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New Leader Onboarding

The New Leader Onboarding (NLO) program is a required development experience for non-faculty supervisors, managers, and directors with one or more direct reports who are stepping into their first leadership role at UT Southwestern on or after June 1, 2025.* This program supports both:

  • New leaders joining UTSW from outside the institution, and
  • Current employees transitioning from a non-leadership role into a people-manager role.

The program is designed to equip leaders with the knowledge, tools, and relationships they need during their first 100 days and throughout the first year in their new role. It intended to give leaders the tools, confidence, and resources they need to successfully navigate a leadership role at UTSW by emphasizing:

  • Early access to essential tools and systems
  • Understanding UTSW’s culture, expectations, and leadership practices
  • Building a community of peers who can support each other
  • Practical, situational learning leaders can apply immediately

Program Schedule & Format

  • A new cohort meets every other month
  • Two consecutive full-days (8 a.m.- 5 p.m. each day)
  • In-person at Woodview Tower (1349 Empire Central Drive, Dallas, TX 75247 [8th Floor, Room LE 8.110])

Not Required, but Interested?

Individuals who assume a leadership role after June 1, 2025, but have served in a UTSW leadership role previously, are not required to attend. However, non-faculty leaders who are not required but feel the curriculum would benefit them may contact the Leadership Foundations team at LeadershipFoundations@UTSouthwestern.edu to discuss participation options.

What New Leaders Gain

Tools and Resources

  • Information about essential UTSW systems and support functions
  • Practical tools for leading people, processes, and performance
  • A leadership toolkit and structured guidance for the first 100 days

Community and Connection

  • A cohort of peers navigating similar challenges
  • Opportunities for open dialogue, Q&A, and shared learning
  • A supportive space to ask questions and grow together

Ongoing Development

  • Pre-work to set the foundation for each session
  • Post-session activities that reinforce learning
  • Reflection and self-assessment opportunities

Curriculum Features

The program includes a blend of interactive and applied learning:

  • Instructor-led sessions
  • Customized case studies and work scenarios
  • Video demonstrations
  • In-depth handouts and toolkits
  • Pre-session assignments
  • Facilitated discussions and group activities
  • Coaching-style conversation practice

Program Content Overview

Across two full days, participants will explore critical leadership topics, such as:

Day 1:

  • Introduction to Leadership & Psychological Safety
  • Bridging Differences as Managers
  • Establishing Boundaries
  • Providing Feedback
  • Holding Teams Accountable
  • Conflict Management
  • Resource review

Day 2:

  • Change Management
  • Compliance
  • HR Services Resource Panel
  • Leading Effective Team Meetings
  • Employee Relations Part A: Problem Solving Process

Instructor Team

New Leader Onboarding is facilitated by UTSW leaders, subject matter experts, and executive educators who create an environment that is:

  • Engaging
  • Challenging
  • Supportive
  • Practical

Participants are encouraged to talk with their direct supervisors about how session topics apply to their role and their unique team environments.

Questions About Leadership Programs?

LeadershipFoundations@UTSouthwestern.edu Leadership Foundations.

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