What is WILD?

As a women's university, our primary focus is to help women develop knowledge, skills and values necessary to confidently step into leadership roles in society. The WILD program is designed to enhance your ability to lead others, both personally and professionally

An ambitious and exciting initiative, WILD is the first in a series of outstanding programs and activities that will set GCU apart from other universities. The program encourages you to work with other GCU women and to assume critical leadership roles in the community and your chosen field. Because of its four yearlong phases, WILD attracts hardworking, motivated women like you who will seek opportunities for advancement both in the program and in strong leadership roles on campus and in our communities, locally and globally.

The WILD program has four phases, each lasting one year.

Phase 1 is a personal exploration of your unique skills and talents. This phase introduces you to leadership issues and encourages you to truly recognize and refine your own leadership abilities. Through education and exploration of your own personality, you will grow while learning leadership skills.

Phase 2 will engage you in seminars, mentoring experiences, networking events and intensive weekend retreats that will further explore the meaning of leadership. There will be emphasis on the importance of personal commitment integrated with the Mercy Core Values. These experiences will prepare you for the more advanced issues discussed in Phase 3.

Phase 3 will build on the leadership skills you’ve acquired in Phases 1 and 2 and apply them to real-life situations, as well as to your chosen major. By directly connecting with women in your chosen field both here and abroad, you will not only contribute your developing leadership skills, but will also observe how critical this knowledge will be to your future career.

Phase 4 allows you to put your leadership knowledge into real-life practice, extending your off-campus leadership roles while becoming a mentor to a WILD student in Phase 1.

How can I be a WILD woman?

Faculty and administration nominate students with leadership potential to WILD. Applicants can also self-nominate! We want women who are interested in learning more about themselves and how they can become stronger leaders in their personal and professional lives. Applications are reviewed at the beginning of each academic year in the fall. Residential scholarships are available to incoming freshmen.