Program Overview - Students in Ursa Major learn and practice leadership skills through a variety of activities.  These activities include: Workshops: Learn practical leadership skills from experts on campus and the community. Workshops are designed to be interactive and include various topics such as small group communication, multiculturalism, leadership opportunities on campus, and how to market your leadership skills to employers. Classes: Earn academic credit through the Davidson Honors College. Topics in the courses involve leadership theories and models, ethics, personal leadership missions, and planning community service projects. -
		About Us Program Overview Mission & Values Activities Calendar Courses FAQ's Apply

UM spring leadership conference: Each spring, the Center for Leadership Development hosts a day-long conference that consists of a keynote speaker and a variety of workshops, panels, and discussions. A great opportunity to meet other student leaders!

Community service: At least 2 service events are planned each semester so that Ursa Major students can volunteer to support their community. Examples of previous community service projects are military family support night, HIV/AIDS awareness, clothing drive, dog adoption with the Humane Society, and campus recycling. 

Off-campus overnight retreats: Attend 1 weekend retreat each academic year in various locations across western Montana. On these retreats, students get to know each other and have a lot of fun! Additionally, Ursa Major students have the time to do special activities together that build such skills as teamwork and creative problem solving.

Peer mentoring: New students find guidance through the program, enjoy social events, and meet informally with an advanced student in the program.

Leadership in Practice position: Advanced students have the opportunity to actively put their leadership skills to use through various positions. For example, students may plan a leadership retreat, create marketing materials, manage peer mentors, facilitate leadership workshops for campus groups, serve as a service lab leader for classes, assist in the planning for the Annual Student Leadership Conference, coordinate a community program or project, or plan workshops for Ursa Major. 

Recognition at the Outstanding Student Leadership Award Ceremony: This annual UM event honors campus leaders and is held at the close of each academic year. Students in the Ursa Major program are recognized and awarded certificates of achievement, including the Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, and Ursa Major Polaris Achievement certificate.

Social events: Getting together and having fun is prevalent with every event, but we also have special social events planned each semester.

What is leadership? The Ursa Major leadership program defines leadership as:

• Inspiring and moving others toward a shared vision.
• Serving for the benefit of others.
• Understanding and embracing diversity while creating an awareness of diversity in others.
• Doing what is ethically right for the common good.

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