Experiential Learning
Whether you want to study abroad, find an internship or pursue other opportunities, you are expected to engage in meaningful experiential learning during summer breaks to build leadership knowledge, skills and attitudes, which will later synthesize into a comprehensive capstone project that will aid your growth and development as a leader beyond Case Western Reserve University.
Bi-Weekly Cohort Meetings
Typically held in the evenings after classes, cohort meetings will be held every other week throughout the fall and spring semesters of the entire four years. Cohort meetings, where the bulk of the leadership curriculum is delivered, are framed in the social change model of leadership development and designed to build competencies related to the "7 C's" of leadership development.
Speakers
As a scholar, you will be exposed to a myriad of speakers and leaders from the CWRU community and beyond. From distinguished alumni, new graduates, world-renowned faculty, and institutional leadership, you’ll learn about leadership from a variety of perspectives.
Mentoring
You'll engage in mentoring (both formal and informal) throughout your time in the program. Your mentors include PLDP staff and CWRU faculty members, your university navigator, and graduate students on campus. Additionally, you may be asked to mentor others as they develop in their leadership.
One-on-One Advising Meetings
Once a month, you are required to meet with a member of the PLDP staff, which will help you navigate through academic, systemic and social challenges you may encounter at CWRU. This personalized contact will also ensure that you access appropriate campus support while receiving feedback about your progress in your program and help process your experience as a leader.
UNIV 150: Introduction to Leadership
Designed to lay the foundation for leadership development and understanding social change leadership, the three-credit hour Intro to Leadership is completed in scholars’ first semester on campus. The course introduces servant and relational leadership, service as a method of leadership, and knowing oneself as a person and leader.
Retreats
Scholars participate in day-long and/or overnight retreats designed to build community through shared experiences and provide the space and time necessary to dive deeply into a leadership topic and/or project relevant to the needs of the scholars and program. Retreats are typically held once per semester during the fall and spring.
Leadership Action Project
During the junior and/or senior year, scholars will engage in the planning and execution of a Leadership Action Project that demonstrates a measurable impact in responding to a social problem of their choosing. Under the supervision of PLDP staff and a faculty mentor, scholars will clarify their topic of choice, demonstrate a foundational understanding of social issues related to that topic, then design and execute a project that corresponds to a need. Projects may include a traditional thesis, research, and/or creative endeavor like a performance or multi-media art piece. Scholars will use summer experiential learning to refine their interests and shape their intended projects.