Union Leadership Institue Program Structure

PROGRAM STRUCTURE 

The curriculum is divided into three parts—a week-long retreat at the start and end of the program and three weekends in between—facilitated by a team of experienced and dynamic instructors. We are committed to active learning and use a wide range of participatory approaches. The curriculum is designed to adjust to the needs and challenges ULI participants are facing within their own organizations. ULI provides space for leaders to explore strategic challenges they face in the workplace and society. Instructors facilitate a process of coaching and mentoring to assist participants develop mastery in three key areas of leadership development. 

1. STRENGTHENING INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP 

During the first week-long retreat in Ithaca, leaders use the time and space to examine their own personal styles and leadership habits and support each other in their process of leadership growth.  

2. LEADING AND TRANSFORMING YOUR ORGANIZATION  

During three long weekends between December and March, ULI empowers participants to build organizations that can be more adaptive, relevant, and effective in a dramatically and rapidly changing world while working on a field project.  

3. BUILDING A DYNAMIC AND INCLUSIVE MOVEMENT 

During the closing week-long retreat, ULI participants learn to lead in ways that strengthen their organizations and help build a transformative and inclusive social movement in the 21st century. 

MORE ON THE PROGRAM 
 
Participants are also required to complete a leadership project (field work) that allows them to apply the skills learned to lead a transformational project within their union or organization. Attendance at all five retreats is required for successful graduation of the program. 

Additionally, three optional electives can be chosen from the non-credit public programming offered by Cornell during the one-year program, and for one year after graduation.