The Ethical Leadership Development Initiative consists of three distinct programs designed to help our students make the connection between the classroom and the real world. Each program challenges students to use their talents and skills not just to improve themselves, but to sustain and build the communities where they live and work. In fact, participating in the variety of opportunities offered through the Ethical Leadership Development programs is an excellent way for students to get to know each other and to become active in a vibrant campus life.
The Common Thread
A sequential course thread linking several common courses in the core curriculum provides all undergraduate students with a foundational knowledge-base in ethical leadership. Through this common thread, all students are exposed to the philosophy and principles of ethical leadership and the message that they not only have the ability to make the world a better place, but also the responsibility to act.
Leadership Pathways
An opportunity for a select number of students, Leadership Pathways is a Co-Curricular Certificate Program designed for students who want to challenge themselves beyond The Common Thread experience. Continuing with a holistic emphasis and supplementing the foundation provided in the core curriculum, the certificate program emphasizes increasing levels of student engagement in key areas of personal and social responsibility.
Accepted students can tailor the program to their unique needs and interests in four focus areas:
- Leadership Enrichment
- Community Engagement
- Career Exploration and Preparation
- Campus Involvement
Ethical Leadership Fellows
Designed for an even more select number of students, the ethical leadership Fellows experience emphasizes the formal practice of leadership through a capstone project with a community partner organization. By completing this project and working as part of an interdisciplinary team, Fellows have this honor listed on their official transcript and are formally recognized at commencement.