Another popular initiative is a one-credit course in leadership offered for student leaders. Through student and staff experience in facilitating leadership, we have developed an integrated model that we believe captures the best of traditional and current perspectives of leadership. Working with and for others raises moral questions. The Center emphasizes such value implications with respect to leadership development, helping students reflect on their efforts within an ethical framework. Our work is informed by our understanding of Gospel values and Catholic Social teaching, and draws from other faith traditions.
Experience is a powerful teacher.
Experiential learning is our pedagogy of choice, and the Center's role in facilitating service and social action presents unique opportunities for leadership development. Experiential learning allows direct observation of interpersonal processes and institutional contexts. The Center works with student leaders and others to examine the structures that underlie complex social concerns. It provides opportunities for personal reflection and skill development in context, and encourages leaders to foster collaboration for positive social change. Leadership can be learned.