Case Study: California Department of Corrections Leadership Institute

Since 1994, the Center for Regional and Continuing Education has partnered with the California Department of Corrections (CDC) to present the Leadership Institute for the benefit of top CDC managers. With a focus on issues and challenges specific to the Department of Corrections, nationally recognized criminal justice and corrections experts deliver a practical, hands-on approach to leadership.

The Leadership Institute is a six-week program conducted in two sessions each year. During each session, twenty-five CDC managers meet one week per month over a six-month period. Managers are selected to participate in the Leadership Institute through a competitive nomination and application process. Participants are selected from a diverse cross-section of CDC operations including prison institutions, parole, business, and professional functions.

CSU, Chico provides an ideal setting for the Leadership Institute. The quiet beauty of the campus and access to educational resources make the Institute an outstanding learning experience.

The Institute curriculum focuses on visionary leadership through motivation, ethics, research and analysis, and strategic planning. During the six weeks of the Institute, participants work in small groups to conduct research on current issues facing the CDC. The groups then work together to recommend solutions and find new ways to improve upon existing methods within the department. The class projects, in addition to their value as a learning tool, are presented to the CDC executive staff at the end of each session. Some projects, including a mentoring program for managers launched in fall 2000, are implemented as presented; other projects serve as springboards for further research and discussion. Susan Murray, CDC staff services manager, acknowledges the meaningful impact the Leadership Institute projects can have on the future of the Department. "The projects add a valuable dimension to the Institute, and we anticipate future projects will continue to be well received."

"The Leadership Institute allows CDC managers to leave their highly stressful work environment and focus on learning and leadership skills," said Clare Roby, Continuing Education's program director. From research in the Meriam Library to new technology applications, the university experience is an outstanding feature of this executive program. For example, College of Business faculty Gail Corbitt and Lauren Wright introduce Leadership Institute participants to group systems software while helping them better understand the dynamics of group decision-making. This experience enriches the participants' learning and strengthens the overall quality of the program.

Roby also stresses the importance of the Institute's dedicated faculty whose expertise is critical to the success of the Leadership Institute. "We bring experts in criminal justice and corrections from across the country to teach at the Institute. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom to create an engaging and interactive learning experience." Special guest speakers, including representatives from the California Attorney General's Office and the United States Federal Court, add an opportunity to explore relevant legal and political issues.

An overall assessment of the program conducted in 1998 by the CDC concluded that the Leadership Institute is a valuable program for those involved. The final report states, "The Leadership Institute results in strong positive effects for the large majority of those responding [to the survey] and that most respondents have been able to apply concepts and strategies learned at the Institute to their work environments."

The Leadership Institute has a national reputation. Institute faculty and Continuing Education staff have made a presentations at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences annual meeting and the American Probation and Parole Association meeting.

Today, CSU, Chico Continuing Education provides training audit services and leadership programming consultation to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

For more information contact Clare Roby, Director at 530-898-6105 or e-mail croby@csuchico.edu.