The Institute for Student Leadership

About The Institute for Student Leadership

Since the first Institute for Student Leadership in 2002 at Duquesne University, the ISL has documented a rich history, developed a core of dedicated faculty, and further strengthened its core elements.

Core Elements:
The core elements serve as the building blocks for the ISL's curriculum. Each element is overseen by a key faculty member known as a Dean. Each Dean works to infuse their element in to the ISL programming.

The Institute for Student Leadership has 5 core elements:

Leadership
Knowledge
Ethics
Community
Social Justice

A holistic experience is created by incorporating each of these elements into all components of the ISL.

The Experience:
The core elements will be explored through Leadership Development Journeys.
The three Leadership Development Journeys delegates will take are:

      The Leadership Development Journeys serve to further reinforce the holistic approach the ISL takes to leadership development.

Faculty:
      The ISL has a core, dedicated group of faculty. Many of the ISL's faculty members have been involved with the ISL since its inception. What that means, is that the faculty have a deep understanding of what the delegate’s needs are as well as the values and mission of the ISL.

      Furthermore, our presenters are educators - actively working on campuses. This is significant, because as practitioners, they know from daily experience what the needs are of developing leaders. Oftentimes, leadership experiences are diluted with consultants who are more focused on finding new business than ensuring learning outcomes.

Service Learning:
      The Institute places great value on educating student leaders on the importance of supporting the community. The on-site Service Project and Reflection allows leaders to develop their leadership skills with a broad lens and helps them develop the vision to see their leadership role in the context of society. The Institute chooses a few projects for the attendees to participate in and make a difference in the community where The Institute is being held. Many times the project is a highlight of the entire experience for attendees. Plus, leaders will walk away with ready made reflection tools to use back on campus.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment:
      A variety of tools will be used to assess each leader before they attend the ISL, after the ISL experience and in the year following. This will measure how successfully each leader has applied the concepts presented at the ISL to their life.

Train the Trainer:
      The ISL will prepare leaders to facilitate training on their campus. Leaders that attend the ISL will return to campus with the tools needed to share what they have learned.