The Leadership Certificate Program
The Leadership Certificate Program
The Western Oregon University Leadership Certificate helps students build real-world leadership skills through hands-on experience across campus and beyond. This flexible program recognizes that leadership looks different for everyone, allowing students to customize their path based on their interests, goals, and academic focus. Along the way, students develop practical skills in communication, teamwork, ethics, and strategic thinking.
Students work one-on-one with a professional advisor to create a personalized leadership plan that connects their experiences, strengths, and challenges with meaningful opportunities at WOU. Students complete the Leadership Certificate by earning points across key leadership skill areas and finishing several signature program components.
Eligibility
The following are the requirements to be considered for entry into the Leadership Certificate Program:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA and be in good academic and judicial standing
- Full-time student at Western Oregon University with fewer than 135 earned credits
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and can be submitted through Involve.
If accepted into the program, the new admit will complete an intake interview with their assigned program advisor. Past, current, and future interests and leadership experiences will be discussed, and a personalized leadership certificate checklist will be created for each student. Topics will include areas of focus, areas of challenge, and a discussion of avenues that tie in majors of study to existing campus leadership programs.
Core Competency Areas
Students earn points by participating in leadership experiences that align with six core competency areas.
| Core Competency Area | Points Required |
| Communication | 45 points |
| Group Dynamics | 30 points |
| Interpersonal Interaction | 45 points |
| Learning & Reasoning | 45 points |
| Personal Behavior | 45 points |
| Strategic Planning | 25 points |
Points are earned term by term through leadership roles, clubs, and experiences both on- and off-campus. Points are based on: Level of Responsibility, Time Commitment, Alignment with the Core Competency, & Overall Leadership Impact.
Participants are encouraged to meet with their Program Advisor at least twice per academic year. A final check-in is required at least one term before graduation to confirm completion.
Additional Program Requirements
Service Project
Students complete an approved service project during their final two years in the program. This project allows students to apply their leadership skills while addressing a real community need.
The service project can be completed independently or as part of a team and must meet certain qualifications to be discussed with your Program Adviser.
Ethics of Leadership Workshop
Students are required to attend the WOU Ethics of Leadership Workshop, offered by Student Engagement at least once per year. This workshop explores core elements of the program such as values-based leadership and ethical decision-making.
Dates are shared well in advance, and students may attend any offered session.
Leadership Capstone E-Portfolio
The Leadership Certificate concludes with a Capstone E-portfolio, which serves as a reflection on the student’s leadership journey.
The student will explain how their experiences met program requirements, reflect on lessons learned, and consider how they would approach leadership differently in the future.
Questions?
If you have any questions, contact the Program Director: Benjamin Barlow | he/him | barlowbd@wou.edu | 503-751-4127 | Werner University Center 210H
