The Presidents Leadership Class (PLC) is a multidisciplinary, co-curricular leadership program for specially selected undergraduate students. PLC includes four required courses, mandatory service requirement, and participation in both community events and experiential learning. PLC establishes a learning community of diverse scholars who have shared values. This unique environment helps every student fulfill their potential through a proven approach to leader development.


Eligibility 

CU Boulder Students (Degree Seeking Only)

Delivery Mode

Hybrid or in-person and online delivery

Credit Status

Includes for-credit and noncredit

Academic Level 

Undergraduate

Time to Completion 

Semesters

URL

Value-Based Leadership

Requirements

Students must complete PRLC 1810, PRLC 1820, Multi-level issues in leadership or a course substitute, global issues in leadership or a course substitute, exceed service obligation, complete an applied leadership experience, attend community events 

Unless approved for substitute pathways, learners pursuing the Values-Based Leadership micro-credential must be accepted into the Presidents Leadership Class. All applicants are reviewed by alumni, faculty, staff and current students, followed by an interview process. Each year, approximately 600-800 students apply, and approximately 40 students are admitted.

PLC Credit Requirements

As a prerequisite for the micro-credential, eligible learners must first fulfill PLC credit requirements in Leadership Foundations & Applications, Multi-Level Leadership, Multi-Level Leadership, and Global Leadership (or course substitutes, when applicable).

Each PLC scholar must provide 10 hours of service each year in the program, totaling 40 hours of meaningful, philanthropic service. Proof of service is provided to and verified by the supervisor, and submitted via the MyPLC app.

Applied Leadership Experience

The Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) unveils the utility and necessity of experiential learning as a life skill/endeavor, by guiding and supporting students through the reflection on the learning process. Learners identify personal, professional, and leadership growth moments that can be translated into skills to be applied to future experiences and placements. They are exposed to professional development lessons, seminars, and workshops to help them navigate current and future placements.

Learners complete an Applied Leadership Experience reflection paper and interview with a supervisor. They are assessed on a rubric for intermediate and advanced demonstration of competencies in: Respectful Communication, Resilience, Development Orientation, Service for Change, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Skills

  • Respectful Communication
  • Resilience
  • Service
  • DEI
  • Growth Mindset