History
The Multi–Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL) was initially conceived as a means to enhance institutional practice by better aligning the theory–research–practice cycle. A team of colleagues at the University of Maryland recognized the significant gaps between theory and research as well as research and practice in the current paradigm of college student leadership development. Their observations sparked dialogue around the limitations imposed by the lack of national data against which student development and institutional effectiveness could be benchmarked—and their very material consequences on intentional practice in leadership education. MSL emerged as a means to specifically address questions regarding students’ educational needs and to identify elements of the higher education environment that contributed most significantly to leadership outcomes.
The first iteration of the study was administered in the spring of 2006 and included more than 60,000 participants across 52 institutions of higher education. MSL is one of largest studies of college student leadership to date and was further significant for its use of theoretically grounded measures. The national data informed a number of articles and reports that illustrated the current status of leadership development and offered evidence–based strategies to enhance outcomes. In addition to their institutional data, participating institutions received customized reports summarizing the findings on their campuses.
More than 150 institutions requested to participate in the first administration of MSL—a number of schools far larger than the study’s infrastructure could accommodate. Requests for information on future MSLs have only increased since the first iteration. This interest may be indicative of an increased utilization of outcomes assessment in higher education. It may also reflect the growing recognition that all members of the campus community are responsible for developing students’ leadership capacities, not just those in dedicated leadership programs.
In order to accommodate this interest, the Co–Principal Investigators of the MSL opted for an on–going, yearly administration of the study; they felt that the volume and variety of data generated by this approach would best serve academic knowledge and institutional practice. It affords institutions the most options for cycling their participation in order to monitor student leadership trends over time. While the survey instrument selected for subsequent data collections features the same core measures as the initial MSL, it has been refined and includes a number of new items and scales.
A number of organizations have contributed to the development of the study. The National Clearinghouse of Leadership Programs played a central role as the sponsor of the MSL. Further support for MSL 2006 was provided by the C. Charles Jackson Foundation, ACPA: College Educators International Educational Leadership Foundation, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, University of Maryland, and LeaderShape.
Latest News
Enrollment Still Open Through October!
October 2011 Enrollment for MSL 2012 is still open! Schools may enroll through the month of October. To learn more about the benefits of participating, please go HERE. To enroll now, please fill out our Enrollment Survey.
STEM School Coalition Started for MSL 2012
Catholic Schools Coalition Expands Significantly for 2012 MSL
MSL Announces New Three Year Research Cycle
Recent Publication
March/April 2011 Article based on MSL data now available examining leadership across US and Mexican cultures published in the Journal of College Student Development.
Recent Publication
March/April 2011 Article based on MSL data now available! Published in the Journal of College Student Development.
Recent Publication
Spring 2011 The 2nd edition of The Handbook For Student Leadership Development, is published.
Measuring Quality Inventory
MSL Co-PI Honored by NASPA
MSL Receives NASPA Award
Student Leadership Research Award
ILA Board Appointment
Example Custom Report
8.10.2009 An example of the complete MSL custom report is now available for download.
Recent Publication
MSL 2012 Timeline
May 31 and June 30, 2011
Early enrollment and payment deadlines
October, 2011
Final enrollment deadline
July - December, 2011
Schools prepare for data collection
January - April, 2012
Data collection
Summer, 2012
School reports distributed
View the full MSL Timeline »
