Instrument

Main Instrument

The Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL) survey questionnaire was designed specifically for this research. It is adapted from the Socially Responsible Leadership Scale (SRLS) (Tyree, 1998), which measures the 8 core values of the social change model (HERI, 1996).

The instrument also collects:

Demographic Variables

race, gender, socio-economic status

Inputs

variables designed to capture student characteristics prior to college

leadership training prior to college, pretest measures

Environment

variables related to how students engage with the college environment

mentoring relationships, involvement patterns, and academic experiences

Outcomes

variables that supplement the Social Change Model core values

leadership-related outcomes such as appreciation of diversity and self-efficacy for leadership

Sub-studies

Each version of the MSL includes a number of sub-studies. These modules explore educational outcomes or environmental variables not included in the main instrument. MSL uses sub-studies to explore additional areas of interest without dramatically increasing the length of the survey.

A portion of your sample will be randomly selected to participate in the sub-studies. These data are included in the overall dataset. However, they are not analyzed in your institution's final report.

Examples of sub-studies in the MSL include:

Recurring Sub-studies

New Sub-studies

cognitive complexity, student activism, reasons for involvement in governance groups, leadership identity development

mentoring, spirituality, social perspective taking, salience of racial identity

The MSL instrument is updated and refined for each data collection.

Institutional Survey

The MSL Institutional Survey (MSL-IS) is a parallel study that explores the relationship between institutional factors and student outcomes. It will collect data about your institution's culture, philosophy, mission, and program offerings. A representative from your school will complete the IS while the main instrument is fielding on your campus.

Ready to Enroll? More Information? More Information?

Latest News

Student Leadership Resesarch Award

1.28.2010 John P. Dugan is the first recipient of the "Student Leadership Research Award" presented by the NASPA Student Leadership Programs Knowledge Community.

ILA Board Appointment

10.13.2009 Susan R. Komives has recently been appointed to the Board of the International Leadership Association (ILA).

C. Charles Jackson Grant

9.18.2009 MSL has received a $25,000 grant from the C. Charles Jackson Foundation. The grant is designated to provide partial scholarships to support the involvement of institutions that need financial assistance to participate in the MSL 2010 study.

Example Custom Report

8.10.2009 An example of the complete MSL custom report is now available for download.

Informational Webinar

7.15.2009 Learn more about the MSL by watching our free informational webinar. The full webinar, PowerPoint® slides, and other materials are available for download. Read more »

Recent Publication

7.1.2009 NCLP partner Jossey-Bass has recently published a book on leadership by MSL PI Susan Komives and research team member Wendy Wagner. Leadership for a Better World: Understanding the Social Change Model of Leadership Development is available to NCLP members at a 20% discount.

Printable Overview

4.22.2009 Additional information about MSL scales, variables, conceptual and theoretical models, etc. now available for download. Read more »

Gannon Fellowship

4.22.2009 MSL PI awarded Faculty Fellowship with the Gannon Center for Women and Leadership. Read more »

MSL Brochure

4.20.2009 MSL 2010 brochure is available for download. Read more »

NASPA Certificate

4.6.2009 MSL PIs recognized by NASPA. Read more »

MSL 2010 Timeline

July 16 - August 31, 2009

Standard enrollment

October 1, 2009

Enrollment for 2010 data collection closes

July 1 - December 1, 2009

Schools prepare for data collection

January 12 - April 17, 2010

Data collection

View the full MSL Timeline »