Celebrating diversity, empowering students and expanding opportunities
The Multicultural and Leadership Development Center cultivates a campus-wide community,
which celebrates diversity, empowers students to grow beyond their personal barriers,
strengthens students’ understanding of diversity and social responsibility, and develops
students’ leadership skills. Our office promotes academic, leadership and personal
growth. Our vision is to nurture a generation of ethical and knowledgeable leaders
who contribute to the ever-changing global society.
Opportunities to Grow
Presidential Leadership Certificate
The Presidential Leadership Certificate (PLC) recognizes students during their leadership journey. PLC offers three phases of leadership development (Emerging Leader, Engaged Leader and Enlightened Leader). Participants of the PLC program earn recognition of each phase completed. Students design a self-paced, comprehensive experience while being guided by a leadership mentor.
Your mentor will support you as well as challenge you to develop and enhance your skills, which are demonstrated through completion of the three phases. The certificate is a valuable accomplishment as it honors well-rounded and exceptional leaders who excel in their commitment to personal development and positive change.
Participants must complete all requirements and will be honored at a reception upon completion.
LeaderShape Institute
Since its inception in 1986, The LeaderShape Institute has achieved a national reputation as one of the premier leadership development programs for young adults. Over 20,000 individuals from more than 500 colleges, universities, corporations, and organizations across America have graduated from the program. The Multicultural & Leadership Development Center hosts this nationally recognized intensive four-day experience annually. Through interactive leadership training and development, participants create visions for meaningful change and enhance their capacity to lead with integrity. Student leaders participate in small and large group activities, discussions, and reflection exercises. LeaderShape Institute provides an environment for students to develop personal leadership growth and relationships with FGCU staff members and student leaders that represent various communities on campus.
MLD host the national LeaderShape Institute which is a highly regarded as an intensive and energizing four-day program, held annually in March (spring break), which is open to student leaders, organizations or any participant interested in producing extraordinary results for their college experience and beyond, while also developing a commitment to lead with integrity.
Through interactive group activities, simulations and dialogue, LeaderShape provides insight to act in consideration of ethical values, develop meaningful relationships and lead with integrity. Participants develop a plan for meaningful change in whatever community they wish to positively affect.
The curriculum, centered on the philosophy of leading with integrity, is a building-block program with a strategic focus for each day.
Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy is an intensive three-day weekend for students to focus on enhancing their leadership knowledge and application. The free retreat is based on the “The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” from “The Leadership Challenge” by Kouzes and Posner. Through interactive workshops, small group discussions and practical application, the retreat allows students to connect with their peers and develop skills in a safe and challenging environment off campus.
iLEAD Summit
iLEAD Summit is a one day conference style program intended to connect students and student leaders while promoting collaborative efforts, developing leadership skills and building lifelong relationships. The summit is held every fall and is open to all students and registered student organizations.
The program includes:
- An inspirational and dynamic keynote speaker
- A variety of breakout sessions led by campus professionals that focus on leadership fundamentals and how to incorporate such skills into everyday campus involvement
- An opportunity for students to come together, network and learn from one another.
Embark
The Embark Program is designed to support FGCU juniors and seniors as they reflect on the impact their leadership experiences have played in their personal and professional growth. Upperclassmen will identify ways and opportunities to articulate and market their leadership experiences while expanding their personal and professional development in order to continue their leadership journey beyond life after college.
iLEAD Sessions
iLEAD Sessions are monthly workshops that are designed for all participants to gain an understanding of various themes, concepts, and theories to apply to real-world practices. Through the workshops facilitated by community members, these sessions serve as an opportunity for participants to gain insight on topics that will essentially expand their leadership capacity.
Emerging Eagles
Emerging Eagles is a seven-week program (offered during the fall and spring semesters) designed to help new student leaders identify and develop leadership styles and skills that will impact their leadership experiences on campus, in the community, and beyond. Participants will build connections with other participants, peer mentors, and the EE Leadership Team during a one-day retreat, will engage in large group activities and small group discussions during weekly 2-hour sessions, and celebrate the semester during a graduation ceremony.
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)
Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded on December 3, 1914, at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, by 15 student and faculty leaders. The founders formulated the idea that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized, that representatives in all phases of college life should cooperate in worthwhile endeavors, and that outstanding students, faculty and administrators should meet on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness. ODK® was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage the development of general campus citizenship. Since its founding, Omicron Delta Kappa has initiated over 300,000 members. For more information on joining, go to odk.org.
