About
The GEWL (Graduate Education Western Leaders) Academy is a two day event where graduate deans and their senior staff gather to discuss real-world challenges and situations in a supportive environment. GEWL Academy participants submit case studies in order to provide context that can then be used to understand an issue, identify the problem, examine solutions, and propose effective action. Each case study is discussed in groups led by senior graduate deans in an effort to engage with an unresolved real‐world issue that participants are facing at their university. These group discussions include collective brainstorming of potential solutions and possible paths to resolutions.
GEWL Academy 2026
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (ID), March 28-29, 2026.
Nominations due by Feb. 1st, 2026
Nominations must be accompanied by a case study of a real-world issue or challenge. Guidelines are here.
Please contact wooster@pdx.edu with any questions
Testimonials
“The GEWL (Graduate Education and Western Leaders) Academy within the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) has been extremely beneficial for our team. The GEWL Academy equipped our university leaders in the Graduate College with an opportunity to communicate with other universities to identify innovative ways to introduce culturally aware mentorship to our graduate faculty. Communicating with other leaders in this focused and intentional space fostered a culture of adaptability and community. The lasting impact of GEWL includes improved student outcomes, stronger academic programs, and a more dynamic and responsive educational environment for our graduate student community.”
Alyssa Crittenden
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
2023 GEWL Academy participant
“I received excellent advice on activities and programming that can help improve student wellbeing from colleagues in the GEWL cohort. It was great to hear about the initiatives at other universities and how others had resolved challenges around mentorship, enrollment planning and meeting accreditation requirements. The cohort was a fantastic group of deans and senior staff that created a warm and welcoming environment to discuss challenges and brainstorm solutions. Thank you GEWL Academy!“
Rossitza Wooster
Dean of the Graduate School
Portland State University
2023& 2024 GEWL Academy participant
“The GEWL Academy is different from other leadership programs I have attended. The case-study approach provides an intimate setting for identifying just-in-time solutions to challenges we face in graduate education. And, attending the program in pairs allows you to strengthen your leadership team while also preparing your direct report for the next step in their professional development.”
Debra Jackson, PhD
Gean of the Graduate School
East Carolina University”
2024 GEWL Academy participant
