Cedar Valley Leadership Institute - Employer Form

Employer Reference Form

Thank you for supporting this applicant’s participation in the Cedar Valley Leadership Institute (CVLI). CVLI is a community leadership program that requires a strong commitment of time, participation, and engagement throughout the program year.

Please complete the following form and provide a brief reference explaining why you support this employee’s participation in CVLI and how you believe they would benefit from the program. Your response will help the selection committee better understand the applicant’s leadership potential, community involvement, and organizational support.

All employer reference forms must be submitted by Friday, July 17, 2026.

Fields marked with an * are required.

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

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Supervisor Information

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Attendance & Participation Guidelines

Participation and engagement are an important part of the Cedar Valley Leadership Institute (CVLI) experience. CVLI is designed to be interactive, relationship-focused, and immersive. Being fully present helps participants gain the most value from the program while also contributing to the experience of the class as a whole.

  • Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions from beginning to end, including the opening dinner/networking event and graduation.
  • The October opening session is mandatory, including the dinner/networking event held the evening prior to the session.
  • CVLI sessions are held on the first Wednesday of each month from October through May. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full program schedule and confirm availability before applying for the program.
  • Participation in CVLI is a commitment made by both the participant and their employer. Participants should reserve all session dates on their personal and professional calendars and communicate those commitments internally as needed.
  • In addition to attending sessions, participants will be expected to complete three program electives and participate in a community project with their assigned team during the program year.
  • Absences are allowed only in extreme circumstances such as illness, family emergencies, hazardous weather conditions, or other situations outside of a participant’s control.
  • While we understand that unexpected situations may arise, attendance is an important part of the program experience. Missing more than one full session, or more than two portions of sessions (late arrivals, early departures, extended absences, etc.), may result in a participant being unable to successfully complete the program.
  • If a participant must miss all or part of a session, they should notify CVLI program staff as soon as possible.
  • Participants are encouraged to be fully engaged during sessions. Cell phones should be silenced, and work distractions should be kept to a minimum. Laptops and tablets may be used for notetaking or session-related activities.
  • Because much of the value of CVLI comes from in-person interaction and relationship-building, all sessions are designed for in-person participation only. Virtual attendance will not be available.
  • The safety and well-being of participants is a priority. If weather, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances impact a session, program staff will communicate any schedule adjustments as early as possible.


I acknowledge that I have read and understand the CVLI Attendance & Participation Guidelines and recognize the importance of full participation throughout the program year. I understand that participation in CVLI is a commitment made by both the participant and their employer.

Yes, I have read and agree to the CVLI Attendance & Participation Guidelines.

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Employer Reference

Please provide a brief reference explaining why you support this employee's participation in CVLI and how you believe they would benefit from the program? Your response will help the selection committee better understand the applicant's leadership potential, community involvement and organizational support.