Jordan Daniels Non-Profit Experience I

Catalog description

The Jordan Daniels Nonprofit Board Experience bridges classroom learning and civic leadership through a board fellowship model in which students serve as non-voting board members of nonprofit organizations. The course is a two-semester experience: MGB 480 (Fall) and MGB 481 (Spring). Students will develop a solid foundation in board governance, engaging with practitioners, examining the responsibilities of board membership, and developing the knowledge and perspective needed to contribute meaningfully. Participants are matched with a nonprofit board as non-voting members for the remainder of the academic year, where they participate in real governance work. No prior board experience is necessary. Through reflective writing, monthly peer dialogue, and an action learning project, students deepen their understanding of how effective organizations are led and sustained. Beyond the learning experience, participants become genuine contributors to the missions of the organizations they serve. They proceed into MGB 481, with sharper self-awareness, a clearer sense of their leadership strengths, and a foundation for lifelong civic engagement representing the UB, School of Management, their organizations, and the broader community with a local lens and a global outlook.