The Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL) provides a psychometrically validated way in which to measure leadership outcomes attainment, using the Social Change Model of Leadership Development as the basis for measurement.
To learn more about the MSL, please view our recent webinar video, Leveraging UW Research to Inform Student Leadership Development, featured farther down this webpage.
UW-Madison was recently featured in an Inside UW Article for its participation in the 2018 MSL. However, it’s important to note that we’ve also participated in 2009 and 2015 editions of the MSL. This ensures that key campus leadership initiatives, including Leadership @ UW, are positioned to generate educational interventions supported by research. We acknowledge that other models exist and mapping strategies have been used to align MSL results with other leadership models (see image on right column) utilized at UW-Madison, including the UW-Madison Leadership Framework.
Leadership Outcomes assessed by the MSL:
- Leadership Capacity (the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with socially responsible leadership)
- Leadership Efficacy (internal belief about ability to lead)
- Leadership Behaviors (enactment of leadership capacity)
- Complex Cognitive Abilities
- Developmental Outcomes (related to resilience, racial identity and spiritual development)
- Sense of Belonging (on campus)
The MSL is a survey study designed “to examine student leadership values at institutional and national levels with specific attention to campus experience factors that influence leadership development in college students”. As a nationally administered study, MSL results allow for a comparison of UW-Madison students with those attending peer groups of institutions.

UW-Madison Students Score Highly on Leadership
Read the latest Inside UW article to learn more about UW-Madison's recent participation in the 2018 MSL.
MSL Research
Participate in UW Madison’s leadership survey now for your chance to win Grubhub gift cards, a deposit on your Wiscard, University Bookstore gift cards or your very own Terrace chair. It only takes 20 minutes, and you’ll get 20% off at University Book Store for completing the survey.
Check your student email for the link!
Details
- All undergraduate and PharmD students will be invited to participate via email.
- Student participation is voluntary (but appreciated) and is confidential.
- Students who participate will be entered into a random drawing to win:
- 2 Wisconsin Union Terrace Chairs
- 40 Wiscard deposits at $25 each
- 10 Wisconsin Union Gift Cards (electronic) at $25 each
- 3 University Book Store Gift Cards (electronic) at $20 each
- 5 Grubhub related Gift Cards or Subscriptions valued at $20 each
- All students who complete the survey will receive a University Book Store coupon for 20% off.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, February 9: Survey notification sent to Undergraduate Students from Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
- Wednesday, February 10: Email Survey Invitation Sent to Undergraduate Students
- Sunday, February 14: Reminder 1 Email Sent to Non-Responders
- Thursday, February 18: Reminder 2 Email Sent to Non-Responders
- Monday, February 22: Reminder 3 Email Sent to Non-Responders
- Monday, March 1: Survey Closes
The MSL Task Force, a team of stakeholders from across campus focused on:
- Understanding which student experiences are associated with leadership development.
- Understanding whether students have equitable access to these experiences.
The resources below include summary documents generated through exhaustive analysis of MSL data and a set of more detailed data documents which informed the Task Force’s work.
Resources:
2018 MSL Summary Documents
2018 MSL Frequently Asked Questions
2018 MSL Results and Next Steps
2018 MSL Technical Reports
2018 MSL National and Big Ten Comparison Reports
2018 MSL Detailed Reports and Data Tables
The MSL survey is planned to reoccur in 2021. On-going assessment efforts provide an opportunity for coordinated, intentional interventions to improve leadership education for all students.
MSL Campus Impact
UW-Madison Leadership Certificate
In 2015, this program was revised to align with the UW-Madison Leadership Framework so students gain an in-depth understanding of foundational leadership development concepts.

PharmD, Path of Distinction in Leadership
Doctor of Pharmacy students can elect to complete the UW-Madison Leadership Certificate, while also receiving intensive mentorship by Pharmacist leaders in the region so students can ground their leadership learning within their future careers.

Badger Business Badges
Grounded in the UW-Madison Leadership Framework, this co-curricular leadership program at the School of Business provides a combination of leadership development workshops, conferences, case competitions, and service days.

Advance the Work of the MSL
The MSL survey is planned to reoccur in 2021. On-going assessment efforts provide an opportunity for coordinated, intentional interventions to improve leadership education for all students.
To become involved in these intentional educational efforts or the next iteration of the MSL Survey, please email: leadership@wisc.edu.