Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute

Daniel Gaken, Director

Powers 100

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859

989-774-LEAD (5323)

www.cmich.edu/leadership

Introduction

The Leadership Institute was established in 1997 to help Central Michigan University prepare students to serve as leaders in business, government, education, and community agencies. Since its creation, the Leadership Institute has been recognized as a national best practices program for creating student leaders. The Leadership Institute functions as the coordinating body for the university’s present and future leadership-related activities and programming. The Institute works to ensure that CMU graduates leaders, this work is guided by four overarching leadership learning goals:

1. Leadership knowledge and application: students understand theoretical and historical perspectives of leadership, they are equipped to evaluate options, think critically, and take healthy risks, and are forward thinking.
2. Identity development: students demonstrate accurate self-appraisal, have developed a well-defined sense of purpose, understand their identities and intersectionality of them, and they seek and consider feedback from others.
3. Health relationships: student can manage interpersonal conflict effectively, display appropriately assertive behavior, develop mutually beneficial relationships, value diverse perspectives, and demonstrate care for others.
4. Social responsibility: students understand power and privilege, actively work for the great good (social justice), demonstrate consideration for the welfare of others in decision-making, and act with integrity.

The work of the Institute is done through academic courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, service learning and volunteerism.

Leader Advancement Scholarship (LAS) Protocol

Recipients of the Leader Advancement Scholarship follow a comprehensive leadership development protocol. The protocol is overseen by the Academic Senate’s Leadership Council and contains both academic coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Courses across the academic colleges have been chosen for course objectives related to leadership. Faculty with expertise in leadership modify these courses to infuse leadership theory into the class. 

All Leader Advancement Scholarship recipients will complete specified courses together as a cohort. Most courses are components of the University’s General Education requirements and do not constitute additional coursework. Additionally, the courses required in the LAS protocol align well with the University’s leadership studies minor.

Leader Advancement Scholars document their leadership learning through a dynamic online portfolio. Students completing the protocol will be recognized at the University’s commencement ceremony with a Leadership Institute medal.

LAS Academic Coursework:

Required:
Complete the required courses before 56 credit hours:
LDR 100 – Introduction to Leadership Education and Development 1(1-0)
CGL 145 L – Racism and Discrimination in America through Dialogue 3(3-0) 
LDR 200 L – Introduction to Leadership 3(2-2)
COM 267 L – Introduction to Debate 3(3-0)

Elective Group One:
Complete at least three (3) credits of the following L coursework that satisfy general education University Program and/or writing Intensive requirements before 56 credit hours:
PHL 118 L – Moral Problems 3(3-0) 
HST 120 L WI – Unlikely Princesses: Women of World History 3(3-0) 
PSY 100 L – Introduction to Psychology 3(3-0) 
PAD 211 L WI – Introduction to Nonprofit Leadership 3(3-0)

Elective Group Two:
Complete at least an additional six (6) credits of approved coursework before graduation from CMU; defined as LDR courses, L-designated courses, or with the approval of the LAS Director:
COM 461 L – Communication in Leadership 3(3-0) 
LDR 302 – Field Experience in Leadership 3(Spec)
LDR 499 L – Contemporary Issues in Leadership 3(3-0)
CGL 445 – Intergroup Dialogue Facilitation 3(3-0)
CGL 302 – Cultural and Global Studies Internship 1-3(Spec) 

LAS Experiences:

Freshman Year:
• Involvement in one (1) student organization
• Attendance at one (1) multicultural event each semester
• Participation in a seminar or workshop pertaining to leadership (Spark Leadership Series or LeaderShape)
• Completion of thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteer activity
• Reside in Calkins Hall
• Document your leadership experiences through an online portfolio 

Sophomore Year:
• Involvement in two (2) student organizations
• Attendance at one (1) multicultural event each semester
• Attendance at designated leadership activities 
• Completion of thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteer activity
• Mentor a freshman member of the LAS cohort
• Active on a Leadership Institute Involvement (committee or facilitator role)
• Reside in any on-campus housing
• Document your leadership experiences through an online portfolio 

Junior Year:
• Involvement in two (2) student organizations
• Hold a leadership role in an organization (RSO executive board or equivalent)
• Attendance at one (1) multicultural event each semester
• Attendance at designated leadership activities 
• Completion of thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteer activity
• Service on a University or community committee (either junior OR senior year)
• Active on a Leadership Institute Involvement (committee or facilitator role)
• Document your leadership experiences through an online portfolio 

Senior Year:
• Involvement in two (2) student organizations
• Hold a leadership role in an organization (RSO executive board or equivalent)
• Attendance at one (1) multicultural event each semester
• Attendance at designated leadership activities 
• Completion of thirty (30) hours of community service or volunteer activity
• Service on a University or community committee (either junior OR senior year)
• Document your leadership experiences through an online portfolio

Co-Curricular Leadership Programs

The Leadership Institute offers a four-year leadership program sequence. Enrollment in student leadership programs is open to all Central Michigan University undergraduate and graduate students. Programs include Leadership Safari, Spark Leadership, the Connections Leadership Conference, Ignite Leadership, and the LeaderShape Institute.