L.LEA 195 – Leadership University

Overview: This conference is a six-day immersion in Leadership for high-performing high school students seeking to recognize and develop their leadership potential. Through classroom teaching on leadership theory, motivational speakers, and interactive leadership modules, students enhance their abilities to lead in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Students who complete the course earn one college credit from Loras College (with a second credit option). Lecturing is performed by professional leadership trainers and professors with the assistance of Team Leaders, who are typically recent college graduates and undergraduate upperclassmen from a variety of surroundings with strong leadership background and skills.

Course Content: The following topics will be covered in the Leadership University conference.

Readings: Students will be given approximately 50 pages of collegiate-level background reading assignments on leadership traits, skills, and practices.

Simulation: Throughout the course of the program, students will build their leadership skills in order to raise their awareness of their own potential, skills, and ability to affect positive change in the world.

Classroom Activities: In addition to lecture and discussion, students will:

          • Participate in dynamic leadership training focused on developing the skills necessary for successful lives of leadership and service
          • Participate in a ropes course experience to allow students to combine personal and team skills as they overcome obstacles and              challenges
          • Become aware of leadership on multiple levels (personal, community, and global)
          • Develop a personal plan to effect positive change on the local, national, and global levels
          • Extensively assess personal choices and habits to improve self-management and effective decision making

Off-site experiences: In addition to field trips intended to expose students to the city in which the conference is held, conference participants will have learning and leadership challenges associated with leadership focused field trips.