Member Spotlight: National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs (NCLP)

As part of our CAS Member Organization Spotlight Series, we are pleased to highlight the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs (NCLP). For decades, NCLP has played a critical role in advancing leadership education in higher education through scholarship, community-building, resource sharing, and professional development.

NCLP serves a diverse group of faculty, staff, and graduate students who are committed to fostering leadership learning in curricular, co-curricular, and community contexts. As an “open source” community, NCLP promotes collective learning and the continuous development of the leadership education field. This mission aligns closely with CAS’s purpose of promoting student learning and success through the creation and dissemination of professional standards.

Through its involvement with CAS, NCLP has helped shape key standards that guide educators and practitioners across institutions. Most notably, NCLP was instrumental in the recent revision of the CAS Standards for Leadership Education and Development (formerly known as Student Leadership Programs). Kristan Cilente Skendall, a former CAS Representative from NCLP, played a central role in the revision process, working alongside scholars and practitioners to integrate current research, practices, and field trends into the updated standards.

The revised Leadership Education and Development Standards are now available for download:

• CAS Standards for Leadership Education and Development
• Leadership Education and Development Self-Assessment Guide (SAG)

In addition, Skendall contributed to the recent revision of the CAS Standards for Master's-Level Higher Education and Student Affairs Professional Preparation Programs, reflecting NCLP’s continued investment in developing emerging professionals in leadership and student affairs. These updated standards offer guidance on curriculum design, equity-focused practices, and student engagement:

• CAS Standards for Master's-Level Preparation Programs
• Master's-Level Preparation Programs Self-Assessment Guide (SAG)

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NCLP’s influence within CAS extends beyond publication. It serves as a connector between leadership educators and the standards that shape their work. By providing input into the development of CAS resources and advocating for standards that reflect inclusive, equity-driven leadership practices, NCLP empowers educators to assess and improve their impact on student learning and development.
To learn more about the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs and explore their resources, visit https://nclp.umd.edu.