General Information
The LDP believes that leadership is a process in which an individual influences and works with others to attain goals toward a common good.
The three components of the LDP (Academic, Experiential, and Practical) apply knowledge and skills that are strengthened with “hands-on” participation in leadership and team environments. Through coaching and training, our students practice critical elements of leadership (teamwork, communication, influence) and develop ways to use their passions and strengths to make a positive difference in their communities.
Upon successful completion of the requirements, students obtain a Certificate of Leadership (noted on a student’s official academic transcript) upon graduation from Rider.
The Conceptual Framework for the LDP has 4 main components:
- Leadership Development and Self Efficacy
- Multicultural Learning
- Social & Civic Engagement
- Experiential Learning
These components are supported by the program requirements which include:
- Foundations of Leadership course (3 credit course – must earn a B- or better)
- The Leadership for Change Seminar Series (3 seminars each composed of 3 total)
- Ethics or Multicultural Studies elective (3 credit course – must earn a B- or better)
- Leadership Practicum (200 supervised units of actual leadership experience in clubs, organizations, internships, fieldwork, community service, etc.)
- Career Development Workshop/Event Participation
- LDP Sponsored or Endorsed Program/Workshop Attendance
- The maintenance of at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (*Applicants with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or less will not be considered for membership into the LDP)
Graduates of the LDP will:
- gain knowledge about leadership theories, including the Social Change Model of Leadership Development
- be able to articulate their own leadership skills, abilities, strengths, and values
- define leadership as an ethical process of working with others to create positive change
- be able to work more effectively and productively with a team as a result of utilizing the best prescribed leadership style for the situation and team dynamics.
- report an increase in their leadership self-efficacy and willingness to take on leadership roles
- acknowledge the importance of ethics in leadership and understand that ethics is a matter of “right vs. right”
Program Requirements
Below is more detailed information about the requirements necessary to obtain the Certificate in Leadership:
Foundations of Leadership Course (LDP 200) – 3 credits
Foundations of Leadership (LDP 200) is the first course in the sequence of academic and co-curricular requirements for the Leadership Development Program. LDP 200 introduces students to historical and contemporary leadership theories, gives students an awareness of their interpersonal and leadership tendencies, and guides them along a developmental path to becoming confident leaders.
Ethics or Multicultural Studies Elective – 3 credits
The ethics or multicultural studies elective allows students to enhance their leadership abilities through exposure to different cultures, ethnic groups, and social classes. Other courses analyze case studies to determine the nature of ethical problems and the criteria for their adequate solution. Students select one ethics or multicultural studies course from a robust list of courses offered at Rider to fulfill this requirement.
Leadership for Change Seminar Series
The Leadership for Change Seminar Series is designed to enhance an LDP member’s understanding of how their leadership can guide positive change. The curriculum is based off of the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (Komivez, et. al). Through experiential activities, self-assessment, and reflection, LDP members will learn more about themselves, how to work more effectively with others, and how their leadership can create social change in both their personal and professional lives. The series is comprised of 3 seminars, each meeting 3 times (for a total of 9 classes).
Co-Curricular/Experiential Leadership Opportunities (Leadership Practicum)
To accrue 200 units of supervised leadership experience, students apply their classroom and experiential learning by participating and actively leading others in student government, various clubs and organizations, fraternities/sororities, athletics, internships, student employment, or community service projects. Based on the student’s level of involvement for the co-curricular activities, points are awarded on a sliding scale each semester.
The LDP is no longer recruiting new members. If current members have any questions about the program, please contact [email protected].