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MSU Denver
About the ULP
The Urban Leadership Program (ULP) was established in 2009 as a unique leadership experience at MSU Denver. Scholars participate in coursework, experiential learning components, and mentorship throughout their time in the program. Each student receives a scholarship in addition to training and networking opportunities designed to grow understanding of self, others, and society.
Our Impact
ULP Scholars were 10% more likely to graduate than a sample of MSU Denver students with similar academic characteristics.
Core Values
Leadership is a process and is learned over time. College is one of the best times to practice and learn about leadership and MSU Denver is dedicated to facilitating students’ abilities to become leaders.
Inclusive leadership is accessible to those interested and able to make the commitment. The ULP will use models and experiences from many cultures and disciplines.
To ensure relevance, leadership programs are based on real-world experiences such as careers, family, and service experiences.
The ULP strives to teach scholars leadership which correlates with modern themes and ideas.
Experiential Components
Students in the program commit to several experiential leadership components. These programs are designed to complement what participants are learning in class work and in the community.
Retreats & Conferences
Each Fall and Spring, scholars participate in a retreat to kick off the semester. These events help students get to know their peers in the program, set goals and expectations for the term, and connect with their peer mentors. Students also attend state-wide events sponsored by the Colorado Leadership Alliance a collaboration of 11 different leadership programs at other colleges and universities in Colorado.
Monthly Field Experiences
Scholars in the program visit organizations leading in Denver monthly. Typical field experiences include a tour an overview of the organization and time with key leaders in the organization. Often, the experiences align with a monthly leadership theme. Scholars have ample time for question and answer with the leaders and reflect on the experience through online discussions.
Mentoring
The role of mentoring in leadership can provide a system of support and exploration. Participants are matched with a peer mentor, called a FrontRunner, in the program. Students meet with their FrontRunner monthly to get guidance on their leadership journey. Students are also matched with a mentor through the Colorado Leadership Alliance, in order to offer students the opportunity to form connections with professionals across the Denver area.
Service Learning
Participants in the program commit to learning about leadership in Denver through service initiatives. Students participate in short term programs designed to create awareness of the local non-profit organizations. As scholars continue with the program, they work in collaboration with an organization on a leadership and service project.
Our Impact
After one year in the program, both students and mentors report greater confidence and capacity in self, group, and systemic leadership measures.
Academic Components
Scholars in the Urban Leadership Program take coursework from the Leadership Studies Minor curriculum. The minor is not required for participation in the program, but all students in the program must take an academic course each semester of enrollment in the program.
Leadership Studies Minor
Leadership is a subject of vital importance. It is a topic that cuts across time and place, as well as traditional disciplinary boundaries. As such, leadership is extremely relevant in a broad range of contexts from local and global politics to business, ethics, and education. This minor offers students a conceptual understanding of leadership studies that, when combined with co-curricular and experiential components, provides them with an increased awareness of their role in a world of multi-layered change
- LDR 1010 – Leadership and Social Change
- LDR 3010 – Perspectives on Leadership
Subtotal: 6
I. Leadership Process and Organization
(2 to 9 credit hours)
- HSP 2020 – Small Group Dynamics: Theory and Experience*
- MGT 3000 – Organizational Management
- SPE 3110 – Organizational Leadership*
- HSP 3220 – Conflict Resolution and Decision Making
- PSY 3450 – Organizational Psychology*
- MGT 4020 – Entrepreneurial Creativity*
- MGT 4530 – Organizational Behavior*
II. Leaders in Context
(3 to 9 credit hours)
- PHI 1030 – Ethics
- PSC 3170 – Leadership Studies
- WMS 3170 – Social Justice: Self and Citizenship: A Service Learning Course*
- HIS 3370 – The American Presidency
-or- - PSC 3130 – The American Presidency
- HIS 3380 – Nixon and the Kennedys
- ANT 3460 – Social Organization and Evolution
- PSC 360A – Women in Power
- SOC 3750 – Social Change*
- PSC 3800 – On Leaders and Leadership
III. Leadership in Multicultural Perspective
(0 to 3 credits)
- AAS 2000 – Social Movements and the Black Experience
- ANT 2330 – Cross-Cultural Communication
- CHS 3100 – The Chicana/o Community
- NAS 3200 – Native American Politics
*Courses marked with an asterisk have prerequisites beyond completing Level I or Level II General Studies and does not have the “or permission of instructor” option.
This three-hour requirement can be fulfilled by either an internship or a service-learning experience offered through any department of the student’s choosing. The internship or service-learning activity must follow the guidelines established by the participating department and must be approved by the director of the Leadership Studies program as well.
Total for Leadership Studies Minor: 21 credit hours
This includes participation in leadership projects and workshops.
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Leadership Resources
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Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion (CMEI)
The Urban Leadership Program was started in 2009 and is a program within the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion.
Questions? Contact CMEI
Learn More About CMEIPhone:
303-615-0606
Mailing Address:
Campus Box 39, P.O. Box 173362, Denver, CO 80217-3362