DRAFT 10/1/2009

 Proposal for an Interdisciplinary Minor in Leadership Studies

Development Committee:

Amy Barnes, Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience
Robert J. Birkenholz (Co-Chair), Agricultural and Extension Education
Trevor Brown, John Glenn School of Public Affairs
Jamie Cano, Agricultural and Extension Education
Jordan Davis, Vice President, Undergraduate Student Government
Marlene Eick, Agricultural and Extension Education
Dustin Homan, Agricultural and Extension Education
Linda Martin, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
Jeffrey King, OSU Leadership Center
Stewart Kitchen, Agricultural and Extension Education
Roy Lewicki, Fisher College of Business
Jen Pelletier, The Ohio Union, Office of Student Life
Jon Simonsen, Agricultural and Extension Education
Donald Stenta (Co-Chair), Educational Policy and Leadership
Mindy Wright, Arts & Sciences College

Introduction

This proposal is to establish a new undergraduate minor in Leadership Studies at The Ohio State University.  The goal of the minor is to enhance student knowledge of leadership theories, concepts, principles, and skills to better prepare them for career success.  At the most basic level, leadership is defined as the ability to influence the thoughts and actions of others.  Therefore, the proposed Leadership Studies Minor is structured to provide students with educational experiences that will enable them to assess their strengths, and to deepen their understanding of important leadership theories which may in turn extend their potential leadership influence among others.

Leadership is a complex concept that encompasses a range of topics from individual self-assessment of qualities and traits related to leadership to issues of ethics in exerting a leadership influence in relation to groups and organizations.  The Leadership Studies Minor is designed to teach students the theoretical foundations of leadership and to increase their understanding of leadership principles that can be applied throughout their professional careers.  The minor will assist students interested in improving their leadership knowledge and skills, but it should not be misconstrued as a leader certification program.  Leadership is an on-going, developmental process, and the proposed Leadership Studies Minor is designed to educate and motivate students to begin the life-long process of developing their leadership skills with the goal of continuous self-improvement. The general premise of the Leadership Studies Minor is that all students who genuinely desire to improve their leadership knowledge and skills can do so when guided by education, experience, and reflection.  Cress, et al. (2001, p. 23)) acknowledged that there is “. . . a strong indication that leadership potential exists within every student and that colleges and universities can develop this potential through leadership programs and activities.” 

There is a growing need at Ohio State University to providing an academic program for students to learn about leadership theories and to practice leadership skills.  Although there are individual courses, non-credit programs, and developmental activities for students through the Office of Student Life, co-curricular student organizations, student government, social and honorary societies, etc.,  the opportunities for undergraduate students to learn about leadership theories and develop their leadership skills at this institution has been somewhat disjointed.  This proposal is designed to provide structure and visibility for students interested in improving their knowledge and skills in leadership and to enable them to acknowledge that effort as a Leadership Studies minor in support of their academic program at Ohio State.

Rationale

Development of leadership skills and abilities among students has been cited as a primary goal for many institutions of higher education.  Although, colleges and universities have begun to devote resources to promote and enhance leadership development, most of the resources have been directed toward a select few students.  Many leadership programs in higher education consist of a range of workshops or weekend retreats that engage students in leadership development activities and may involve components of self-reflection.  Although individual leadership skills may be improved through such experiences, providing instruction to students about foundational leadership theories and principles is a critical distinction between leadership development and leadership education.  The proposed minor in Leadership Studies is designed to teach students leadership theories and to incorporate student learning activities that will enable students to practice and apply those theories in the context of their major career interests.  The American College Personnel Association suggested that the goal of leadership education involves improvement in student (a) cognitive knowledge of leadership theories, (b) leadership skills such as conflict resolution and interpersonal communication, and (c) clarification of personal values.

These outcome goals are consistent with the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Student Learning Imperative which includes the assumption that learning, personal development, and student development are inextricably intertwined and inseparable and that the hallmarks of a college-educated person include cognitive skills, practical competence and the ability to apply knowledge , and understanding and appreciation for human differences, and a coherent sense of self within a societal context. (ACPA, 1994)

Feedback from employers of college graduates have historically identified two areas of deficiency that should be targeted for improvement.  Communication skills, encompassing oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are frequently cited as areas in which applicants for professional positions are weak.  In addition, potential employers collectively note that college graduates often need to develop interpersonal skills that involve teamwork, group problem-solving and decision-making, goal setting, conflict resolution, and building consensus.  Each of these abilities are built upon foundational knowledge of leadership concepts, principles, and theories.

OSU undergraduate students have also recognized the need for developing a Leadership Studies minor.  Recently, the OSU Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate passed a resolution urging the Office of Academic Affairs to create a leadership minor.  The resolution stipulated that the minor should be available to all students and apply to all majors.  The resolution asked that the minor entail a rigorous core curriculum, in which students learn about leadership theories and gain hands-on experiences through involvement in student organizations.

