Foundations of Academic IM for Department and Division Administrators (FAIM-DDA)

September 8, 9:00 AM - December 12, 2025, 11:59 PM | Course

Course Description

Now in its third year, this educational offering is a 13-week course for new department and division administrators (DDAs) developed by experienced administrators from Alliance member institutions. The course is designed for administrators who are in the first three years of their role or those looking for a refresh!

The virtual course will consist of four live Zoom sessions where learners will hear from experts in the field and be able to discuss key topics. In addition, on-demand reading, interactive exercises, and video-based learning will make up the required weekly study time between each live session. Attendance at the live Zoom sessions is highly encouraged but not required. All live sessions will be recorded and available in the digital learning center for course participants within 3 business days.

 

Participant Expectations

To receive a certificate of completion, all learners are expected to:

  • Attend in real-time or watch the recording of all four live events and complete all event evaluations.
  • Respond to at least four (of nine) weekly discussion posts
  • Turn in at least four (of nine) worksheet assignments
  • Complete both the pre- and post-course self-assessments

    Course Schedule

    (subject to change)

     ProgramHours

    Before Week 1
    (by Aug. 31)

    		Login to online course and complete participant profile questions0.25

    Week 1
    Live Event
    Wed., Sept. 10
    1-3PM ET

    		Introduction to Dept. & Div. administration2

    Week 1
    Post-Event Tasks
    Sept. 8-12

    Supplying event feedback, examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.

    0.5 - 1

    Week 2
    Sept. 15-19

    Dept. & Div. finance basics

    2

    Week 3
    Sept. 22-26

    Faculty affairs

    2

    Week 4
    Sept. 29-Oct. 3

    Human resources

    2

    Week 5
    Live Event
    Wed., Oct. 8
    1-3PM ET

    Discussion of weeks 2-4

    2

    Week 5
    Post-Event Tasks
    Oct. 6-10

    Supplying event feedback, examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.  

    0.5 - 1

    Week 6
    Oct. 13-17

    Research mission: Basics

    2

    Week 7 
    Oct. 20-24

    Research mission: Pre-award

    2

    Week 8
    Oct. 27-Oct. 31

    Research mission: Post-award & compliance

    2

    Week 9
    Live Event
    Wed., Nov. 5
    1-3PM ET

    Discussion of Weeks 6-7

    2

    Week 9
    Post-Event Tasks
    Nov. 3-7

    Supplying event feedback; examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.

    0.5 - 1

    Week 10
    Nov. 10-14

    Clinical mission: Basics

    2

    Week 11
    Nov. 17-21

    Clinical mission: Finance basics

    2

    Nov. 24 - Nov. 28

    		Thanksgiving Holiday

    -

    Week 12
    Dec. 1-5 

    Clinical mission: Metrics & comp plan basics

    2

    Week 13
    Live Event
    Wed., Dec. 10
    1-3PM ET

    Discussion of Weeks 10-12

    2

    Week 13
    Post-Event Tasks
    Dec. 8-12

    Supplying event feedback, examining your institution, noting reflections, etc.  

    0.5 - 1

     

    Registration for the 2025 course is now closed.

    Important Dates

     July 16
    Registration opens

    September 11 (Zoom)
    Course begins

    October 9 (Zoom)

    November 6 (Zoom)

    December 11 (Zoom)
    Course ends

    Course Dashboard

    If you are registered for the online course, you can access the course dashboard to see the course schedule, review asynchronous and live event content, and view supplemental materials. If you require any technical support to access your account or the course, please email aaimsupport@forj.ai.

    Access Course

    Questions?

    Email learning@im.org or call 703-341-4540.