Signature Assignments in the MS Leadership Program

Throughout the MS Leadership program, there are milestones of achievement that relate to seven PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES listed below. Each course maps to these learning outcomes by either introducing the competency, developing the competency or practicing the competency. The assessments of these milestones aligns with our Leadership instructional framework of Understanding, Analyzing and Implementing.

Each required and elective course will have a signature assignment (the Capstone has two), a required assignment for all students taking that course no matter what section they are in. A Signature assignment is how faculty evaluate how you have met the expectations for the course and program.

See the end of this Assignment material for specific instructions about your Personal Model assignment.

Purpose of Assignment (WHY)

Developing your personal leadership model provides an opportunity for you to reflect your learning throughout the MSL program and on the experiences that have informed your personal leadership model.  Students reflect not only on their experiences relate to their capstone project but also to their experiences throughout MSL program as well as in the workplace or other settings to inform their model.  This model, as part of your Capstone course is a combination of your personal experiences and formal study of Leadership. Individuals usually find they identify with a number of different leadership models and personalize their model to fit their professional experiences and personal values.

Program Learning Outcomes

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

THIS SIGNATURE ASSIGNMENT >

Development of Self

Continues to develop and practice the development of self in relation to developing an authentic leadership message.

Development of Others

Continues to develop and practice the development of others by offering opportunity for peer review and feedback.

Strategic Thinking & Acting

Introduces the development of strategic message strategy in the creation and delivery of an authentic leadership message.

Ethical Practice and Civic Mindedness

This assignment may present challenges related to ethical practice and civic mindedness depending on the topic chosen by the student.

Innovation

This assignment requires novel ways of presenting or sharing information and therefore an opportunity to develop and practice innovation.

Cross Cultural / Global Mindset

This assignment requires analysis of audience which requires development and practice of cross cultural/global mindset.

Communication

This assignment requires effective communication skills in message strategy development and oral delivery of message.

Course Learning Outcomes

Apply leadership theory to an action-based project or consulting case project.
Synthesize, integrate and deepen the leadership knowledge and experience gained through the MSL program, and in so doing
Describe insights about your own capacity to relate with others in a leadership capacity.
Analyze leadership theories in order to determine those applicable to the capstone project
Evaluate effectiveness of the selected leadership theories and modify their use, as applicable.
Assignment Description (WHAT)

There are existing models that you have learned about through your time in the Leadership program. Through the integration of formal learning and person experience, please note how the model includes the key leadership models that inform the model, how the models were used in this case on the capstone project, and the purpose of the model.

Please upload your 2-3 page paper ( the title page, graphic (visual), and references are not included in the 3-page limit) should include the following:

Your definition of leadership
Key models (formal learning), concepts or tools from your capstone project or other experiences that inform your view of leadership and your Leadership Model
From experiences during your capstone project
From experiences during the MSL program
From experiences in the workplace or other settings
Description of your model and how components were used in your Capstone Project or in other initiatives. This should include direct references and annotation, when necessary.
Visual representation of your Leadership Model
Reflection: How is your personal model of leadership evolving? What actions do you plan to take to continue your own leadership development after the class is complete?