The Kent State University Leadership Certificate is an undergraduate, interdisciplinary program that integrates contemporary scholarship and experiential learning with a cross-cultural perspective, enhancing the leadership knowledge, skills and experience of students. The certificate program meets a growing need for leadership training as a critical component of the higher education experience. Students completing the program will have acquired the knowledge and skills to become productive, effective, and purposeful leaders in various types of organizations.

The certificate program incorporates a variety of approaches to leadership. Under the mentorship of various faculty and staff, students will benefit from both academic and co-curricular opportunities. The certificate program is based on a foundation of scholarly dialogue and experiential learning. Emphasis is on ethical decision-making, self-motivation, empowering individuals, critical thinking, teamwork, interpersonal communication, community service and service-learning.

Objectives of the Leadership Certificate Program

• To develop characteristics, habits, skills and understanding necessary for leadership in the Twenty First Century.
• To integrate academic theory with practical experiences.
• To promote campus and community involvement and relationships.
• To increase awareness of the importance of leadership in modern society.
• To enhance skills in dealing with cross-cultural, community and work-related challenges.
• To increase awareness of personal strengths and areas for improvement.
• To practice various dimensions of leadership and "followership".
• To learn specific tactics and strategies for working more effectively within Kent State University and beyond.
• To promote an increased sense of civic and community responsibility.
• To provide opportunities for students to explore and understand the interrelationships among society, communities, teams, and individuals.
• To provide a competitive advantage in job and career development.

Course Requirements
Students must complete 15 hours of coursework. This includes six (6) hours of required courses-- "Principles of Management" and "Learning to Lead"-- and a minimum of nine (9) hours from course electives.

"Learning to Lead" is a weeklong residential experience offered during the semester break periods. The course focuses on team building and offers participants the opportunity to do an intense self-assessment and thus come to a better understanding of how they impact others. "Learning to Lead" also contains a service-learning and mentoring component.

Additional Requirements

• One semester supervised leadership practicum (50 hours, on or off-campus, must be approved by mentor) and reflection paper.
• Participation in 80 hours of supervised community service. A written summary and reflection of the experience(s) are required.
• Thirty hours of attendance at leadership development workshops.
• Development of leadership portfolio to include documentation such as written reflections and leadership course- related papers.
• Successful review of portfolio by faculty and staff.
• A 2.5 cumulative grade point average is required for completion of the Certificate Program.

Admission
All Kent State University undergraduates are eligible for admission to the program. For students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree, enrollment is encouraged in the freshman, sophomore or junior year. Non-degree candidates are also welcome and encouraged to apply. To request information on admission to the Leadership Certificate Program, contact:

Ann Gosky
Senior Special Assistant
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
250 Kent Student Center
330-672-8004
agosky@kent.edu

Marnie Sanders
Academic Program Director
College of Business Administration Undergraduate Programs Office
107 Business Administration Building
330-672-2872 ext. 384
msanders@kent.edu