THE GLOBAL LEADERS INSTITUTE
RESPONSIBILITIES & CONDUCT OVERVIEW
Usage Note:
“COHORT MEMBER” refers to signatory participants in The Global Leaders Institute.
“PROGRAM” refers to the administration and management of The Global Leaders Institute.
The Global Arts MBA empowers arts professionals to lead dynamic organizations through an inclusive learning environment where Fellows from diverse countries, backgrounds, and experiences bring their unique perspectives into the classroom. Throughout the Arts MBA, Fellows encounter ideas, world-views, and ways of thinking that may differ from or challenge their own. Cohort Members are expected to approach these differences with curiosity, openness, and respect — fostering a learning environment that is collaborative, enriching, and inclusive for all.
Outlined below are expectations for both online and in-person activities run by the Program.
Tuition is due according to the schedule outlined in a Cohort Member’s acceptance package. Tuition payments can be submitted by credit card, international wire, US check, or PayPal.
All tuition payments are nonrefundable.
2. Confidentiality
Program Materials
All academic resources provided by GLI including readings, files, syllabi, case studies, and class recordings are proprietary and confidential. Materials are made available exclusively for the educational use of enrolled Cohort Members. Any reproduction, distribution, or external sharing without written authorization from GLI is prohibited. Public references to the program or its content must represent GLI and its academic partners favorably.
Student Work
Cohort Members retain ownership of all original work created and submitted as part of the program, including essays, presentations, and fieldwork-based projects. By submitting such work, Cohort Members grant GLI a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to reproduce, reference, or adapt this content for academic, educational, or institutional purposes related to the program’s operation, evaluation, or communication. GLI will ensure that such use respects the integrity of the work and properly credits its authors.
Institutional Media
Participation in the program constitutes consent for GLI to record, photograph, or otherwise capture images and video during academic or public sessions for institutional use. These materials may be used in reports, communications, or other academic documentation consistent with GLI’s mission.
3. Learning Standards and Behavior Policy
The Global Leaders Institute (GLI) brings together an international community founded upon exchanging vibrant cultural perspectives and a rich range of ideas. The GLI is a space for connecting new dots, which requires coming into contact with often diverse and non-familiar modes of thought as part of the learning experience.
GLI values the ability to address one another as equals, as colleagues, and as peers and to treat each other as fellow creators of the shared GLI learning space. Against this backdrop, every member of the GLI community, including Fellows, faculty, service providers, mentors, staff, council members, and the Board of Directors, is responsible for aiding in fostering a welcoming learning environment where persons can engage in the pursuit of knowledge. To achieve this goal, it is critical that the exchange of ideas and communication on any platform connected to the Cohort’s experience serves to enhance the learning journey of all. These platforms may include but are not limited to the GLI e-classroom, in-person gatherings, internal group chats, private peer-to-peer and team working sessions, and social media.
Speech or expressive conduct that employs force or the threat of force is prohibited, as is speech or expressive conduct that constitutes coercion, defamation, illegal harassment, incitement of imminent violence, invasions of protected rights to privacy, and/or acts that threaten to cause physical harm or destruction of property. Comments that seek to compel a member of the GLI community to demonstrate affiliation or identity on a given issue may be considered harassment.
The GLI learning environment focuses on the exchange of ideas centered on curriculum-related topics. Introducing speech that is divisive, contentious, or unproductive discussions not related to the curriculum not only detracts from the enriching educational experience that participants are expecting and are entitled to from the GLI but may also constitute unacceptable conduct that cannot be permitted. This often means not dismissing or attacking ideas even if they feel challenging or distant from your own but instead cultivating an attitude of curiosity, humility, sensitivity, and respect toward each other and the curriculum.
Free speech or expression may advocate for unpopular ideas; however, if such speech is disrespectful, intolerant, bigoted, or hateful, it will not be condoned. Speech or actions that violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
Working environment
Cohort Members connect to synchronous sessions from an adequate workplace. This means having a desk with a computer, camera, microphone, and other materials needed for each session.
Although MBA synchronous sessions are primarily a shared learning environment, they also represent a global networking opportunity with high-level peers. Cohort Members are expected to dress and conduct themselves accordingly.
Cohort Members should be attentive and ready to participate for the full duration of each session. Cohort Members should refrain from eating or working on other projects in the background.
Participating in discussions and using the chat box
Cohort Members are encouraged to engage with speakers and others in sessions by asking questions or making relevant comments that contribute to the shared learning environment. Depending on the type and length of the session, sometimes Cohort Members will use the chat box, and sometimes Cohort Members will be invited to speak directly. All engagement should be constructive to help to connect the dots and enhance perspectives.
Cohort Members should be as concise as possible when contributing to a discussion and allow space for all Cohort Members to have the opportunity to contribute to sessions. Cohort Members should limit conversations in the chat to matters that feed energy into the session and refrain from having side conversations in the chat box.
Time Commitment
The academic workload of the MBA varies from month to month, depending on the length of the preparatory readings and the complexity of assignments. Generally, however, Cohort Members should expect to dedicate:
- 6 hours per week to live sessions
- 1 hour per week to preparatory reading
- 1–4 hours per week to assignments
Time commitments may increase during special in-person events such as the Innovation Summit and Industry Immersive.
5. Industry Immersive
Cohort Members engaged in on-site fieldwork for their Industry Immersive Topic are responsible for all travel-related expenses—including flights, local transportation, visas, vaccinations, and medical costs — as well as any costs associated with in-person participation. All travelers must notify the Industry Immersive Advisor at least one month prior to departure. While the Program does not reimburse these expenses, it will arrange international health insurance for the duration of the fieldwork.
Additionally, a limited number of GLI Field Partner institutions may offer support with lodging, meals, and local transportation. Cohort Members should consult with the Industry Immersive Advisor before finalizing travel plans to explore these options.
