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Aurora
Aurora - Women Only Leadership Ignition Programme
1. What is Aurora?
Aurora is the women-only online leadership development programme developed by Advance-HE (UK) in 2013 for women who have not undertaken leadership training before. It was developed in response to research indicating that the level of women in influential and senior positions in higher education was lower then than over 10 years previous to this. UCC has participated from the beginning and we now have a UCC Aurora Alumnae community of over 250 women.
** In addition, all current and past Aurorians get access to the 'Aurora Community Connect Group' with access to 11 x 1 hour Network & Exchange Sessions organised by Advance HE throughout the year. (Dates yet to be confirmed).**
The programme aims are to:
- Increase your confidence
- Begin a journey of self-discovery
- Develop leadership skills
- Increase your network
- Influence your team and sector
- Progress your career
2. What you need to know
| Target Audience |
**Applicants must have been working in UCC at least one year & their contract must extend to at least the end of the programme date i.e. March 2026.** |
|---|---|
| Nominators | Applicants must be supported by their Head of Unit and ULT member. |
| Cost | Cost is divided equally between the local unit & People & Culture Department. €600 to be paid by the local unit & €600 to be paid by Staff Wellbeing & Development, People & Culture Department. Any additional expenses to be borne locally. NB: The budget holder is the Head of Local Unit & not the ULT member. |
| Application Process | Applicants must submit a personal statement (anonymised) of no more than 800 words, indicating why they should receive one of the scholarships and what they wish to achieve from the programme (see no. 5 below for more detail). |
| Deadline | TBC August 2025 |
| Evaluation Process | An Equality Sub-Committee will evaluate the anonymised applications in accordance with the criteria & will work to ensure an even allocation of places across staff categories |
3. What is required of UCC Aurorians during the programme?
- Attend all eight Aurora sessions
- Attend inhouse UCC Aurora sessions (e.g. Mentoring & internal UCC Aurora workshop)
- Undertake self-directed learning throughout Aurora, aligned with development interests
- Commit to working with a mentor
- Be prepared to access leadership opportunities and champion for change
- Engage in the UCC Aurora Alumnae Community, becoming an active member and champion
| WORKSHOP | DATE | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction Webinar | 24 September 2025 (am) | Online |
| Identity, Impact & Voice | 1 October 2025 | Online |
| Core Leadership | 5 November 2025 | Online |
| Action Learning Set 1 | 26 November 2025 | Online |
| Politics and Influence | 17 December 2025 | Online |
| Adaptive Leadership | 14 January 2026 | Online |
| Your Future in HE | 24 February 2026 | InterContinental Hotel-Dublin |
| Action Learning Set 2 | 11 March 2026 | Self-Hosted Online |
5. Application & Nomination process
Via the AURORA APPLICATION FORM, provide a personal statement (anonymised) of no more than 800 words, specifically addressing the following:
- What development needs and/or leadership challenges are you experiencing in your current role?
- How you perceive Aurora specifically (a women only leadership programme as opposed to a leadership programme) would support you in addressing these needs/challenges?
- What specific outcomes do you wish to achieve from your engagement in Aurora six months after completion (September '26). You may find it useful to use the SMART formula to set out your aims and outcomes (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Time-bound).
6. Any questions?
Do not hesitate to contact Mary Horgan should you have any questions.
- Application Form 2025/2026
- Aurora Information Sheet '25/'26
- Advance-HE Aurora website
- Previous UCC Aurora participants
NOTE: Successful applicants, in order to afford sufficient time, space and opportunity to reflect and embed all their learnings, participate in only ONE leadership programme at any given time e.g. one cannot participate in a Current Leaders programme and Aurora in the same academic year.
Some feedback from UCC Aurorians '24/'25
- I was very grateful for the opportunity to take part in Aurora. It provided space for reflection and some important prompts for career development that I’ll certainly take forward.
- Aurora was an amazing programme & I feel so privileged having been awarded a place.
- Aurora has laid the foundations for new challenges to come. You must be disciplined however to get the most out of it, especially being online - block out that time & be fully present.
BELOW: Some of the UCC women who participated in the Aurora programme ‘24/'25 at the final workshop on 14 February 2025 with Susan O' Mahony, Staff Wellbeing Advisor.
