SU Releases Discussion Paper on the Peter Lougheed Leadership College

News Staff - Mon Feb 10, 2014

The Students’ Union, asked by U of A President Indira Samarasekera to share student thoughts on the proposed the Peter Lougheed Leadership College, has taken a thorough and thoughtful approach to considering the proposal and releasing this discussion paper today. The late Alberta Premier started off his journey in politics as President of the University of Alberta Students’ Union.

This document has been informed by conversations with staff, administration, and students on our collective vision for student leadership development. This report provides a number of recommendations to foster student leaders in a way that does justice to the legacy Peter Lougheed left at the university and the province.

“Our vision is that a Peter Lougheed Leadership College should be grounded in student and university values, support existing programs, and develop new programs or facilities based on research and best practice,” said Students’ Union Vice President Academic, Dustin Chelen.

“Anything bearing the Lougheed name should be established in such a way that reflects his values, and should be championed by students, staff and the community.”

The Students’ Union hopes that a successful leadership college has buy-in and support from all groups on campus, so that all members of the University of Alberta campus community can proudly celebrate the creation of a Peter Lougheed Leadership College.

Key Report Recommendations:

1. Separate the Lougheed residence from the Lougheed Leadership College, focusing instead on leadership development in all University of Alberta residences.
2. Use a more consultative and informed approach to developing a Leadership College that reflects the values of the University and of Lougheed.
3. Provide sustainable funding to Community Service Learning, Undergraduate Research, Study Abroad, and the Emerging Leaders Program.
4. Develop leadership courses and ensure the teaching and learning environment supports the development of attributes essential to leadership.
5. Provide greater institutional support for extra-curricular leadership opportunities like student groups, student government, and entrepreneurship programming.
6. Foster diverse leaders through targeted outreach and access for non-traditional leaders and low-income students.

Read the Discussion Document here:

Leadership Discussion Document

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