6. Innovation Summit Requirements
Cohort Members have the option of participating in the Innovation Summit either in person or online. Whether participating in person or online, Cohort Member agrees to abide by all protocols outlined in this document.
Time Commitment
The GLI typically offers two in-person and one virtual Innovation Summit each year. Each Summit lasts for approximately one week. The Summit dates and locations are confirmed and communicated by October.
Cohort Members may only opt to take part in one in-person Summit
If participating in person, the Cohort Member must be available for the full Summit duration (unless specifically agreed to in writing with the GLI team). If participating remotely, Cohort Members agree to be available for all scheduled remote activities.
Costs
If a Cohort Member opts to participate in person in the Innovation Summit, the Program will be responsible for their local transportation, accommodation, and three meals per day for the project’s duration. This may entail shared housing with Cohort Member(s) of the same gender. The program will also provide international medical insurance for international travelers for the project’s duration (see details below, in Part 8). The Program does not reimburse incidental costs associated with the Innovation Summit. Cohort Members are responsible for covering the cost of flights, transportation from and to their home communities (including to/from transit centers), visas, travel vaccines, medical expenses, etc.
Equipment & Damages
Cohort Members are responsible for bringing personal equipment to the Industry Immersive or the Innovation Summit to carry out planned activities, including but not limited to professional equipment and materials. The Program is not responsible for damage to a Cohort Member’s personal belongings. It is recommended that Cohort Members have insurance for any valuable items brought with them on an in-person Industry Immersive or Innovation Summit, or to leave any valuable items at home. Should a Cohort Member borrow/rent equipment from the host organization, this arrangement will be made directly with the host, and the Cohort Member will be responsible for any damage made to the borrowed/rented item. Cohort Members are also responsible for any damages they cause to facilities utilized by the Program.
Health insuranceIf traveling internationally to fulfill one of the optional in-person MBA components involved in the Industry Immersive and the Innovation Summit, the Program will provide Cohort Members with international emergency medical insurance. If a Cohort Member is a resident or citizen of the country being visited, they will be responsible for their own health insurance. Health insurance provided by the Program will have a $0 USD deductible with a maximum limit of $50,000 USD.
- Cohort Members are responsible for payment of any medical expenses incurred during an in-person activity. Cohort Members are also responsible for following up with the insurance company directly to file claims regarding any reimbursements that may be applicable. The Program does not cover and will not reimburse medical expenses incurred by the Cohort Member.
- The insurance provided by the Program will be effective during the activity dates (including travel dates). Any extra coverage shall be acquired directly by the Cohort Member.
- Insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. Any relevant pre-existing medical condition should be shared with the Program before traveling on an in-person GLI Activity, and a doctor’s note should be provided should a medical condition exclude participation from certain activities. Privacy will be maintained about these matters. It is highly recommended that Cohort Members take out an additional policy for any pre-existing conditions not covered by the insurance purchased by the Program.
If a Cohort Member has any doubts about the coverage of health insurance provided by the Program, the Cohort Member must contact the Program staff before the start of the in-person component (Industry Immersives or Innovation Summit).
General ConductCohort Members are expected to uphold professional, respectful, and responsible conduct at all times, including appropriate attire. As representatives of the Program, individual behavior reflects on the entire organization. Cohort Members should respect the rights and property of others, engage in constructive dialogue, and maintain a courteous and professional tone. Disrespectful conduct—including crude language, personal attacks, excessive cynicism, sarcasm, or other forms of negative engagement—is not permitted.
As an international program, GLI fosters cross-cultural exchange. Cohort Members represent both themselves and their home communities and should act in ways that strengthen connections between diverse perspectives and experiences.
- Illegal Drugs: The Program maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal drug use or substance abuse. Any Cohort Member found using or carrying illegal drugs will be immediately dismissed at their own expense.
- Alcohol & Tobacco: Cohort Members must adhere to local laws regarding alcohol and tobacco consumption, including age restrictions. Providing alcohol or tobacco to individuals below the legal age is strictly prohibited. Cohort Members may purchase alcohol or tobacco at their own expense but must do so responsibly. Alcohol consumption should never interfere with professional responsibilities.
- Alcohol should not be consumed before completing daily program activities.
- As emerging leaders, Cohort Members are expected to model responsible behavior and uphold the integrity of the Program.
- Romantic Relationships: Cohort Members are prohibited from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Industry Immersive or Innovation Summit beneficiaries. Beyond potential legal concerns, such relationships create conflicts of interest that can compromise the experiences of local participants and fellow Cohort Members. A conflict of interest arises when personal relationships interfere with professional responsibilities. If a Cohort Member enters into a romantic or sexual relationship with someone in a reporting or evaluative capacity, their ability to make objective decisions is compromised. Such relationships may create favoritism, erode trust, and undermine the equitable experience of all participants. Cohort Members must maintain professional boundaries to safeguard the integrity of the Program and the communities it serves.
Media Recording & Release
The Program and its partners may capture photos, videos, and audio recordings of Cohort Members during Program activities. By participating, Cohort Members waive any ownership rights to such materials and acknowledge that they may be used for promotional purposes, including publication on social media and other digital platforms by the Program or its partners.
Background ChecksTo uphold the ethical and professional integrity of the Cohort, all Cohort Members must provide official documentation from their country of residence verifying the absence of any criminal history related to harm or allegations of harm to minors. This background check must be submitted no later than September 1.
Failure to uphold the responsibilities outlined above may result in dismissal from the Program at the discretion of Program Management. Dismissed Cohort Members will not be eligible for a tuition refund and, if participating in an Industry Immersive or Innovation Summit, will be responsible for any costs associated with early departure.