Institute for Democracy, Excellence and Anti-Discrimination Leadership
IDEAL
2027 Application Information
Application period: October 12 – November 13, 2026
Please review all information before applying.
About
The program is designed for faculty and staff leaders across UCSF with the goal of fostering collaboration by bringing together scholars to share insights, ideas, and strategies in anti-discrimination work. The institute also seeks to advance knowledge and innovation through research, creative thinking, and practice-based contributions. By strengthening scholars’ skills, growth, and expertise with resources and mentorship, IDEAL supports leadership development while also building lasting networks of trust that promote collaboration, democracy, and excellence.
Curriculum
IDEAL 2027 prepares UCSF leaders to shape the future of our academic health center through four interconnected themes: strategic foresight, health equity, academic freedom, and institutional transformation. Through collaborative learning, critical dialog, and strategic planning, participants will explore emerging challenges, examine opportunities for institutional change, and develop strategies to equity and excellence.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Application Information
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a UCSF academic or staff employee with a minimum 50% appointment and remain employed at UCSF through the conclusion of the program in May 2027.
- Be in good standing with a satisfactory performance review.
- Demonstrate a commitment to upholding UCSF's Principles of Community and PRIDE Values.
- Be classified at the M1 or M2 level and not hold an Assistant or Associate Vice Chancellor title, or an equivalent Vice President or Executive Vice President title within UCSF Health.
- Have not previously participated in IDEAL.
- Obtain supervisor approval to participate in the program.
- Be available to attend the full program as outlined in the Program Schedule below.
Applications are encouraged from all eligible members across UCSF, including UCSF Health, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland, UCSF Health Stanyan Hospital, UCSF Health Hyde Hospital, and other UCSF locations and entities.
Note: Questions regarding classification, employment, or eligibility should be directed to their supervisors or Human Resources before submitting an application.
Participation Expectations
- Attend all five IDEAL sessions*
- Actively participate in activities and discussions
- Complete program evaluations and requested feedback
- Sign a participant commitment statement
- Recognize that acceptance reserves a limited cohort seat
IDEAL sessions will be held in person from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the following dates.
Applicants should confirm their ability to attend all five sessions before applying.
2027 IDEAL Sessions
- Envisioning UCSF’s Future Through Strategic Foresight
- Topics: UCSF Strategic Plan; Organizational Climate, Culture, and Belonging; Anticipating Future Challenges and Opportunities
- Date: Friday, January 22, 2027
- Location: Mission Bay Campus
- Reimagining Knowledge in the Age of AI
- Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Production; Ethics and Institutional Responsibilities in Emerging Technologies
- Date: Friday, February 26, 2027
- Location: Mission Bay Campus
- Health Equity in a Changing World
- Topics: Health Impacts of Climate Change; Health Equity Through Institutional and Community Action
- Date: Friday, March 19, 2027
- Location: Parnassus Campus
- Academic Freedom: Upholding the Promise of Higher Education
- Topics: Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression; Institutional Responsibilities; Protection of Inquiry
- Date: Friday, April 23, 2027
- Location: Mission Bay Campus
- Transforming UCSF: From Vision to Action
- Topics: Organizational Transformation: Past, Present, and Potential Future; Building Coalitions and Community Partnership; Equity-Centered Leadership
- Date: Friday, May 14, 2027
- Location: Mission Bay Campus
Preparing for Your Application
Application Questions
Please respond to each question in no more than 200 words. Your responses will help the IDEAL Selection Committee learn about your experiences, perspectives, and goals for participating in IDEAL 2027.
- What motivates you to apply for IDEAL 2027? How does IDEAL align with your professional aspirations?
- How do you care for yourself while engaging in equity and anti-discrimination work?
- Which planned IDEAL session most interests you, and why?
- What work have you done in the area of democracy, anti-discrimination and institutional excellence?
- Is there anything else you would like the IDEAL Selection Committee to know?
Supervisor Approval
Before applying, applicants should discuss the opportunity with their supervisors, including approval for time away from work. A formal approval from the applicant's supervisor is required as part of the application process.
UCSF does not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories, or proxies for protected categories, in the selection process.
Participants
The inaugural group to graduate from the IDEAL participated in the program from February to June 2023.
Testimonials
"As a new leader in this space (and staff), [IDEAL] was intimidating at first, but I felt so included and welcomed from the beginning… It was an amazing cohort full of people with so much knowledge and willingness to share how they were able to accomplish certain things. I am forever grateful to be able to extend my network of dedicated UCSF change makers. Together we can."
Verónica Noemí Álvarez, MPA, PMP
Vice Chair of Opportunity & Structural Change, Dept. of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
"Wow! what an amazing experience. Each session was extremely well organized and executed. Each speaker was prepared and delivered their information in a manner that was very useful and effective for future practice. Secondly, I enjoyed meeting new faculty and staff from across the university that I may not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet or network with."
Cherrie B. Boyer, PhD
Professor Emeritus,
Dept. of Pediatrics
"The IDEAL Academy gave me the wonderful opportunity to meet other people at UCSF who share similar concerns, life experiences, and visions for the future…I expect much more collaboration in the future across schools and am hopeful that we are more of a collective movement now."
Mica Estrada
Professor and Associate Dean of Diversity, Inclusion & Outreach,
School of Nursing