Benefits for Students

College graduates often face the enormous challenge of entering a professional career role in the context of an ever-changing environment.  Navigating change requires an array of skills and dispositions that are necessary for continual adaptation, learning, and growth.  Students who complete the undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor would be expected to be better prepared to assess their own skills and abilities, and to identify opportunities for continued professional development that would enable them to respond more effectively to environmental changes.  Without question, it is important to enable students to more successfully monitor, adapt, and ultimately embrace changes they will face throughout their professional careers.

Evaluation of leadership development program at ten different universities was reported by Cress, et al. (2001).  Based on the assessment reports and outcome data reviewed in the study, the researchers concluded that:

Students who participated in leadership development efforts not only increased specific leadership skills ( such as the ability to set goals, to make decisions, and to use conflict resolution skills), but they also increased their commitment to developing leadership in others, becoming involved with community action programs, and promoting understanding across racial and ethnic groups.  (p. 25)

The Leadership Studies minor provides compelling support for two of the six strategic goals outlined by President Gee in 2007, specifically: Put Students First – Being student centered . . . we must provide our students . . .  with unique and compelling educational experiences. And Commit to Our Communities – We must revitalize our covenants with our communities . . .  we must make a difference in the state and in the world.

Curriculum (see attached example sheet)

The structure of the minor is organized in a framework consisting of four categories including: (a) leadership foundations, (b) team and organizational leadership, (c) community leadership, and (d) leadership ethics.  Students completing the undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor would be expected to complete one course selected from each of the four categories.  Students would have the flexibility to tailor course selection to their career interests.  The attached advising sheet outlines the courses in each of the four categories.  A practicum experience is also required and students would be expected to enroll for the practicum within their home department and receive supervision from their academic advisor or another faculty member in their discipline.

Administration, Advising, and Recruitment

The Leadership Studies Minor will be listed in the OSU Bulletin as an interdisciplinary minor administered through the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).    CFAES has a long history of providing leadership education rooted in the preparation of high school agricultural educators (and FFA advisors) and 4-H Youth Development educators who were educated about leadership knowledge and skills as one of the primary objective of 4-H and FFA programs since the early 1900’s.  Integration of the OSU Leadership Center (under the auspices of OSU Extension) into the Department of Human and Community Resource Development provides a critical mass of faculty and staff resources to provide administrative support and oversight for the Leadership Studies Minor.  In addition, the endowed Gist Chair in Extension Education and Leadership will provide enhanced visibility and support for the interdisciplinary Leadership Studies Minor.

An interdisciplinary Leadership Studies Minor advisory committee will be created with representatives from the colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education and Human Ecology, and Engineering in addition to the Leadership Studies advisor chair from the department of Human and Community Resource Development.  In addition to faculty representatives from the major stakeholder colleges; representatives from the university academic advising community and Undergraduate Student Government (USG) will also be asked to serve on the Leadership Studies Minor advisory committee.  Representatives will be selected by the respective unit administrator, elected leader, or their designee.  The Leadership Studies Minor advisory committee will have primary curricular oversight responsibility for the program.  The advisory committee will meet at least annually to review the program requirements, course offerings, and outcome assessment information.

Primary student advising will be provided by academic advisors in the students’ major department.  Faculty and professional staff advisors in the department of Human and Community Resource Development will be available to provide advice to students regarding the Leadership Studies Minor requirements.  Program materials will be available through the OSU Leadership Center (associated with the Department of Human and Community Resource Development) and include a website that will be electronically linked to the Leadership and Service Clearinghouse (managed by the OSU Office of Student Life/The Ohio Union) consisting of an on-line collection of co-curricular involvement and academic courses offered at The Ohio State University.

Student recruitment will encompass a range of activities.  Summer orientation leaders will receive information that can be incorporated into programs for matriculating freshman students and their parents (or guardians) to inform them of the Leadership Studies Minor.  In addition to professional academic advisors, recruitment information will also be provided to The Center for Student Leadership and Service, college-specific leadership initiatives, Undergraduate Student Government (USG) representatives, student dormitory and greek housing student leaders, student organization officers, and other groups will be targeted with recruitment materials describing the availability of the Leadership Studies Minor for all OSU undergraduate students.  Recruitments materials may also be disseminated through the Mount Leadership Society, Leadership Collaborative, Leadership Ohio State, Residence Halls Advisory Council, LeaderShape, Buckeye Service Council, Community Commitment Day, and SERV team that have attracted OSU students with a particular interest in leadership and community involvement.

