What is Superior Edge?
Other universities have leadership programs, but Northern Michigan University is the only university in the U.S. that packs community engagement, diversity awareness, leadership development and real-world experience into one life-changing program. View our Mission and Vision.
How do I get started?
After you attend a 45-minute orientation session, we will upload your information, and you will be free to log hours from that semester on as long as you are registered as an NMU student.
How long do I have to log my hours?
Superior Edge participants have six months to log an activity.
What is civic engagement?
Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern. It can include efforts to directly address an issue, work with others in a community to solve a problem or interact with the institutions of representative democracy. (Pew Charitable Trusts) Some examples of civic engagement include: attending or working on community/political campaigns; government, ASNMU, non-profit, or board (i.e., NMU Board of Trustee, etc.) meetings; attending public hearings; serving on a jury; working at an election, etc. To see what civic engagement opportunities we have available now, please click here.
What is diversity?
All characteristics which make people different from each other (something outside of your comfort zone). Relating to those outside the groups to which you belong (i.e., age, ethnicity, socioeconomic class/income, gender, physical abilities/qualities, mental abilities/qualities, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, gender expression, educational background, geographic location, marital status, parental status, work experience, housing locale, etc.). Are you looking for some possible opportunities? If so, click here to find out more.
Where can I get theory and ethics to fulfill the Leadership Edge?
Theory and ethics must be learned in a formal setting such as a class, a presentation, a workshop (in the description it will indicate if it counts), or through training. Ethics refers to learning about ethically leading or ethics in certain sectors of professional activities/jobs. Examples of this could be Live Learn Lead, job training, or ethics classes such as nursing ethics, business ethics, ethics in teaching, etc. Theory refers to learning different and specific types of leadership theories such as servant leadership, democratic leadership, etc. Examples of this could be participating in Live Learn Lead, workshops about leadership theory, or classes concentrating on leadership and types of ways to lead.
What do I include in my reflection paper?
Once you have completed an edge, you will be e-mailed questions that need to be answered either in a written reflection paper or you can schedule an interview with one of our staff members. If you would prefer to schedule an interview, please e-mail edge@nmu.edu with the days/times you are available.
Why can't I get into MyNMU to log my hours?
Please call the Superior Edge office at 906-227-6543 or e-mail edge@nmu.edu.