DLI Phase I is designed to enhance participants' basic leadership skills and abilities.  The participants represent diverse ages, interests, and levels of leadership abilities.  The Institute's program includes leadership seminars designed to address a wide array of topics such as problem solving, diversity, leadership & management, personality and visual explorer .

DLI Phase II focuses on each individual's self-exploration as a leader.  In Phase II participants will have the opportunity to discover their strengths and areas for improvement in regards to their personal leadership styles. Participants will begin to better understand themselves as leaders and how they work with others throughout this phase. This will be done by working with such instruments as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Kraybill Conflict Management, Consensus Building, StrengthQuest and power and authority ..

DLI Phase III gives participants the opportunity to use the knowledge and skills learned in the first two phases and put them into action. Students will complete the LPI assessment to start off their Phase III experience. From there they will be tasked with developing a program or event. Groups will be responsible for all steps from creation to implementation of the event. This program or event could include, but is not limited to, a service project or educational presentation. 

DLI Phase IV addresses leadership in the "real world".  Phase IV provides students with the tools needed in preparing for the transition from campus leader to a new professional and community leader . After completion of this phase students will be better prepared to make the transition from campus leader to new professional/community leader .