Leadership Development and Service for all Students

Name of Concept: Leadership Development and Service for all Students

Overview

Based on feedback my department has received from students, faculty and staff across campus, I believe that as many students as possible be required to participate in some out of the classroom experience that would enable them to develop and practice leadership, communication and teamwork skills in an experiential environment that would compliment their academic experience.  Students would have the freedom to choose a leadership or service project that meets their interests but would be required to participate in either a course (such as the Experiential Leadership course that currently exists) or series of workshops and work with an instructor or adviser to receive feedback on their progress and introduce them to key concepts and strategies for working with and leading others.  They could reflect on their experience and record their progress in an E-portfolio program.

How this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise

The Leadership Institute & Community Service Center, in collaboration with the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies already offers a similar program and set of courses for interested students as free electives and non credit bearing certificates. These courses and programs are very popular with students and the project work students have completed is meaningful and relevant and the skills and concepts they are learning are directly transferable to success in their careers. The idea would be to expand this opportunity and require all students to become involved in a community service project or in a leadership role.

Main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea

Molly McGowan and The Leadership Institute & Community Service Center and the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies

Additional on-campus champions willing to collaborate with this individual and take a lead role in driving the idea

Dr. James Myers

Phyllis Walker

Sandy Whitmore

Is there potential off-campus advocacy and support for the idea?

Yes, there are many non profits we currently work with, including Compeer, Foodlink, the Red Cross and many more.

Are you aware of another university that is working on a similar idea? If yes, which one?

There are other universities that have similar programs but are not exactly the same as this idea.  RPI, SUNY Buffalo, Tufts University all have leadership development programs, it is a growing trend amongst universities across the nation.

How you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an important or emerging field

Today's workplace demands competent, knowledgeable, experienced and thoughtful leaders.  Our students need to be prepared in how to lead projects and communicate effectively with others in their careers no matter what their field of study is.  Our communities are riddled with problems and need talented young leaders with innovative approaches to solving problems to use their skills and knowledge to meet these challenges.  Our students need to understand the responsibility they have to sharing their talents and expertise with the world.

Why you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate itself through this idea

Many universities have leadership programs where students are taught concepts about effective leadership but many do not have courses where students can work directly with an instructor, receive mentoring and receive credit to learn how to effectively lead in a "hands on" leadership role or in a community service project.  If the majority of our students were required to take part in a supported leadership and/or service experience they will be far better prepared to lead in their organizations and to make a significant impact in their communities.