USU recognizes the importance of investing in developing leaders (both formal and informal leaders) to become better for those they lead. USU also recognizes that better leaders make better contributors to the university’s mission. In the end, this effort will impact those that the institution serves, namely students, faculty, staff, administrators, and future world leaders.
What is the Leading at USU Certificate and how do I get started?
The Leading at USU program is a collection of live trainings (virtually and/or classroom) designed for current or aspiring mid-level leaders to enhance leadership skills, knowledge, and required behaviors to become high-impact leaders. This is a cohort-based program, participants will network together to share insights, feedback, and build strong relationships with peers.
Certificate Requirement Details: This certification usually takes 1 year to complete with an average of 2 classroom hours per week. Additional hours may be required to complete homework assignments. Upon completing the program participants will earn The Leading at USU certificate and gift.
Complete Lead Blue workshop – This is a 5 day, 2 hour workshop (10am-noon):
- Day 1 Agenda: USU Leadership Expectations, Systems, Development Plans, Talent Assessment
- Day 2 Agenda: Addressing Conflict, Performance Check-ins, Effective Feedback
- Day 3 Agenda: Employment Law, ADA/FMLA, Performance Plans
- Day 4 Agenda: Hiring Right, Orientation & Onboarding/Offboarding
- Day 5 Agenda: Compensation Basics/Conversations, Certificate Ceremony
- Complete a Pre-360 Leadership assessment – includes self-assessment and feedback from peers, team members and leaders you select.
Leadership Foundations cohort – This cohort takes 4 months to complete – one course per month, with 3 sessions per course. Time requirements include 2 hours per week over 3 weeks in addition to homework assigned for each course.
- Leading at USU Part A: Effective Communication
- Leading at USU Part B: Coaching
- Leading at USU Part C: Managing Self
- Leading at USU Part D: Strategic Thinking
Management System cohort – This cohort takes 4 months to complete – one course per month, with 3 sessions per course. Time requirements include 2 hours per week over 3 weeks in addition to homework assigned for each course.
- Managing the Whirlwind
- Leading with Vision
- Creating an Irresistible Culture
- Innovating for Tomorrow
Complete Post-360 Leadership Assessment and Final Coaching session – This is an hour session with a leadership coach to review pre and post assessments, accomplishments, and plan for next steps.
Attendance Commitment
Due to the program’s popularity, these cohorts are in demand and are typically conducted at capacity with a waiting list. There are a limited number of seats in each cohort, please plan to attend each module session. Participants may miss 1 of the 3 sessions of a given cohort series, but will be required to complete additional homework and make-up work. If a participant misses more than 1 session per series within the cohort they will be asked to retake that series. If a participant misses a session, they will be required to complete additional homework and make-up work. These sessions are hands-on learning sessions; thus, they will not be recorded.
Your commitment and active involvement will contribute to a successful learning environment for all participants. If you are participating in the virtual series options via zoom, please ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Camera On: Please keep your camera on throughout the session to foster engagement and interaction.
- Microphone Ready: Ensure you have access to a working microphone for participation.
- Breakout Room Participation: You must be able to join breakout rooms and communicate clearly with others (both hearing and being heard).
- Active Learning Environment: These workshops require your full attention. Participating while driving or being otherwise distracted is not permitted. Be prepared to actively engage, which includes writing notes, accessing PDFs, and other interactive tasks.
How do I enroll in the Leading at USU Certificate program?
To enroll in a session of the Lead Blue Workshop series, Leadership Foundations cohort, and Management System cohort, please login to Learn Blue , scroll down below the Enrolled Courses section to the ‘Featured Courses’ section, and then click on the blue start button within the Leading at USU Certification course tile.
What is the time commitment for completing the Leading at USU Certificate?
The Leading at USU Certificate program includes 11 courses, each with three 2-hour modules, totaling 57 hours of in-class time. Participants will also complete a 360 feedback assessment and have at least one coaching session with a member of the Organizational Development and Training team. Additionally, learners should plan for extra time to complete and apply homework projects as assigned.
Most learners complete the program within 1-2 years, although it is possible to finish in as little as 2 semesters.