The Chancellor's Leadership Residential Academic Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder has seen an increase in participating minority students from eight in 1999, its first year, to 50 students this fall.
Interim Director Carol Miyagishima credits the increase in diversity to the Ethnic Living and Learning Community, which began last year and is closely tied to the Chancellor's Leadership program. The number of students participating in ELLC increased from 20 students in fall 2001 to 52 students this year.
ELLC was created to provide students a multicultural experience by having participating students live together on the same floors in Williams Village residence halls.
"CLR and ELLC present a dynamic and exciting environment for students that will help them to build community on campus and add knowledge and skills for culturally competent leadership in the 21st century," Miyagishima said.
The program began in 1999 as an initiative to fulfill a campus goal by creating a living and learning environment for students who desire a small class experience.
Leadership courses offered in the program challenge students in applying leadership, teamwork and critical thinking to solve problems. Activities include off-campus retreats and various student-coordinated events such as bowling night and ice cream socials.
Miyagishima became interim director for CLR after former director Richard Kraft retired in late June. She joined CU-Boulder in 1984 and worked with the Cultural Unity Center, the ethnic studies department and the Farrand Residential Academic Program before joining CLR in 2000.
For more information on the Chancellor's Leadership Residential Academic Program and the Ethnic Living and Learning Community call (303) 735-1987 or visit the Web site at