Learning to lead: UCalgary launches embedded certificate in leadership studies

Leadership is an abstract concept. We think of it as either good or bad, but what does it actually mean?

Enter the Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business (CCAL). Started in 2012 in the Haskayne School of Business, the leadership centre is focused on developing the next generation of ethical business leaders. After eight years of intensive research, engaging events and strategic programs, all focused on leadership, the Embedded Certificate in Leadership Studies will be available to all UCalgary undergraduate students and will explore the foundations of leadership while building the necessary skills to succeed as a leader.

• Photo above by Kelly Hofer

The Embedded Certificate in Leadership Studies will provide UCalgary students with a tangible toolkit of skills to be an effective leader in their fields. Business leaders aren’t the only ones impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic — leaders from every discipline are now expected to communicate clearly, give and receive feedback and show resilience in the face of uncertainty. That’s why courses in the embedded certificate range from traditional leadership studies to kinesiology to data science to philosophy. All courses are meant to help students acquire a broad view of leadership issues from a variety of different faculties.

The Haskayne School of Business has seen the benefits of teaching leadership across the undergraduate and graduate levels and are looking forward to supporting all UCalgary students in their leadership journey.

“When we built this embedded certificate, we really put ourselves in the shoes of students from every faculty,” says Dr. Justin Weinhardt, PhD, academic co-ordinator of the certificate. He also notes that in order to offer the best certificate possible, the team reached out to faculty across the university, other leadership institutes around the globe and referenced the most recent scientific literature.

Weinhardt says that because leadership is a valued component of any role regardless of title, organization and industry, students can apply their learnings immediately. “This embedded certificate is a great addition to a student’s resume," he says. "It can help them stand out as a new social worker, engineer, kinesiologist, and so on.”

The embedded certificate is closely aligned with the new strategic direction of the University of Calgary: Unstoppable, Growth Through Focus. Announced in mid-October, UCalgary is shifting gears toward a future-focused program delivery. This means more flexibility for students in course delivery (virtual versus in person), a modularization of programming and microcredentialing (including embedded certificates) that gives students more options to tailor their own education path.

The Embedded Certificate in Leadership Studies officially launches in fall 2021. However, students are encouraged to talk to their academic adviser about adding this embedded certificate into their educational goals and journey as soon as possible.

To earn the Embedded Certificate in Leadership Studies, students must complete six courses: two core courses (six units) and four elective courses (12 units) selected from the Leadership Studies elective list. Elective courses may also be used for credit toward the student’s current degree program. Find more information.