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What is the LEAD Program?

The LEAD program is a leadership development certificate program that prepares UVU students to become leaders in their communities. We approach leadership as more than management and teach students how to be effective leaders based on four key areas of personal development: Lead, Engage, Acquire, and Discover (LEAD).

LEAD students will receive a unique leadership experience that empowers them to be future leaders in their specific industries and communities. Students can choose to do a one- or two-year distinction track based on their needs and goals.

Applications for the LEAD program are always open but each students start the program according to the timetable below.

Application submitted by... Begin program in...
September 1

Fall Semester

January 15

Spring Semester

Why LEAD?

LEAD students leave the program with the skills they need to be successful leaders and distinctions that make them stand out as they enter their professional careers.

Leadership Distinction and Cords

Special Graduation cords for LEAD certificate program students
When you earn your leadership certificate with LEAD, you will receive a leadership distinction on your academic transcript. You can choose to receive a distinction through the one-year track or a high distinction on the two-year track. Whether you choose the distinction or high distinction track, the LEAD certificate is a great way to stand out on graduate school applications, CVs, and resumes. You’ll also receive cords to wear at graduation.
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Certified Peer Educator Training

A LEAD program participant getting CPE training.
The LEAD program includes Certified Peer Educator (CPE) training through NASPA (a national organization for student affairs administrators in higher education). The ability to work effectively with others is a critical skill to be successful in and out of the workforce. CPE training helps leaders understand peer education, equips them with methods of helping others develop themselves, enhance listening skills, gain confidence in taking action, grow in their presentation skills, and learn to navigate group dynamics.
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CliftonStrengths

A LEAD certificate student working on CliftonStrengths
As a participant in the LEAD program students complete the CliftonStrengths assessment.The CliftonStrengths assessment gives you an in-depth analysis of how your brain works: your natural talents, tendencies, and strengths. By understanding your strengths, you can set effective goals based on your individual needs.
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Mentors

Industry mentor working with UVU LEAD certificate student
LEAD student are connected to a mentor who, preferably, works in their field of study. You’ll meet with your mentor three times a semester to ask questions and learn about their experiences.

Find a Mentor
Mentor Handbook
Mentor Activities & Questions
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Peer Leadership

UVU Lead Certificate Program students peer mentoring
Find community with other student leaders and learn how to be leaders together. The LEAD program has several team leaders who mentor and support students who are new to the program.
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Involvement and Community

LEAD certificate program students at UVU meeting with campus leaders
The LEAD program is one of the best ways to get involved with the campus community at UVU. You will work with other campus leaders who share your passions and meet life-long friends and mentors.
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Goals

Learn, Engage, Acquire, Discover

The LEAD program was created with the key themes of Learn, Engage, Acquire, and Discover in mind.

Every part of the program’s curriculum supports these goals.

Lead

Information Interviews: In addition to meeting with your industry mentor, you will interview professionals in your field of study. These interviews enable you to network and understand how leadership is applied in your specific discipline.

Engage

Leadership Hours: LEAD students serve 50 hours of hands on, practicum based leadership each semester. You will apply LEAD principles as you work, serve, volunteer, support, and lead. You can complete your leadership hours on or off campus.

Acquire

Concept Cultivators: To learn about different leadership styles, you will attend lectures, workshops, and seminars and read books and materials that will show you what LEAD principles look like when put into practice in real situations.

Coursework: LEAD students complete several leadership courses that give an academic concept of leadership. Students must enroll in an approved academic course each semester. Every major has classes that fulfill this requirement in addition to over 70 electives available to choose from.

Discover

CliftonStrengths Assessment: When you join the program, you will participate in a self- and peer-assessment process that will identify your strengths and opportunities for growth. You will focus on your specific strengths throughout your time in the LEAD program.

Monthly Reflections: Thinking back on what you have learned in the LEAD program allows you to synthesize and internalize the information you’ve learned from concept cultivators, mentor meetings, and applying your CliftonStrengths goals towards your customized leadership experience.

Program Schedule

Semester 1

  • 3 Mentor Meetings 
  • 1 Information Interview 
  • 50 Leadership Hours 
  • 6 Concept Cultivator Hours 
  • First-Year Workshops 
  • CliftonStrengths Assessment

Semester 2

  • 3 Mentor Meetings 
  • 1 Information Interview 
  • 50 Leadership Hours 
  • 6 Concept Cultivator Hours 
  • First-Year Workshops 
  • Monthly CliftonStrengths Goals

Semester 3

(For two-year distinction track students.)

  • 3 Mentor Meetings 
  • 1 Information Interview
  • 50 Leadership Hours 
  • 6 Concept Cultivator Hours
  • 1 Leadership Course 
  • Monthly CliftonStrengths Goals

Semester 4

(For two-year distinction track students.) 

  • 3 Mentor Meetings 
  • 1 Information Interview
  • 50 Leadership Hours 
  • 6 Theory Hours 
  • 1 Leadership Course 
  • Monthly CliftonStrengths Goals

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