Student Affairs Navigation Department Navigation Page Content Page Footer
University Center Banner
University of Montana University of Montana University of Montana A to Z index University of Montana Search

.
Ursa Major F.A.Q'S Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ursa Major?
What do I get out of participating?
What exactly do I do during the program?
What is a peer mentor?

 Why is it called Ursa Major?
What is a cohort?
Who can participate?
When does the program start?
Q: What is Ursa Major?
 
A: Ursa Major is a leadership development program offered for students at The University of Montana. Participants learn important leadership skills through active participation in activities such as classes, workshops, conferences, community service, and retreats.

Return to top

Why is it called Ursa Major?
 
A:   Ursa Major means “Great Bear”. The Great Bear is a large constellation in the northern hemisphere that contains the Big Dipper, the best known group of stars in the sky.  Ursa Major points toward Polaris, the North Star, and those traveling at night have long used the constellation to navigate on land and sea. In this spirit, the Ursa Major student leadership program is designed to light a path and help each student find his or her way.

Return to top

Q: What do I get out of participating?
 
A: Your experience with Ursa Major depends on you! You will have the opportunity to learn and explore leadership with other students, participate in campus life, and create your own vision of leadership. Additionally, you will be recognized for your participation by receiving awards at the annual Outstanding Student Leader Award Ceremony. 

Return to top

Q: What is a cohort?
 
A: A cohort is a group of people, and each participant will experience Ursa Major with a cohort. Each cohort in Ursa Major is around 20 students that begin and finish the program at the same time.

Return to top

Q: What exactly would I do during the program?
A: The Ursa Major program is divided into 2 phases, including phase 1: Leadership Study and phase 2: Leadership in Practice.  
Phase 1 requirements include:
  • Attend the Ursa Major Winter Feast
  • Meet with peer mentor at least six times in the spring semester
  • Complete the Introduction to Student Leadership Course
  • Attend the January off-campus retreat
  • Attend the UM Spring Leadership Conference
  • Attend 4 of the 5 Leadership Workshops in spring semester
  • Participate in at least one Ursa Major community service project
  • Attend the Outstanding Student Leadership Award Ceremony
  • Complete a leadership pre-test and post-test
Phase 2 requirements include:
  • Apply and be placed in a leadership in practice position
  • Fulfill duties for designated leadership in practice position during fall or spring semester
  • Actively recruit Ursa Major students at two events
  • Attend the peer mentor training retreat
  • Attend the peer mentoring match-up event
  • Meet with peer mentee at least six times in the spring semester
  • Attend the Ursa Major Winter feast
  • Attend 3 of the 4 Leadership Workshops fall semester
  • Participate in at least one community service project
  • Attend the March off-campus overnight retreat
  • Attend the Outstanding Student Leadership Award Ceremony
  • Complete a leadership post-test

Return to top

Q: Who can participate?
A: Any 1st or 2nd year student at The University of Montana can apply for the program. This includes transfer students that are currently completing their 1st or 2nd year at The University of Montana. Prior leadership experience is not necessary.Return to top
Q: What is a peer mentor?
A: A peer mentor is a phase 2 student that has participated in the program for over one semester. Upon acceptance into the program, new students (phase 1) are matched with a peer mentor. Peer mentors meet regularly with their mentee to provide guidance and support during their journey in the Ursa Major program.

Return to top

Q: When does the program start?

A: Applications for new students are accepted each fall until early to mid-October. Applications are reviewed, and students are notified if they are accepted into the program in late October. In November, new students (phase 1) are invited to attend several optional Ursa Major events. Phase 1 students program requirements officially begin in January of the following spring semester.

Return to top

 

 

Patty McPherson Kero   Program Advisor
Phone: (406) 243-5527
Fax: (406) 243-4340