"I came into the program thinking that the classes were going to be boring and regretting my decision to join. Now, I think it is one of the best decisions that I have made since coming to Virginia Tech. These courses have really opened my eyes about how to be a better leader and what it really means to be a good leader. I have found myself practicing a lot of the skills that we have learned. I used to be shy about things and would just follow along with what everyone else was doing. Now I make my own decisions regardless of what other people say and I take a stand when I see things that aren't right. I think the RLC has made a very positive impact on my life and I would recommend the program to everyone."
~Caitlin Love

LDRS 1015 Fall Course

This course offers an introduction to the basic tenets of leadership using the Residential Leadership Community as a support and exploration environment for leadership theories. The course explores the language, theories, ethics, and competencies of leadership. Through the examination of historic and contemporary leadership models, students gain knowledge and self-awareness to develop new competencies as leaders. students


The concept areas are:

  • Historical Leadership
  • Transactional Leadership
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Charismatic Leadership
  • Constructs of Diversity in Leadership
  • Contemporary Leadership
  • Servant Leadership

LDRS 1016 Spring Course

This course develops from the foundation of leadership theories learned in the fall course. Students explore leadership effectiveness in addition to the dynamics of diversity and teamwork in a leadership situation. Students engage in a praxis model course that develops skills such as participative leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.

The concept areas are:
  • Leadership Application in Team settings
  • Effective Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Group Dynamics and Team Building
  • Project Planning and Maintenance

Second Year Options

The Residential Leadership Community offers the second-year program option, a component allowing students to continue their development in leadership studies. The purpose of the second-year program is to build upon the foundations developed from the first-year experience through either the Student Teaching Assistant (STA) position or the Sophomore Seminar classes, where students are encouraged to put the concepts learned during the first year experience into practice.

Description of the Sophomore Classes:

  • LDRS 3104 Dynamics of Leadership (Elective towards the Leadership Minor):
    • This course examines advanced leadership theories and leadership effectiveness in today’s
      organizations. Students will have the opportunity to apply a 360, assess a leader, and assess an
      organization for its effectiveness.
    • Goals for this class include:
      • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of specific leadership competencies:
        followership, interpersonal communication, and motivation.
      • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of advanced leadership theories.
      • Assess personal leadership values and competencies.
      • Identify, define, and develop personal vision, mission, and goals.
  • LDRS 3304 Elements of Team Leadership (Elective towards the Leadership Minor):
    • The focus of this course is to enable students to develop effectiveness in leading, delegating, and
      communicating within a team environment. An emphasis will be placed on emotional
      intelligence in teams, team management, and effective team processes.
    • Goals for this class include:
      • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in specific team leadership competencies:
        team communication, team management, and effectiveness in creating and leading teams.
      • Assess and analyze the four areas of emotional intelligence: social awareness, social
        management, self-awareness, and self management.
      • Demonstrate working knowledge of motivation and motivational techniques relevant to
        team leadership.
      • Engage in effective team interactions and communications.

Definition of Student Teaching Assistant Roles and Duties:

LDRS 2964 Student Teaching Assistant Seminar

  • What does a Student Teaching Assistant do?
    • Student Teaching Assistants serve as an assistant to a Leadership Studies Instructor.
    • Student Teaching Assistants follow along with the class assignments and are prepared to discuss and answer questions about the material with first-year students
    • Student Teaching Assistants facilitate discussions, study groups, and out-of-class programs with the first-year students.
  • What are the out-of-class requirements for the Student Teaching Assistant position?
    • Student Teaching Assistants attend a 3-credit seminar (one hour per week) each semester to enhance their facilitation, group management, and conflict resolution skills.
    • Student Teaching Assistants may choose to live in Peddrew-Yates Hall as a part of their second-year experience.
    • Student Teaching Assistants are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the academic year and must meet with the director of the program if a lower GPA is anticipated.

If you are a first-year student considering the second-year option and have any questions, please contact Dr. Dahm via email at kdahm@vt.edu