UC Management Skills Assessment Program

UC Management Skills Assessment Program (MSAP)

The UC Management Skills Assessment Program is on hiatus until further notice.

The Management Skills Assessment Program (MSAP) is designed to strengthen the engagement and preparation of high potential UC supervisors, managers, and professionals. It offers an intensive, off-site, assessment center experience for early career managers.

The program guides participants through a series of structured exercises and simulations observed by trained assessors who offer feedback about observed strengths and development areas. Subsequent, collaborative work after the program between the assessee participant and his/her sponsoring manager fine tunes a professional development plan designed to optimize assessment feedback.

Program Highlights

The Management Skills Assessment Program is a unique assessment center experience which, over time, cumulatively builds a valuable talent pipeline that assists the University in supporting upward mobility and deployments of talent as workforce needs unfold into the future. It fosters institutional loyalty among assessee participants, teaches assessors from UC locations enlightened and effective management practices, and benefits sponsoring departments and their locations by improving their participants in a variety of important ways - performance, role effectiveness, morale, and self-confidence. All program components promote alignment between the program itself, institutional workforce needs, organizational direction, and participants' aspirations at a critical time in the competition for talent in the marketplace.

Program Goals & Benefits

The goal of MSAP is to address skill deficits and grow competencies that will prepare internal employees for future role opportunities in their UC workplaces.

Assessees who participate diligently follow through on their development plans and practice new management skills.
Assessors who attend the assessment center learn to observe and provide behavioral, objective, constructive feedback. They also hone their coaching skills.
Sponsoring supervisors of assesses are encouraged to give the assessee stretch assignments that will allow development on the job.

Program Fees

Departments/locations are responsible for the fee as well as transportation costs. The participant cost includes food and lodging for four days (beginning Monday evening) and three nights, materials, assessments, etc. The participant fee will be updated when MSAP returns from hiatus.

There is no registration or participation fee for assessors. Travel costs are not covered by the program, and are the responsibility of the assessor.

General Assessee Eligibility Requirements

The program is best suited for high-potential individuals who have a demonstrated management career path (through education and/or experience). Highest priority will be given to applicants who meet the following criteria:

Intended for individuals who have 1-5 years of supervisory experience
Applicants must have a minimum of one year of service at UC (past probation, career status) as of the application deadline
Career Tracks Level P3 or above; Administrative Officer 3 (or equivalent) or above;
Supervisor support is essential to the success of MSAP

Various locations may have more specific eligibility requirements. Contact your Location Coordinator for more information.

Assessee Application

Applications will not be accepted while the program is on hiatus. Please contact your location coordinator if you have questions.

MSAP is offered twice each year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Check with your Location Coordinator for your location's application deadlines.

Prospective participants must complete an online application that requires information regarding education, employment history, and a self statement. Your supervisor is required to complete a supporting statement before your application can be submitted for consideration. For information on your location's application deadlines, and screening and selection process, please contact your Location Coordinator.

General Assessor Eligibility Requirements

Assessors are expected to be experienced managers who meet most of the following criteria:

Coaching experience
Employee development experience
Experience leading or working with groups
Ability to commit to attending two MSAP programs with two years
Title and Pay Plan: MSP 1, equivalent, or above
Career Tracks: Manager I

Assessors receive a 2-day training prior to the program and additional training on-site to prepare them for their role. If you are interested in serving as an Assessor, please contact your Location Coordinator.

Assessor Application

New assessors should complete the assessor application prior to their participation in the program. Returning assessors do not need to complete a new application, but will need to update the program coordinator if you have changes in dietary needs, emergency contact information, etc. While the program is on hiatus, we will not accept assessor applications. The application link will be available when the program returns.