Enrollment Projection

The undergraduate, interdisciplinary Leadership Studies Minor is expected to attract students from a variety of majors throughout the OSU campus.  However, students with careers interests that emphasize interpersonal relationships are likely to be the primary target audience for the Leadership Studies Minor.  For example, political science, sociology, education, human development, professional golf management, and construction systems management have been cited by other universities as target populations with particular interest in a Leadership Studies Minor.  Although certain disciplines may attract students with a predisposition toward the Leadership Studies Minor, individual student interest will be the primary determinant.  Peer institutions (such as Florida, Nebraska, and Texas A&M for example) have reported enrolling 150+ students in their undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor program within the first two years after approval was granted.  This level of interest is a positive reflection on the interest that students have in extending their leadership knowledge and skills.

Based on information collected from peer institutions with undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor programs that are similar to that being proposed here at The Ohio State University . . . it is expected that at least 150 students will be enrolled in the Leadership Studies Minor within two years after the program is approved.

Resources and Expenses

Current facilities and staff resources are adequate to support the administration of the minor in the Department of Human and Community Resource Development.  Interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation will allow students to complete minor requirements by selecting coursework from a variety of departments.  The Leadership Studies Minor Advisory Committee will annually review course offerings to monitor availability and ensure that students enrolled in the minor will have adequate access to courses needed to fulfill the minor requirements in a timely manner.

The OSU Leadership Center (http://leadershipcenter.osu.edu) provides leadership-centered education and research to individuals, families, organizations, and communities through support from OSU Extension.  The Leadership Center staff provide programs to build and strengthen leadership capacities and offer an extensive collection of leadership-related resources and materials for loan.  Integration of the OSU Leadership Center into the Department of Human and Community Resource Development will help synergize leadership teaching, research, and outreach programming in cooperation with departments and colleges across campus. The Gist Chair in Extension Education and Leadership will also provide resources that can be directed to support the Leadership Studies Minor.

The majority of the Leadership Studies Minor curriculum can be delivered with existing coursework from a variety of academic departments and colleges.  Over time, it is anticipated that new courses may be developed that may be appropriate for inclusion in the Leadership Studies Minor.  However, it will be the responsibility of the department offering the course to provide resources needed to support each respective course offering.  The current OSU general fund budget model will need to be considered as departments contemplate developing new leadership courses.

Competitiveness with Other Institutions

A partial list of higher education institutions that offer an undergraduate Leadership Studies Minor include:

California State University, Chico
Central Michigan University
East Tennessee State University
Fort Hays State University
Humboldt State University
Indiana University
Kansas State University
Kansas University
Marietta College
Marquette University
Middle Tennessee State University
Pennsylvania State University
Regent University
St. Norbert College
Seattle Pacific University
Texas A&M University
University of California at Davis
University of Central Florida
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Denver
University of Kansas
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond
University of South Dakota
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of Southern Maine
University of Texas, Austin
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University
Washington State University
Wright State University

Implementation Date

The proposed implementation date for the Leadership Studies Minor is Spring Quarter 2010.

Student Learning Assessment

Learning outcomes encompass four categories of student learning which provides a conceptual foundation for the Leadership Studies Minor.  Each category of student learning outcome is listed below as a primary goal area and involves the integration of student knowledge (cognitive), skills and abilities (psychomotor), and dispositions (values clarification).

	Goals:  Students who successfully complete the undergraduate minor in leadership will be able to document their knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to:

	1.  Core Leadership Knowledge -- (leadership theories, interpersonal communication, collaboration, cooperation, critical social analysis, systems thinking, leadership development of others, cultural competence)

2.	Personal Leadership  -- (self-reflection, awareness, strengths, self-improvement, courage and ethical action, authenticity)

3.	 Group Leadership  -- (motivation, goal setting, power, decision-making, delegation, group dynamics, cultural differences, diversity, accountability, ethics)

4.   Organizational Leadership  -- (authority, governance, strategic  planning, implementation, communication, connections/networking/partnerships,  sustainability, ethics)

	5.   Community Leadership -- (grassroots leadership, decision-making, social capital, leader development, civic participation, social change, mobilization/change movements)

	Assessment Plan

Student performance will be assessed on an individual basis in each course included in the Leadership Studies minor.  Faculty assigned to teach each course will be expected to assess student performance based on the assignments outlined in the course syllabus.

Assessment of the Leadership Studies minor will be performed on an annual basis as students complete minor program requirements.  Focus group and personal interviews will be conducted annually with minor program completers to collect data and information regarding each of the five primary goals for the Leadership Studies Minor.  

Enrollment reports will be compiled each year regarding course offering and enrollment.  Data regarding student applications to the Leadership Studies Minor will also be maintained and historical enrollment trends will be shared with the advisory committee for their review.

Within five years after the Leadership Studies Minor is approved, a follow-up study will be completed to collect feedback information from graduates who had completed the minor program.  Graduates will be asked to provide information relative to the five foundational goal areas and their placement or academic aspirations after graduation.  Again, summary information based on the five-year follow-up will be provided to the advisory committee for review and consideration.

