2027 Applications Open March 1

AMERICAN SOUTHWEST

Expedition Leadership

EXPEDITION LEADERSHIP

Various Locations / American Southwest

In this course, students will grow their outdoor leadership skills through a backcountry expedition in the American Southwest. The location changes annually, giving students a chance to explore diverse landscapes unique to the region- from narrow slickrock canyons to desert rivers and high elevation mesas. These environments serve as unique classrooms for those seeking to hone their leadership, decision-making, and communication skills in a wilderness setting.

Designed primarily for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management (ORTM) and Outdoor Leadership Minor students, but open to all, this course provides a hands-on opportunity to learn and apply technical outdoor skills alongside broader leadership development. Students first engage with these skills in a classroom setting before putting their knowledge into practice during an elective expedition over spring break. The field component varies annually, focusing on skills such as wilderness backpacking, technical canyoneering, and kayaking. Off-trail navigation in complex landscapes and environment-specific risk management in remote settings are key components of this experience.

By the end of the course, students will have developed practical skills in group leadership, risk management, and technical outdoor competencies, deepening their understanding of what it takes to lead in demanding outdoor environments. Ultimately, this course gives students a chance to immerse themselves in some of the most striking backcountry terrain in the Southwest, while taking on genuine challenges with a group of peers during a truly unique experience.

Instructors: Bonnie Johnson

DATES & CREDITS

SPRING COURSE
The program begins with a spring course establishing foundational knowledge in outdoor leadership theory, risk management principles, wilderness ethics, and technical skills frameworks that define effective back country expedition leadership.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Expedition Leadership | 3 credits

Traditional | T 4:10-7

ENR 4965 Field Experience: Utah Canyons | 1 credit

Optional, required if participating in field experience

Students who have already completed ENR 4965 Expedition Leadership can apply to participate in the field component.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FIELD PROGRAM
Explore the American Southwest with an intensive multi-day expedition, where you'll apply the leadership skills and technical knowledge you learned in the course in challenging backcountry environments. No prior experience necessary.

Field Experience

2027 Dates March 12-20, 2027

2027 Locations TBD, coming soon

PROGRAM ADMISSION

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all UW students.

Application preference is given to students in Haub School programs.

PRE-REQUISITES
None.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Application and possible admission interview required. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received.

APPLY NOW

PROGRAM FEE

PROGRAM FEE TBD $1,000

The program fee is subject to change. Selected applicants will be able to review program fee before confirming participation. Financial assistance available through scholarships.

What's Included accommodations, transportation during the program, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, most meals, and group gear.

What's Not Included some meals (including travel days), personal gear, travel insurance, and UW tuition/fees for spring semester credits.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDING

SCHOLARSHIPS
Haub School Field & Global Scholarship

Award amounts vary based on financial need. Application deadline will be determined by program.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GRANTS

Haub School Research & Creative Activities Grant

Additional research project or creative activity required. Application deadlines: March 15 for summer funding.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about other possible financial assistance options and application deadlines.

HIGHLIGHTS

participate in classroom learning, including expedition planning, ecology, and leadership theory to prepare for the field experience
attend pre-trip meetings to review gear requirements, and discuss the unique challenges of destination environments
set up and manage remote campsites, practicing critical skills in resource management and Leave No Trace principles
practice advanced navigation techniques using topographic maps, compass, and natural indicators
lead daily group exercises designed to challenge your decision-making abilities in high-stress, low-resource scenarios

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This program involves active outdoor experiences requiring moderate physical fitness.

Participants should be prepared for extended periods of sitting, extensive walking on uneven terrain, moderately strenuous hiking, and multi-day camping.

You'll spend full days outdoors in different environment with variable weather conditions including potentially intense heat or cold, and a various elevations. Participants should be prepared to carry a pack (40+lbs).

LEARN MORE

INFO SESSION
Meet course instructors and learn more about the spring course and the field program:

Expedition Leadership Info Session

Tuesday, November 11 | 7P | virtual

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

QUESTIONS
Contact Field & Global Program Coordinator:

Melanie Matthews >>> melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu

APPLY NOW

HIGHLIGHTS

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse