To have a positive impact on society, leaders must not only be equipped with the critical thinking skills needed to decide what needs to be done. They also must know how to get things done—to have the self-awareness and interpersonal skills that undergird effective leadership.

WashU is committed to helping every person. Our students are academically outstanding. But many young people don’t have the space and guidance needed to reflect and develop a purpose-driven leadership style. Our approach to leader development helps people understand their purpose and develop foundational skills in communication, teamwork, and building trust.

The Bauer Leaders Academy serves as a core structure for developing and delivering programs in service of the University’s strategic initiative—WashU Leads—to differentiate WashU as the premier institution for developing leaders of character and capability.

The signature of the Bauer Leaders Academy is a four-year leadership development program for undergraduates. This program is distinctive in its integration of experiential learning, distinctive coursework, and direct coaching.

Undergraduate Leadership Journey

Year 1: The purpose project

College is a natural time for students to contemplate their calling in life and form clearer ideas around their own journey.

During their first year, all undergraduates will have the opportunity to consider their purposes, values, and leadership identities. Orientation and first-year course-work, including the Division of Student Affairs’ one-credit course about the college transition, all will feature modules and exercises focused on purpose, values and leadership. Throughout this first year, WashU will consistently challenge each student to reconnect to their purpose for learning that will stay with them for decades to come.

Years 2-4: Deepening Leader Identity & Skills

Students who elect to go deeper into leadership development through learning and practice will have a variety of means through which to do so.

One offering is access to Leadership Coaching. Coaching has proven highly effective for self awareness and growing confidence and skills as leaders. Participants identify key objectives for their development as learners and leaders, and each certified coach works with a small group of students who have similar objectives.

Students also have several opportunities to take courses infused with the WashU model of leader development. The Bauer Leaders Academy provides funding for faculty members across disciplines to develop courses that situate leadership in students’ diverse areas of interest.

Students can also accelerate their development as leaders of character and capability through a range of extracurricular workshops, programs, and events. One signature event—WashU’s Leadership Week—clusters multiple experiences to shine a spotlight on WashU’s distinctive approach to leader development.

Capstone: Leadership Scholar Certification

Students who participate in the Bauer Leaders Academy four-year self-discovery process may elect to compete for the program’s Leadership Scholar Certification. This distinction will be highly selective and highly prized. Certification will be managed through the Bauer Leaders Academy.