants; undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work as staff members, administrators, or coaches in the athletics department.
GLA specifically targets individuals interested in starting, transitioning to, or advancing in a career within athletics administration. Conferences are responsible for ensuring attendance eligibility requirements are met.
How do conferences select their GLA attendees?
Each conference selects two individuals to participate in the GLA. Any minority or female working within athletics, regardless of title, can be nominated by their institution and selected by their conference to attend. This includes administrators, staff, coaches, and graduate assistants; undergraduate students will not be accepted unless they work as staff members, administrators, or coaches in the athletics department. GLA attendees should specifically be interested in starting, transitioning, or advancing in a career within athletics administration. Individuals interested in attending should contact their athletics director and/or conference commissioner for more information, as the selection process may differ for each conference.
When is the deadline for conferences to submit their participants?
Conferences should submit their participants through this form by February 7, 2025.
Who pays for GLA attendance?
No payment is needed for GLA attendance. However, individuals may still need to pay for travel if required. In some cases, an individual’s conference or institution may be able to cover the costs associated with travel. Attendees should contact their athletics director and/or conference commissioner for more information.
Where should GLA participants stay, and how do they reserve their room?
The preferred hotel is the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina at 1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101. Participants (or the institution/conference responsible for making the reservation) are encouraged to reserve their rooms through the convention hotel link at www.NAIA.org/convention.