Purpose

Colorado State University is committed to developing excellent and effective leaders that will have an impact on our society.  The Rams Engaging in Active Leadership (REAL) Experience is designed to fulfill CSU’s commitment to our student body.  The REAL Experience inspires participants to advance their own knowledge with regard to becoming socially conscious leaders and productive thinkers. In addition, this co-curricular certificate program will prepare and develop participants to be more engaged in their community.

• The REAL Experience is tailored to meet the interests, needs, and goals of each participant. This experience is comprised of various workshops within four different levels that, upon completion individually and collectively, result in a certificate. 
• REAL provides all interested CSU students with an accessible opportunity to develop and enhance a personal philosophy of leadership that includes an understanding of self, groups, and their community.
• REAL offers various opportunities for students to reflect upon and develop the attitudes, knowledge, and skills related to ethical leadership development and practices.

Basic Logistics

Participants can complete up to four levels of various certificates.

• Level I - The Foundation of Leadership Certificate focuses on understanding basic leadership definitions, ideas, and theories. This certificate focuses on personal growth by addressing ethics and personal values, and serves as an introduction to leadership
• Level II - The Leadership Skills and Professional Enhancement Certificate focuses on building upon the basic experience learned through Level I – Foundations and the Personal Foundations of Leadership Certificate. This level will allow participants to gain a stronger understanding of their current skills and how to utilize them. In addition, this level will allow participants to expand upon their current skill level as well as gain new proficiencies for effective application.  
• Level III - This level allows for individual development that tailors to the interest areas for each participant. Participants can receive a certificate in any or all of the below interest areas by completing the requirements below. Participants do not have to complete Level I or II Requirements to attend Level III workshops, but in order to complete this certificate, individuals must complete Level I & II requirements. 
• Level IV - The REAL CSU Student Leader Certificate recognizes those student leaders at CSU who have demonstrated excellence as leaders and a commitment to themselves and our community as a whole. Students who complete this certificate have a clear understanding of who they are and how they may impact our community, and they have taken an active role in engaging our community through volunteer hours, leadership roles, and retreat participation.

Additionally, participants must complete documented volunteer experience and a reflection session in addition to workshop attendance to fulfill the requirements to earn a certificate.

For more information on workshop schedule & description, forms, and other documents, click here.