Renaissance Thinking for Contemporary Leadership (Rome, Italy)

This is a program for graduate students.
Application deadline: December 1, 2017

Experience the wholeness of immersion, rich in sensory experiences, with a course examining the application of Renaissance thought to modern and inclusive organizations. This course is intended for students to learn to apply adaptive and innovative strategies to the complex issues facing modern leaders who want to improve their leadership and diversify their teams. Renaissance thought focused on rediscovery, innovation and invention, and creativity and the rebirth of ideas. In this interdisciplinary course, students will develop leadership skills such as cultivating new perspectives and appreciating diverse attitudes as strategies to bring vibrant sustainability and inclusion to their organizations. Students will exercise dynamic and creative thinking and apply these processes to the practical work of leading today’s diverse organizations. 

This study abroad program is led by Sally Deck and Dr. Melissa Lavitt from UW Tacoma.

Academic Content

Renaissance Thinking and Contemporary Leadership - TBUS 590 – 4 Credits

Given full participation in the course, students will:

• understand the dynamics involved in the process of creative and innovative thinking, especially as illustrated by the Italian Renaissance;
• apply adaptive and resilient strategies to address complex leadership issues in contemporary organizations; and
• develop cultural intelligence and skills to leverage an integrative approach to the art of leadership.

Program Dates

This 4-credit course will run from March 15 – March 23, 2018 with final written work due in April. Required informational meetings during winter quarter 2018 will prepare students for traveling abroad.

Accommodations

Accommodation will be in hotels in Rome (double-occupancy).  

Eligibility

UW Tacoma graduate students are eligible to apply. Preference is given to MBA students from the Milgard School of Business and Master's of Social Work students. Students who have a particular interest in developing a global perspective for leadership and management are encouraged to apply. Extensive walking required.

Application

Applications are due on December 1, 2017. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis with a preference for students in the MBA and MSW programs at the University of Washington Tacoma. Applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions by December 15. Once accepted to the program, applicants will need to confirm their participation in the program by January 6. Click the "Apply Now" button below to begin.

Travel Documents and Insurance

All program participants must have a valid passport in order to travel to Europe. No visa or other paperwork is required for U.S. citizens. If you're an international student who needs a visa, we recommend you schedule an appointment at the Italian Consulate in San Francisco now, even before you apply to the program. You can also email uwtintl@uw.edu with questions about visas.

Study abroad insurance coverage is required. We strongly recommend students take advantage of the UW Study Abroad Insurance as an easy and affordable option. Students with personal insurance may petition for a UW Study Abroad Insurance waiver. For details, please contact the UW Tacoma Office of Global Affairs.

Program Cost

The total cost of the program is $1,250** (includes a $250 administrative fee). The program is generously supported by the Milgard School of Business and the Center for Women’s Leadership.

Included in the cost of the program:

• Course fee (in lieu of tuition) for 4 UW credits
• Instructional costs in Italy
• Lodging (double occupancy) in Rome, Italy
• Museum entry and guide service fees
• Welcome and closing dinner

Not included in the cost of the program:

• Round trip airfare to/from Italy
• Costs of travel documents (passport, visas)
• Meals (except as listed above)
• Personal expenses

Payment Schedule*

*Additional important dates can be found in the "Refund Conditions for Fees" section.
**Approximate cost, may be less, final cost will be established before the application deadline.

Method of payment: Payments made in person or by mail will need to be paid by personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). Please write "Renaissance Italy spring 2018" in the memo line of the check.  Please submit the check to the University of Washington Tacoma Cashier's Office (CAR 400) during regular business hours. Please do not submit your check to the Office of Global Affairs. You can also mail it to:

UW Tacoma Cashier's Office 
Campus Box 358433
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

The program fee will be charged automatically to your UWT student account upon registration and can be paid online through your MyUW account. Please note: students do not register themselves for this program. The Office of Global Affairs will register you once the Administrative Fee and all appropriate program documents have been received.

For questions about the payment schedule or the methods of payment available, please email uwtintl@uw.edu or call 253.692.4426.

Orientation

To be eligible to study abroad, all program participants must attend an in-person pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Office of Global Affairs/UW Study Abroad as well as your program-specific orientations, offered by your program directors. Orientation must be completed prior to the enrollment deadline for the quarter that you are studying abroad.

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid which they intend to apply toward the program cost should consult with a financial aid adviser before applying to the program. Some sources of funding, i.e. the GI Bill®, do not cover the cost of study abroad programs. Check with a financial aid advisor to understand how your funds apply toward study abroad.

Refund Conditions for Fees

1. If you withdraw prior to January 10, 2018, all payments, less the $250 Administrative Fee, will be refunded to you.
2. If you withdraw on or after January 10, but prior to January 31, 2018, you are obligated to pay 50% of the total cost of the program.
3. If you withdraw on or after January 31, 2018, you are obligated to pay the full amount of participation costs incurred by the school. No refunds will be given for unused accommodations, meals or other fees and services.

If you cannot participate in a study abroad program due to unanticipated changes in your financial situation, a medical emergency, death, military duty, or other unusual or extenuating circumstances, you may submit a Petition for Emergency Withdrawal. If granted, the Emergency Withdrawal may allow for partial or full relief from your financial obligations to the program. More information.

Notice of Withdrawal from the program MUST be made in writing and submitted to the Office of Global Affairs in GWP 102 or by mail to:

Office of Global Affairs
University of Washington Tacoma
Box: 358415
1900 Commerce Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

Changes in Costs or Scope of the Program 

In the event of significant devaluations of the dollar, some adjustments to program activities may be necessary. If there are any political events that might compromise the safety of the participants, a rescheduling or cancellation of the program may be necessary. If such changes occur, students will be notified of the changes and options will be presented.

Program Cancellation

If viable enrollment is not reached by January 20, 2018 the program will be cancelled. Participants will be notified and the administrative and program fees will be refunded.

Equal Opportunity and Disability Accommodations

The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Support Services Office at least 6 weeks in advance.

Health Requirements

Students should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. The CDC recommends that travelers to Italy protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles. More information is on the CDC website. Please also consult your personal physician or local health board.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.