Board Director Program

Elevate your strategic impact in the boardroom
Total Work Experience

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Key program features

Comprehensive curriculum of the Board Director Program
Comprehensive Curriculum

Delve into best practices for effective board governance, including fiduciary responsibilities, ethics, and the navigation of complex organizational challenges.

Expert faculty of the Board Director Program
Expert Faculty

Learn from leading experts who are both thought leaders and experienced practitioners in their areas of discipline.

On-campus immersion during the Board Director Program
On-Campus Immersion

Immerse yourself in a five-day in-person module on the Michigan Ross campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and benefit from a range of facilitated discussions, experiential sessions, and networking opportunities.

Real-world case studies in the Board Director Program
Real-World Case Studies

Engage in hands-on learning by analyzing real-world scenarios and case studies, applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.

Networking opportunities as part of the Board Director Program
Networking Opportunities

Gain new perspectives and build lifelong connections by networking with high-achieving professionals from different industries.

Hands-on simulations in the Board Director Program
Hands-On Simulations

Engage in practical simulations that mirror real-world boardroom dynamics and complex decision-making scenarios to refine your strategic thinking and corporate governance skills.

Learning outcomes

The program will enable you to:

  • Understand Corporate Governance Principles – Develop a deep understanding of governance structures, fiduciary duties, and the roles of board members in ensuring organizational accountability

  • Enhance Strategic Leadership Skills – Learn to oversee corporate strategy, balance short-term performance with long-term growth, and navigate complex decision-making scenarios

  • Develop Financial Acumen – Gain proficiency in interpreting financial statements, evaluating key performance indicators, and assessing financial risks

  • Strengthen Risk Oversight Capabilities – Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and compliance risks while understanding the impact of emerging financial technologies

  • Leverage Digital Transformation and AI – Understand the role of emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and data privacy regulations in corporate strategy and governance

  • Foster Boardroom Effectiveness – Enhance communication, improve decision-making processes, and implement best practices for high-performing boards

  • Succession Planning – Learn how to build diverse board cultures, implement succession planning strategies, and foster inclusive leadership

Board members must possess a combination of strategic insights, governance expertise, and ethical frameworks to effectively steer their organizations forward. The Board Director Program from Michigan Ross, designed for current and aspiring board directors, offers a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, ethical leadership, and financial acumen combined with ESG initiatives to help you step up to this critical role.
Board Director Program faculty Mike Barger
Mike Barger
Faculty Director, Board Director Program; Assistant Clinical Professor of Business Administration and former Executive Director, Ross Online, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

Comprehensive curriculum

The program’s curriculum is delivered through live online and in-person sessions. Through engaging core modules, you will learn the best practices in corporate governance, hone your strategic management skills, understand how to navigate boardroom dynamics, and foster a culture of integrity within the boardroom. An immersive, in-person module will give you further insights into governance challenges as well as provide networking opportunities.

Immersive learning experience | On-campus sessions

5 days | November 10-14, 2025

The final module of this program is a five-day in-person experience on the Michigan Ross campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During this immersive experience, you will participate in simulations and apply the strategic concepts learned during the program. This module will allow you to participate in engaging and interactive sessions on governance challenges and opportunities. Additionally, on-campus networking will provide opportunities to build lasting connections with industry leaders from around the globe.

Program calendar

Date

Time

Pre work & introduction

June-July 2025

Live online session 1

August 7, 2025

11 AM -1 PM ET

Live online session 2

August 21, 2025

11 AM -1 PM ET

Live online session 3

September 4, 2025

11 AM -1 PM ET

Live online session 4

September 18, 2025

11 AM -1 PM ET

Live online session 5

October 2, 2025

11 AM -1 PM ET

Live online session 6

October 16, 2025

11 AM -1 PM ET

On-campus sessions

November 10-14, 2025

Faculty

The program is designed and taught by renowned Michigan Ross faculty and industry leaders who have deep expertise in corporate governance, strategic management, and ethical leadership. They bring cutting-edge research, extensive industry experience, and insights into the skill set needed for success in modern boardrooms.

Board Director Program faculty Mike Barger
Mike Barger

Faculty Director, Board Director Program; Assistant Clinical Professor of Business Administration and former Executive Director, Ross Online, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

Mike Barger leads courses in entrepreneurship, early-stage business development, and leadership during organizational crises at the Ross School of Business while facilitating ...

Participant profile

The Board Director Program is suited for experienced executives across various industries and functions. It is particularly beneficial for:

  • Senior executives aspiring to serve on corporate or nonprofit boards and looking to drive long-term growth strategies

  • C-suite leaders and senior leaders seeking to transition to board roles, keen to understand best practices in corporate governance, and want to hone their strategic leadership and decision-making skills

  • Current board members looking to enhance their effectiveness by driving innovation and sustainability

  • Investors or advisors involved in board governance matters and are keen to stay ahead of changing global market trends and evolving regulatory landscapes

Board Director Program certificate

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a verified digital certificate by Michigan Ross Executive Education. The certificate will be a recognition of their achievement in the Board Director Program.

Note: After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Michigan Ross.

FAQs

Connect with a program advisor for a 1:1 session

Our program advisors have helped senior executives across the world choose the right program for their career goals. Schedule a 1:1 to get a deeper understanding on why the Board Director Program is the right fit for you.

Email: umib_bdp@emeritus.org

Phone: +971 80 0088601087 (U.A.E.) / +44 1377 310957 (U.K.) / +1 315 557 7286 (U.S.) / +52 55965 41726 (LATAM)

Early registrations are encouraged. Seats fill up quickly!

Flexible payment options available.

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