	Dissemination

Oversight for assessment of the Leadership Studies Minor will be the responsibility of the Leadership Studies Minor Advisory Committee.  Assessment data will be collected, compiled, and reported by the Advisor Chair to the Leadership Studies Minor Advisory Committee on an annual basis.  Results of the annual assessment report will be examined and provide a basis of recommendations for curriculum modifications.

Syllabi (see attached)

List of Prerequisites for Courses (if necessary)

Personal Leadership Foundations courses:

AEE 342			(none)

Bus Adm Mgt HR xxxx	(to be developed)

EDU P&L 371			(none)

Team and Organizational Leadership courses:

AEE 442			(AEE 342)

AEDE 460			(Jr. standing. Not open to students with credit for 560)

Bus Adm Mgt HR 704	(Bus Adm Mgt HR 701 or 400 and BA 499; or permission of instructor.)

EDU P&L 270.04		(none)

EDU PAES 245		(none)

MIL SCI 203			(none)

PSYCH 522			(PSYCH 100; 220 or 320 or Stat 145 or 245)

Pub Pol & M 290		(None)

Pub Pol & M 540		(None)

Community Leadership courses:

EDU P&L 271			(none)

RUR SOC 542		(Sociol 101 or Rurl Soc 105 or 5 cr hrs of related social sciences, or permission of instructor)

POL SCI 612			(POL SCI 100 or 101 or 300 or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 510)

PUB POL & M 240		(none)

Ethics and Diversity courses:

Bus Adm Mgt HRxxxx	(to be developed)

ECON 348			At least one of these courses (Econ 110.01 or 110.02 or 110.03 or 200 or 201) is recommended. 

EDU P&L 571			(none)

PHILO 130			(none)

Concurrence Forms

	Arts and Sciences

	Fisher College of Business

	Education and Human Ecology

	Engineering

	Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

Glenn Institute for Public Policy
LEADERSHIP STUDIES MINOR

The undergraduate minor in Leadership Studies minor is designed to provide students with leadership knowledge and skills to enhance their future success in professional roles.  The minor is structured to include theories and principles of effective leadership, the importance of interpersonal communication in leadership processes, and human relations skills.  Students will select courses in four curricular areas as outlined below.  Course selection may be tailored to the individual needs and interests of each student to focus on personal, professional, community, political, and/or international applications.

This interdisciplinary minor is open to and appropriate for students in all majors at The Ohio State University.

A minor in Leadership Studies consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours as follows:

DRAFT

Select at least one course from each of the following four categories:  Personal Leadership Foundations, Team and Organizational Leadership, Community Leadership, and Ethics and Diversity.  Each student will also complete a leadership practicum under the direction of a faculty member (from the student’s academic major or career interest area).

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONS

AEE 342                                    	 (5)		Fundamentals of Personal and Professional Leadership
	
Bus Adm Mgt HR xxxx#		(TBD)		Introduction to Leadership in Organizations

Edu P&L 371                             	 (3)		Introduction to Leadership Development in
                                                                    		Learning Organization	
	
TEAM AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

AEDE 460			 (3)                        Human Resources Management in Small Business

AEE 442  			 (5)		 Leadership in Teams and Community Organizations

Bus Adm Mgt HR 704                  	(4)		Concepts and Competencies for Managing People	

Edu PAES 245			 (3)		Sport and Recreation Leadership
	
Edu P&L 270.04			 (3) 		Career Development and Leadership Training in Higher
                                                            		Education	
	
Mil Sci 203			(3)		Leadership and Teamwork
	
Psych 522			(4)		Organizational Psychology
	
Pub Pol & M 290			(5)		 Leadership in Public and Nonprofits

	

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP 

Edu P&L 271                             	(5)                       Leadership in Community Service
	
Rur Soc 542                                	(5)                       Leadership and Community Development

Pol Sci 612                                  	(5)                       Political Leadership

Pub Pol & M 240                        	(5)                       Leadership and Public Service	

ETHICS AND DIVERSITY

DRAFT

Bus Adm Mgt HR xxxx#	(TBD)	Leadership and Character	

Econ 348	(5)	Ethics and Social Responsibility in Economic Life

Edu P&L 571	(5)	Theories of Leadership in Learning Organizations

Philo 130                                     	(5)	Introduction to Ethics	

PRACTICUM

XXXX 693                                  	(3)	Context-based Leadership Practicum
(major department)

Restrictions and General Information

1. A minimum overall GPA for courses comprising the minor shall be 2.0.
2. A minor should be declared before a student accumulates 90 hours.
3. A maximum of five credit hours may overlap between the minor and the GEC (foundations, natural sciences, arts and humanities and social sciences).
4. Courses taken on a pass/non pass basis may not be applied to the minor.

# Proposed new course

10/8/2009