Leader Certificate Program

Does your student want to learn more about how to lead themselves and others during these complex and uncertain times? Would they like to make a positive impact in their local, national, and global communities? Do they want to set themselves apart when applying for service opportunities, internships, and jobs? Would they like to develop leader habits such as being more courageous and motivational?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Franz Center Leader Certificate Program might be a good fit for your student! The Leader Certificate Program is designed to provide leaders with the tools, knowledge, and ability to impact and inspire their followers using the key leader habits. Check out this video from students who have participated in the Leader Certificate Program to learn more.

Students can register for Spring Semester leadership course. Courses are 1 credit and meet once per week in the spring. All students can register for the first course in the program (LDR 225: Foundations of Leadership), and all majors are welcome!

Students who enroll in the Leader Certificate Program receive priority in the RA selection process with Residence Life. Students who enroll in the Leader Certificate Program (by taking LDR 225) also receive priority in the selection process for the popular Global Perspectives on Leadership course. Most recently, students in this course have traveled to amazing locations such as New Zealand. (Check out our 1-second-every-day-style video from May 2019!) We hope to be back on campus and exploring the world again as soon as it is safe to do so. Your student can be ready when the time comes to apply for these opportunities (and many more) by strengthening their leadership now.  

Due to popularity, we are offering 5 sections of LDR 225 for Spring Semester 2021: Mondays at 1:35 p.m. (with Dr. Jennette Lovejoy), Mondays at 7:10 p.m. (with Mike Wode), Tuesdays at 11:20 a.m. (with Kallan Picha), Wednesdays at 4:10 p.m. (Dr. Dave Houglum), and Thursdays at 4:10 p.m. (Dr. Jeromy Koffler). 

If your student is interested in participating but in need of financial assistance, encourage them to complete the leadership scholarship application. Scholarship applications are due by Friday, December 4 at 5 p.m. Students must be enrolled in LDR 225 (Foundations of Leadership), to be eligible to receive financial assistance. 

Encourage your student to contact Dr. Dave Houglum at houglum@up.edu for more information or questions.

Here is what University of Portland students are saying about the Leader Certificate Program:

“The leadership course experience has been an important component of my education here as it’s helped me see leadership in the little things. From my experiences in leadership positions on campus to the moments of leadership just sitting in class, I’ve learned how to reflect, use my strengths and grow as a human being to approach different aspects of life.”

– Samantha van den Berg

“None of my major-oriented classes have been as beneficial as the Leader Certificate Program in relation to my education and my career. The Leader Certificate Program adds valuable life skills to any major –skills that are often overlooked within specific fields of study.” 

– Gabe Ablin

Watch a video to see the difference the Leader Certificate Program made for one of the graduates of the program.

Hear what leadership speaker and author Mark Sanborn has to say about why students should get involved in the Leader Certificate Program at UP.