Group Project

Throughout the four-week summer program, the MLI Fellows work in small groups to develop proposals for their assignment. The Fellows worked with key stakeholders across the University, including representatives from Student Affairs, the Provost’s Office, the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the Office of Community Engagement and Equal Opportunity, Academic Deans, and their fellow students to incorporate diverse perspectives into their proposals. The summer program concludes with each group presenting its proposal to a broad University audience.

Summer Program

Week 1: About You and Your Vision

The Fellows are introduced to the summer program and group project. After being divided into teams, the Fellows have discussions on personal leadership styles and team expectations. Primary topics for the week include effective verbal and non-verbal communication, the University's Organizational chart, and understanding how personal needs motivate behaviors. This week is an opportunity for the MLI cohort to engage in bonding activities. 

Week 2: Teamwork and Institutional Orientation

The Fellows are oriented to the organizational structure of the University and how to collaborate within it.  Primary topics for the week include group effectiveness, creative problem-solving, and the art of presenting. The Fellows participate in leadership exercises that encourage them to apply these topics to real-world situations. The MLI Fellows begin engaging in leadership conversations with university leaders, exposing them to the political and institutional nuances of UVA. Project stakeholders start meeting with students. 

Week 3: Project Management and Practical Leadership

The Fellows work with UVA Faculty, Directors in various offices, and outside professionals on exploring and sharpening necessary leadership skills. Project management skills include constructing and delivering a proposal, creating and presenting building project plans, and navigating and understanding perspectives, backgrounds, and workplace dynamics. Fellows have the privilege of having brunch with Academic Deans and University Senior Leaders. 

Week 4: Connecting Ideas, Refining Strategy, Bringing it All Together

At this stage in the program, the Fellows have begun to solidify their ideas for the summer project and have pitched their ideas to University officials. Their visits with University leaders will continue to develop their organizational understanding of the University, and their leadership skills will be furthered through various workshops on effective communication, group collaboration, and financial management. The Fellows schedule meetings with their project Stakeholders to sharpen their proposals. The Fellows spend most of the week finalizing their slide decks and presentations. They present their proposals on the last day of the program to a broad audience of University Stakeholders. The program concludes with a celebratory lunch.