Purpose

The challenges that our students will confront at graduation are those that are increasingly global concerns, such as economic viability, population and environmental changes, effects of technological advances, ethical dilemmas, and the generation of wealth and resources. In addition, our global society needs leaders and entrepreneurs to shape progress toward innovation, new technologies, and civic and cultural engagement. The University of Montana has developed a privately funded program to instill in its graduates more comprehensive understanding and broader perspectives to address such issues, as well as the leadership skills needed for the global century.

Each year, a broadly representative group of first-year students will be invited to participate as Global Leadership Fellows. The program will enrich an already strong university experience composed of major study and coursework that builds competencies by providing a high quality intellectual foundation. It also fosters skills that enable students to examine critically global challenges and achieve genuine confidence in their knowledge and abilities.

The UM Global Leadership Initiative will provide students the coursework, out-of-classroom experiences, guidance, and the support necessary to achieve leadership for the global century. All aspects of the program are meant to enhance an already strong undergraduate education and are collaboratively designed by the GLI task force and GLI staff who are here to assist with any questions current or prospective students may have.