The Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI) is an undergraduate cohort program within The Cultural Center that helps to develop a close-knit community of emerging undergraduate campus leaders of today.
Our program guides its students from year one to graduation on a journey that incorporates a robust pre-orientation program called E-Week; a guided mentorship program where both seasoned mentors and first-year mentees mutually benefit; sessions, activities, and workshops that explore leadership and identity development frameworks and principles; connection to campus resources; access and support to pursue to leadership opportunities; and a space to meaningfully reflect on experiences as that shape their narratives in higher education.
Who is ELI?
Our program seeks scholars who:
want to cultivate leadership skills among a supportive community of peers
want to engage in campus events and experiences outside the classroom to deepen their connections to other students leaders, staff, faculty, and campus resources while they pursue and achieve academic success
value engaging with a community of students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, abilities, identities, and majors
demonstrate academic potential and an interest in becoming agents of change and leaders of tomorrow
all first year undergraduate students are welcome to apply to the program when the application is open in spring quarter.
The program hosts a pre-orientation weekend--one of our signature events--providing support in the areas of academic preparation, leadership development, social identity development, campus networking, and many other key components to ensure overall student success of our first ELI cohort. This includes the ability to move into the residence halls early and establish a strong sense of community between ELI mentors and first years.
"ELI Pre-Orientation made me feel so much more comfortable and confident coming to campus! I would have had a much harder time transitioning onto campus without this program." - ELI Student, 2024
Mission & Values
Mission
The Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI) seeks to create an open and inclusive campus environment where students from various backgrounds can come together to develop the skills of inclusive, self-aware leaders. ELI is a leadership development program that offers a close-knit community, encourages open dialogue, and equips students with the tools to be effective leaders of various student organizations at The University of Denver and in personal and professional pursuits post-graduation.
Values
ELI is committed to providing quality support to a diverse group of learners. Our core values are:
Inclusion- We appreciate diversity and practice including all
Respect- We value others and regard them with consideration
Continuous Improvement- We embrace new knowledge and recognize that learning is endless
Integrity- We adhere to University of Denver policies and procedures and are committed to honesty, fairness, professionalism, and trustworthiness
Teamwork- We understand that every member of our team brings a unique perspective that is necessary in our program's success
Incoming ELI Students
We are so excited to welcome the next class of ELI scholars for 2025-2026! Currently, our application is open for 2025-2026 first year students. To join this amazing group, you must first apply.
Reminder, ELI is open to all students and is strengthened by having a wide range of diverse majors, backgrounds, identities, and abilities in our community.
We will notify applicants directly about their acceptance and provide them next steps to accept their spot in the cohort via email. If you have any questions, please email Racheal.Aragon@du.edu for support.
Pre-Orientation with ELI is a great benefit of this cohort experience. Students get to arrive to campus for early to move (and beat the crowds!), get acclimated to campus, engage with ELI leaders and support staff, and meet their assigned peer mentor. Pre Orientation is a 3-day program that illuminates a variety of topics and experiences to support your college success.
Pre-Orientation this year will be Saturday, August 30- Sunday, September 1, 2025. ELI first-year scholars who are admitted to the program will receive detailed information about how to prepare for your campus arrival and ELI pre-orientation later this summer.
Pre-orientation is your move in date to campus, so plan to bring with you what you want to have available during your first quarter of the school year on campus. If planning early, refer to HRE packing lists to help identify the items that are best to have with you in the dorm room.
No additional specific supplies are required to participate in ELI pre-orientation. Bring yourself, comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes.
Yes! Pre-orientation is a way for ELI students to build community before the university orientation. All ELI students are expected to attend the university orientation (called Discoveries Week) in addition to the pre -orientation held by ELI. Both sessions provide helpful information to kick off your first year at DU, but will emphasize and focus on different success areas.
History
Originally introduced to the University of Denver campus in the summer of 2006 by the The Cultural Center and Academic Advising, ELI began with a cohort of 17 students and has grown to graduate hundreds of student leaders for the past 19 years. ELI was originally designed to support incoming first-year students make the transition from high school to college and has grown to incorporate leadership development for students from their first to final year during undergrad.
ELI in Action!
ELI Image pre orientation
Are you interested in ELI and have some questions?
Connect with our staff in The Cultural Center. Questions can be directed to Racheal.Aragon@du.edu.
