Key Plus Academic Courses
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Leadership in Higher Education Class
Key Plus students are required to enroll in IU 272: Leadership in Higher Education, better known as “The Key Plus Leadership Class.” IU 272 is a 3-credit, graded class. As one of the few leadership classes offered at Colorado State University, this class is designed to empower students in a journey of self discovery that allows for greater understanding in regards to creating positive social change in a given community. The students will explore aspects of leadership by actively participating in multiple activities that examine Individual & Group Values, Communication, Understanding Others, Team and Group work, Balance, and Leadership Development. It is the hope that each student will have a clear understanding of the tools needed to assist each student in creating positive social change within their communities by understanding what it means to be an reflective and engaged citizen.
Class Goals and Objectives:
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Students will explore their values, leadership, communication, and personality styles in order to articulate their personal mission statement.
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Students will participate in group projects which will enable the development of leadership skills.
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Students will describe the role of diversity in relation to leadership.
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Students will illustrate an understanding of leadership development through a combination of open forums, exercises, discussions, and guest presenters.
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Career Decision-Making Class
Educational and career choices greatly impact individual lives not only during the collegiate years but throughout the lifespan. Sound career and educational decisions provide stronger foundations for individual contributions to self, community and society. This class is designed for students to investigate decision-making theories, enhance self-awareness, develop a personal philosophy, and apply an action plan that will encourage strategic educational and career choices now and in the future.
Class Goals and Objectives:
- Familiarity with decision-making theories and models which provide the framework of the course.
- Review career development, personality, and identity theories and the applicability to life-long decision-making.
- Use standardized assessments and other tools to increase the self awareness necessary for productive educational and career decision-making.
- Draw on theory and self understanding to develop a personal philosophy to guide strategic decision-making both in the short term and across the life span.
- Understand environmental influences, cultural factors, and life roles that impact educational and career choices.
- Analyze current issues and trends that impact academic disciplines and career areas.
- Construct an action plan that operationalizes the student’s philosophy regarding educational and career exploration and choice.
