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Creating Leaders for Change.

Silhouette of people posing on top of a rocky landscape

The Morse Leadership Institute is committed to creating a culture of belonging and care so students can become effective, collaborative, and inclusive leaders. 

Objectives & Goals

The Morse Leadership Institute provides a variety of support structures and opportunities for students across Western’s campus to develop as leaders. These include a broad spectrum of leadership studies courses, applied and global leadership opportunities, community engagement, peer and professional mentoring, support for students’ participation in academic conferences and professional development opportunities, and campus events and programs.  

The Institute supports campus partners who provide curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities aimed at student leadership learning so that all WWU students can engage in their desired social and professional change efforts. While the Institute provides a minor in Leadership Studies, students from any department or program on campus may take many courses offered by the Institute. 

Students share smiles while picking up trash at Maritime Heritage Park during Earth Day

LDST 101

Students enrolled in LDST 101 will have the opportunity to connect the content discussed in lecture to the Community Engagement Project (CEP) they sign up for which is led by previous 101 students currently enrolled in LDST 450. Current CEPs include: Nooksack River Restoration Project, Mental Health Advocacy, LGBTQ+ Advocacy, and Menstrual Health Advocacy.

 

swirly lines create a profile image of a face with a swirly brain

LDST 201

Students are able to dive deep into different emotional and social intelligence topics and their context within a leadership framework. Offered in a smaller discussion format, this course is a great way for students to explore these concepts and get to know their peers as they expand their knowledge in emotional and social intelligence.

UNSDG Logo in blue text "Sustainable development goals"

LDST 408

Now, more than ever, we need leaders for sustainability. This course is designed for students who are curious about and eager to lead for a more sustainable and just world. This course will explore what kind of leadership is required to address sustainability and climate change. Together, we will examine how historical notions of leadership might offer lessons, and how we may need to think and act differently. Through the use of articles, case studies, personal reflection, and collaborative inquiry, students will learn key competencies for leading for sustainability.

TA's and DSF's from Fall Quarter 2023 strike funny poses together in Miller Hall

LDST 450

Students who have taken and passed LDST 101 with a B- or better will have the opportunity to serve as Discussion Section Facilitators (DSFs) for the LDST 101 class. Each CEP includes two DSFs who are familiar with leadership concepts and work to guide the community engagement projects towards their goals before the end of the quarter where the students are then able to share their work with each other during the Project Showcase.

Multiple characters climb a large stack of books, displaying different forms of leadership

LDST 240

Are you involved in clubs, sports or other organizational leadership on or off-campus? This class explores issues such as planning, conflict, team development, etc. Students will explore the foundations of peer leadership, fostering an environment where everyone can cultivate essential skills for effective teamwork and guidance. Whether you're a seasoned leader or embarking on your leadership journey, this course aims to empower you with insights, strategies, and hands-on experiences.

LDST 101 Project Showcase Spring 2023