IGNITE Theoretical Framework

The IGNITE Program QEP addresses developing self-efficacy, on-campus engagement, and belongingness through a theoretical model of leadership development developed by UNC Asheville’s Leadership Education and Development Program. This program has adopted a multi-faceted definition of leadership, adapted from the Social Change Model (Komives et al., 2017) that undergirds all elements of program development to engage students, which was adapted from the Social Change Model:  

Leadership is socially responsible

Leadership is collaborative and relationship-driven

Leadership is service-oriented

Leadership is a process, not a position 

Leadership is inclusive and accessible to everyone 

Leadership is values-based

These elements of student leadership are cultivated through a Leadership Development Framework (see figure below) with four concentric circles identifying the four programming stages that guide students in their leadership journey.  The framework begins at discovering self, which is the focus of the fall-semester programming of the IGNITE QEP for all first-semester students.  The scaffolding builds to the next layer, engaging others, in the second semester of the QEP, which focuses on multiple types of engagement in our campus community.  These foundational elements of the framework prepare students for the next two stages of leadership development: leading organization and cultivating equity and inclusion. Students will be able to explore and engage with these topics over the remaining course of their academic journey.