Leadership Development
The Office of Student Outreach and Leadership Development (S.O.L.D.) assists prospective and current students by introducing them to information, processes and resources that will increase their awareness of the college experience, inform them of educational options, and provide steps to help them reach their educational goals. Leadership development refers to any activity that enhances the quality of leadership within an individual or organization.
Leadership Development initiatives at UDC follow The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. This includes: 1 – Model the Way; 2 – Inspire Shared Vision; 3 – Challenge the Process; 4 – Enable Others to Act; 5- Encourage the heart. This development model approaches leadership as a measurable, learnable, and teachable set of behaviors; cultivating the leadership potential in each student.
Programs and Services
The Office’s leadership programs and services are grouped in three levels:
Explore Programs
- Introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of leadership
- Provide students with opportunities to explore campus-wide leadership opportunities
- Begin the process of relevant skill development within students
Engage Programs
- Apply theory to practice within academic disciplines and co-curricular activities
- Develop more advanced leadership skills
- Expand their knowledge of leadership theories
Extend Programs
- Provide students with the opportunity to reflect and assess on their leadership experiences
- Offer students the opportunity to refine their skills
- Provide student with opportunities to mentor younger students
- Prepare students for leadership beyond the institution
Student leaders are an integral part to the success of community outreach programs. Program directors and coordinators work together to plan alternative breaks, community service days, and semester-long programs.
