LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Through the involvement in our leadership programs, students will understand and develop in the areas of cultural competence, servant leadership, social responsibility, a better understanding of self and compassion to others.
The 91探花Leadership Program (VLP) is free and open to all 91探花students who are looking to complement their ongoing leadership journey. Students that attend four of the six modules will receive a Certificate of Leadership and are invited to attend a leadership dinner.
The 91探花Leadership Program has three core pillars:
I. Shining a light on prominent leadership theories
II. Sharing useful leadership tips and tricks that students can apply immediately
III. Providing opportunities to network with other students and campus leaders
Fall 2025 VLP registration will open in August 2025. Please be on the lookout for an email around this time to register!
Dates are subject to change. All programs run from 3-4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Friday, September 12: Pre-Module Networking/Team Building
Location: 91探花Challenge Course
Friday, September 19: What Makes a Leader
Location: Dougherty Hall East Lounge
Friday, October 3: Interpersonal Intelligence & Relationship Building
Location: Dougherty Hall East Lounge
Friday, October 24: Homecoming Alumni Leadership Panel
Location: Mullen Center 鈥� Topper Theater
Friday, October 31: Effective Communication
Location: Dougherty Hall East Lounge
Friday, November 14: Ethical Leadership
Location: Dougherty Hall East Lounge
Friday, November 28: VLP Overview & Final Jeopardy
Location: Dougherty Hall East Lounge
*Friday, December 5: VLP Graduation Ceremony & Dinner
Location: Dougherty Hall East Lounge
*6 p.m. start time
The 91探花Leadership Program is supported by a team of motivated and innovative executive board members. Current membership roles:
President
- Oversees all students on the E-Board
- Provides support as needed
Community Outreach
- Generates leads to connect new students to the VLP
- Creates VLP weekly newsletter
Professional Development
- Research new leadership theories, may present at modules
- Updates and oversees VLP LinkedIn page
Operations
- Helps develop/lead networking opportunities for VLP students
- Oversees random seating and peer mentorship communication
Social media
- Oversees the VLP Instagram page
- Explores alternative ways to engage the VLP on social media听
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鈥淥ur E-Board members provide invaluable guidance and fresh ideas to the VLP each semester. I continuously rely on the E-Board for their problem-solving skills, flexibility, and first-hand experience as former VLP students. The executive board works diligently to offer students a superior leadership experience, and their initiative has resulted in significant growth of the program over the past few years!鈥�听鈥擝rittany Davis, advisor to the VLP E-board
The Rev. John Stack, OSA Leadership Series
The Office of Student Involvement offers a Leadership lecture on an annual basis designed to inspire and bring the campus community together. This year marks the 13th year of the Rev. John Stack OSA Leadership Series!
2025:
2024:
2023:
2022: Ibtihaj Muhammad, US Olympian, Activist
2020: Travis Mills, Retired US Staff Sergeant, Wounded Warrior
2019: Tarana Burke, Me Too Movement Founder
2018: Dr. Kerry Cronin, Professor, Boston College
2017:
2016: Dr. Darrell Ford, Head of School, William Penn Charter School
2015:
2014:
2013: The Honorable Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey
2012:
2011:
VILLANOVA
CHALLENGE COURSE
The 91探花Challenge Course is challenging, demanding and fun! Groups must work together to accomplish physically and mentally challenging tasks. After each activity, facilitators process and breakdowns the elements that contributed to the success of the group. Discussion will also reveal obstacles that caused frustration and problems along the way.
CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE!
The 91探花Challenge Course and Low Ropes Course is challenging, demanding and fun! Groups must work together to accomplish physically and mentally challenging tasks. After each activity, facilitators process and breakdowns the elements that contributed to the success of the group. Discussion will also reveal obstacles that caused frustration and problems along the way.
Through taking risks, participants gain new personal and interpersonal skills and insights - the basis for growth and change. Activities are safe, stimulating, and occur in an atmosphere of support and caring. Results can be rapid and profound.
Program Elements
The VCC offers a variety of physically and mentally demanding challenges. Many activities can also be done indoors! These activities are perfect for groups looking to achieve a common goal.
All sessions are customized for your group!
Program Benefits
Outdoor challenge programs consistently excel at providing activities that emphasize teamwork and mutual support. These programs are designed to:
- Strengthen skills in cooperation and collaboration.
- Foster appreciation and respect for differences within the group.
- Cultivate trust and group problem-solving abilities.
- Offer opportunities to practice new skills and receive constructive feedback.
- Simulate work environments in a supportive setting.
- Promote respect for diverse opinions and perspectives during discussions.
- Enhance self-esteem and confidence.
- Encourage the efficient and effective use of resources.
- Identify potential barriers to group success and uncover best practices for overcoming them.
Program Design
Our professional staff will custom design your training program so that it meets your specific goals and objectives. We can tailor a challenge program to:
- develop leadership skills
- build a sense of team
- increase interpersonal awareness
- focus on problem-solving skills
- target particular issues
- bring out positive qualities
- work with existing or new teams
- provide pure fun and enjoyment of vigorous outdoor activity
Program Length
The professional staff can custom design a program to fit your time needs. Generally, a minimum 2-3 hour program is recommended. 91探花Students receive a free 2-hour session based on availability. Full-day, half-day, and multi-day programs are all available.
Group Size
In order to reap the benefits of the program, it is recommended to have a group size of at least 8 participants.
Off-Site Workshops
Let us bring the challenge to you! Facilitators will lead activities at a location of your choice on campus. Additional travel costs may be assessed. This opportunity is for internal 91探花University groups only.
91探花affiliated or not, anyone with a team is welcome! Let us know a little about you and your team and we'll book you a session.
When you are ready to reserve your day at the course, please fill out the听.
Please contact Brittany Davis, Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programs, at听bdavis@villanova.edu with any questions or to request more information.听
Pricing Guide |
PRICE |
VU Groups |
$0 per person |
Non-profit groups |
$25 per person |
For-profit groups |
$35 per person |
Corporate groups |
$40 per person |
*Add $8 per participant to include lunch
Sessions typically last 2 hours. We also offer half and full-day sessions upon request.
What should I bring with me?
- Weather appropriate attire
- Closed toe shoes are required
- Water or any preferred fluids
- Completed Waiver Forms. Our facilitators will collect waivers at the beginning of the program and review them. If you have any medical conditions or other information that we need to be aware of, please make sure to speak with your facilitators prior to the start of your program.
What should I wear?
You should dress comfortably for the weather. Wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty. There may be climbing involved, so we recommend wearing athletic pants or shorts (no-shorter than mid-thigh). Open-toed shoes and sandals are not allowed on our course.
Do I have to be in good shape?
We use a "challenge by choice" approach, so participants measure success by their own aspirations. There are levels of physical demand for the low ropes course, but in no way does one have to be an "athlete" to participate. If a participant chooses not to attempt an event, we respect this decision and offer other ways in which the person can participate including providing support through coaching to their group mates, or spotting, and continued team problem-solving. Each session is also tailored to your team鈥檚 specified level of physical activity.
What is the minimum age/grade to participate?
To help ensure the safety and enjoyment of our participants, individuals must be at least 14 years old or in grade 9 to participate in the 91探花Challenge Course. This is due primarily to maturity level needed and the size of the participants in relation to the size of the elements and safety equipment.
