Welcome to the Leadership Excellence Program site on the Cadets Intranet! This area will provide information about the Certificate in Leadership Study and Development, the Nichols' Rising Leaders Conference, SOMS Courses, Career Development Opportunities and other Leadership activities.
Purpose
The purpose of the program is to develop leaders of character who are prepared to provide values based leadership to all sectors of society.
The program is designed to take full advantage of each student's development opportunities in the Corps of Cadets, based on their progression through four stages of leadership--from followership to direct leadership of self and others, to indirect leadership of other leaders, to executive leadership of entire organizations.
The experiential component, the Corps of Cadets, is supported by coursework in leadership theory and practice with the School of Military Science curriculum (SOMS). Cadets are encouraged to apply their leadership capabilities in organizations outside of the Corps as well.
Certificate in Leadership Study and Development
The Certificate in Leadership Study and Development is an academic award noted on students' official university transcripts. It is an interdisiplinary program offering undergraduate students, majoring in any curriculum, the oportunity to prepare for leadership responsibilities in many careers.
The academic accolade verified participants have included, with formal education, a series of training and development opportunities in leadership. The requirements include 12 hours of leadership coursework, effective participation in the Corps of Cadets, and application of leadership practices in student organizations, supervised internships and capstone experiences.
Deadline for applying for the Leadership Certificate is the fall semester of the cadet's senior year.
SOMS Curriculum
The coursework component of the Certificate in Leadership Study and Development is provided through the School of Military Science, known as SOMS. The SOMS courses are designed to foster a personal leadership development through a six-course curriculum.
The following courses are required of all freshman and sophomore cadets.
Freshman Spring Semester – SOMS 489: Fundamentals of Direct Leadership Modeling behavior; supporting academic performance; training of subordinates; Corps procedures.
Sophomore Spring Semester– SOMS 289: From Direct to Indirect Leadership Purpose, values and vision; roles and responsibilities of indirect leaders; skills to be a successful indirect leaders; accountability and standards.
The workshops and seminars are required of all junior and senior Drill & Ceremony and PLC cadets.
Junior Fall Semester– SOMS 380: Elements of Leadership Defining a cadet’s purpose; identifying personality types and understanding personal strengths; assessing communication styles; developing problem solving as a core skill; strengthening character; designing a personal leadership development plan
Junior Spring Semester– SOMS 381: Organizational Leadership Development Work ethic and ethical behavior; leading teams and developing organizational members; executive leadership: roles and responsibilities; implementation of personal leadership development plans
Senior Fall Semester– SOMS 481: Executive Leadership Leading and managing organizations; identifying, establishing and communicating an organization’s values, purpose and vision; decision-making in complex environments; leading teams and improving the performance of others
Senior Spring Semester– SOMS 482: Leadership Ethics Moral development; evaluating individual values; ethical decision-making in complex environments; applying leadership skills in new situations