Information for Prospective Students

The Undergraduate Leadership Program (ULP) is an interdisciplinary program where you can earn a Certificate in Leadership. We welcome a diverse group of students from all schools on campus. If you would like to know more about our program please feel free to browse our website, stop by the ULP house with any questions you might have, or attend one of our information sessions. The 2008 certificate application process is outlined below.

Benefits of the Program
The Undergraduate Leadership Program (ULP) helps students understand the nature of leadership and prepares them to become leaders on campus, in the community, and in their professions. Through coursework, retreats, and self-study, participants learn the theories of leadership, experience the challenge of leading others, and create a sense of community with each other and members of the participating organizations.

The Certificate Application Process
To begin the program, you need to register for Gen_Cmn 204: Paradigms and Strategies of Leadership. You can register for this on CAESAR. During the Paradigms course, you have the opportunity to continue with the remaining certificate requirements.

What Alumni have said...
The Paradigms and Strategies of Leadership class taught me the fine balance between being a team player and a leader. It made me notice the mundane details most people take for granted and it made me think very differently. It also gave me an insight into the 'real world' workings of corporations and helped me become a more confident speaker; it made me realize the importance of expressing my views, however silly I may think they are. Overall, a great experience- one that has made my experience at Northwestern more memorable and valuable.

Malika M.
Learning Disabilities & Biological Sciences double major, class of 2006

The experiential retreat was a highlight of my ULP experience. This retreat presented our group with fun physical challenges that helped our lab group become a more cohesive team. This hands-on experience was unique to the ULP program, and facilitated learning on a level unlike any other class at Northwestern.

Nicole B.
Economics and Legal Studies major, class of 2006

The Leadership Education Seminar was incredibly helpful because it gave you real, concrete examples of how what we learn in ULP can be applied in many different careers and fields.  No matter what your major or anticipated career, you can apply the skills and techniques you learn in ULP to help you be an effective leader as you go forward.

Colleen P.
Psychology/Pre-Med major, class of 2006

The Community Connections Retreat was a unique learning opportunity that opened my eyes to areas of Chicago that I would not have otherwise discovered. It was truly a hands-on experience that brought me into direct contact with Chicago 's Uptown and Southside. We met and spoke with various prominent figures in each community and discovered what challenges they face.

Emily L.
Political Science major, class of 2007

The ULP self-interview was a way for me to interview people about myself- what my strengths and weaknesses are; and what is holding me back from being the best leader I can be etc. They allowed me to have a legitimate context to inquire about other people's perception of me. From that, I could build on my strengths and correct my weaknesses. This exercise was very helpful, and I will continue to do self- interviews throughout my life.

Sharon L.
Learning and Organizational Change major, class of 2005

The Paradigms and Strategies of Leadership class gave me a unique introduction to working in a team setting.  The experience proved immensely valuable as I became more involved in student groups on campus, and in time, in the leadership of those groups.  I have repeatedly found myself using the tools and strategies that I learned in class to help in tasks ranging from planning the formation of a new group (tool: work plan) to analyzing situations in order to make decisions (tool: criteria matrix).

Alex L.
Economics major, class of 2006

The Paradigms and Strategies of Leadership class gave me interpersonal and organizational tools that I use often in classes and my professional internship.  On my first day of work at the Chicago Public Schools central office, I was asked to plan a project by creating a workplan, complete with a task chart, timeline, and implementation plan.  After the ULP class, this was a familiar task, and I knew I could not only create a successful workplan, but effectively communicate with others on our team to make the plan a reality.  

Lesley H.
Learning and Organizational Change major, class of 2006

The Leadership Education Seminar was incredibly helpful because it gave you real, concrete examples of how what we learn in ULP can be applied in many different careers and fields.  No matter what your major or anticipated career, you can apply the skills and techniques you learn in ULP to help you be an effective leader as you go forward.

Colleen P.
Psychology/Pre-Med major, class of 2006

The Leadership Education Seminar has had an impact on me in that I can see exactly where these newfound leadership skills can be applied. It gave me the opportunity to listen to various people who are all in positions of leadership within their fields and who have all had to create their own styles of leadership that are tailored to their needs. It was really fascinating to listen to NU graduates who spoke of what they had taken out of ULP and how they are making use of that knowledge in their current jobs. This was also a class unlike any other at this school, and now I can definitely see how I can utilize the skills I learn here in the future phases of my life.

Maggie D.
Biology & International Studies double major, class of 2006

The Community Connections Retreat gave me an in-depth look into how leaders in a smaller, close knit and more informal community function. It highlighted the similarities and differences between two of the many styles of leadership, and made me realize that the significance of changing my role as a leader depending on the dynamics of the group that I am working in. The Community Connections Retreat also opened my eyes to a part of Chicago that I had only heard of, and exposed me to the real challenges and limitations that the many leaders of that community (and many other communities around the world) faced.

Malika M.
Learning Disabilities & Biological Sciences double major, class of 2006

Having to do two externships for ULP gave me my first exposure in having any outside-of-class learning experience. All college students eventually have to find an internship and then a job so securing two externships gave me my first look into how to begin this important process.

Cynthia M.
Radio TV and Film & Communication Studies double major, class of 2006

The externship was a great experience for me. I shadowed someone and got to see first hand what life was like as both a lobbyist and a lawyer. I still keep in contact with the man I shadowed and he even invited me to sit on a non-profit board with him.

Whitney G.
Economics & Sociology double major, class of 2007