Certificate in the Study and Practice of Leadership
Introduction
For the past decade, institutions of higher education throughout the United States, with support from the Kellogg, Ford and other foundations, have developed a wide range of leadership programs. On some campuses this has taken the form of an academic major or minor, while on others there has been an expansion of extracurricular leadership opportunities. Following a careful study of exemplary programs throughout the country, the University of Colorado at Boulder is offering a Certificate in the Study and Practice of Leadership to all students on campus.
 The program and certificate in leadership development at the University of Colorado-Boulder seeks to expand a person's capacity to be effective in leadership roles and opportunities during their time at CU and in their future professions. The program enhances a student's self-awareness, systemic thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. This development unfolds over their undergraduate career and is maximized by a variety of courses and experiences that challenge, support and provide students with increased understanding of what they are learning and how it fits into the larger world. The Certificate in the Study and Practice of Leadership integrates the variety of experiences into an organizational context that is likely to be useful when undertaking new leadership roles and responsibilities. The training is an ongoing process, embedded in experiences and unfolding over time, and is facilitated by faculty and staff skilled at weaving those experiences and courses in connected and meaningful ways.
The Certificate on the Study and Practice of Leadership is based on three assumptions
- Our society is in need of more and better leaders.
- Effective leadership skills can be taught and learned at the university and in the community.
- The university environment is a strategic and appropriate setting for mastering both leadership theory and skills.
 College and Campus Mission
The Mission Statement of the Boulder Campus says that as part of the Total Learning Environment (TLE) the following things are important to undergraduate education: "Generate innovation in the undergraduate learning environment in ways that promote a sense of discovery and lifelong learning, develop skills in critical thinking, and prepare students for citizenship and leadership." Many aspects of the curricular and extracurricular offerings on the Boulder campus assist the institution in reaching these admirable goals. A Leadership Certificate can enhance the undergraduate experience and better prepare our students both as citizens and as leaders in whatever profession they might seek to enter.
The Study and Practice of Leadership program recognizes the need for individuals capable of taking leadership roles in all professions and sectors of society. It is our belief that leadership can be learned in formal classes, community-based leadership opportunities, mentoring and internship settings, as well as through a range of collaborative leadership activities.
The Certificate in the Study and Practice of Leadership was unanimously approved by the Council of Deans, 12/19/00
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