Kirby Leadership Institute

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New year, new program, new you!

Develop yourself as a leader, anytime, anywhere, with KirbyLead!

It's completely free and open to any major. Complete modules on your own time, in the order you prefer, to achieve your leadership development goals.

How It Works
Complete a module, earn a certified digital badge that you can share on your LinkedIn or other social media. Employers or other interested parties can click on your badge to see what the criteria for completion were, and they can contact you to ask for more information. Badges are administered through Badgr, an open source system that will hold your badges for you in a private backpack, and allow you to measure your progress toward the UMD Leadership Certificate based on the badges you have earned. Coming soon: integration with Canvas, which will allow you to view your progress right inside the classroom.

Modules are offered online through Canvas. To get started, complete the Module Registration Form to register for KirbyLead 101!

Introduction to KirbyLead

This module is required for all participants.
Learn how KirbyLead works and get a preview of what you'll accomplish as you progress through the modules you choose.
Core Value One: Learning

In this theme, you will reflect on your leadership-related academic coursework, and how it will apply to your career and your life.
Core Value Two: Discovery

Discover what makes you an asset to any team, and how to use your Strengths to be the best leader you can.
Core Value Three: Engagement

Leaders serve not only their teams, but their communities. In this module, you will create, propose, execute, and review a community service project.
Core Value Four: Inclusivity

Take advantage of the amazing opportunities we have on campus and in Duluth to learn more about other cultures, and how understanding people from other backgrounds can inform your leadership practice.
Core Value Five: Sustainability

Collaborate with professional and student staff from the Office of Sustainability to develop a project that addresses a sustainability-related need in our community.
Core Value Six: Innovation

Core Value Six is still in development. Check back for updates!
Core Value Seven: Integrity

You must register to be assigned to a Core Value Seven cohort. This cohort will meet weekly in person for eight weeks.
Core Value Seven is a study of leadership expert Brené Brown's book Dare to Lead. Register for Core Value Seven cohort
Core Value Eight: Excellence

This module culminates in the submission of an application for Omicron Delta Kappa, a nationally recognized leadership honor society.