four students posing with coffee cups and leaning on a rock with sun shining behind them

Franke Global Leadership Initiative

The Franke Global Leadership Initiative (GLI) is a four-year, 12-credit certificate program in which you connect with peers, delve into global issues, discover your leadership style, gain real-world experience outside of the classroom, and implement a complex project that addresses a societal challenge. Upon graduation you will earn a certificate in global leadership, which complements any degree on campus.

Made possible through private donations, this program admits just 150 students each fall semester. Admission to the Franke GLI is on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Interested in applying to the Franke GLI for fall of 2027? Our application is now open and you can apply below.

If you are interested in joining the Franke GLI for the fall of 2026, please email gli@umontana.edu. 

If you are are a current UM student interested in joining the Franke GLI, please email gli@umontana.edu. 

 

Related Information

Global Leadership Seminar (GBLD 194)

During your first semester, you enroll in one of seven seminar-style courses focused on global challenges. These Global Leadership Seminars are taught by faculty from disciplines across campus. Seminars are designed as three-credit interdisciplinary courses that address global challenges and incorporate intercultural or international perspectives.

Global Pathway for International Baccalaureate (IB)

The Franke GLI has a Global Learning Pathway for students enrolled in an IB high school. If you  have taken Theory of Knowledge and earned college-level credit for one Higher Level IB course, you are guaranteed admission into the Franke GLI program. While admission is guaranteed, you are still required to complete the application (see above section).

Completion of the two IB courses noted above will fulfill GBLD 194, one of the Global Leadership Certificate’s course requirements. The Franke GLI advisors can work with you to design a three-year program, if that timeline works better for your graduation plans. Additionally, UM has a First-Year Study Abroad option if you are bringing in a minimum of 24 credits.

For more information about these opportunities, please review the specialized Global Learning Pathway advising worksheet.

Global Living Learning Community (LLC)

The Global Living Learning Community enriches the experience of the Franke Global Leadership Initiative by giving you the opportunity to surround yourself with globally-oriented peers. This LLC encourages you to think globally and act locally by connecting you to different backgrounds, countries, and viewpoints.

TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES

  • Global culture nights
  • Social gatherings
  • Networking opportunities 

LOCATION

  • Miller Hall 
  • Male wing and female wing
  • Double rooms and pods
  • Study lounge on your floor
  • Large sunny communal area on first floor
  • Located on Arthur Avenue

Learn more about Miller Hall!