Download - From Acorn to Oak Tree: The challenges and rewards of expanding a successful leadership program
From Acorn to Oak Tree:
The challenges and rewards of expanding a successful leadership program
Wendy Norman,
Student Life Educator,
Student Development & Programming,
Simon Fraser University
Program Background & Structure
Background
• Started in 2004; co-curricular program designed for experienced student leaders
• Cohort of 50 students (from all faculties)
• Focus on self-assessment, skill development and skill application via experiential project work
• Formal certificate, signed by University President
Structure• Early September: Recruitment (competitive application)
• Early October: Retreat (self-assessment)
• October - March: Workshop series (skill development)
• January - March: Group projects (skill application)
• October - March: On-line discussion forum
• April: End of year banquet/ ceremony
Why Expand?
• Program working well, but “in a vacuum”
• Budgetary constraints need to make program more visible
• Student articulated desire for on-going membership and opportunity
• Need to create opportunities for students at early stages of leadership development
Challenges
• How do we distinguish between leadership, involvement and job training?
• How do we measure learning and ensure program is not a simple ‘checklist’ of requirements?
• How do we move the program from “extra curricular” to integral?
• How do we engage students from all faculties?
How to Overcome Challenges?
• Frame program with larger institutional vision
• Work collaboratively with other units
– Ability to offer leadership training for students at different stages of their development
– Share workload; join forces on recruitment and training
• Start small
• Consider continuum of student development
• Connect to academic experience
Integrating Program Into Larger Institutional Vision
• Creation of X functional team
• Creation of basic leadership skills workshops, detached from formal program
• Support from upper level administration
• Re-wording vision statement to align with SS strategic plan
• Introduction of leadership opportunities month
• Building partnerships with faculties
Student Input
Student Input
• Is there interest?
• Role of senior students greater responsibility (not just participating in, but also delivering program)
• Student driven changes
• Addition of 2nd year ‘senior’ cohort• 1.5 day leadership retreat• Increase incoming cohort to 60• Build mentoring opportunities• Addition of social events
Connect to Academic Experience
• Mandatory components
• Consequences for missed requirements, tardiness, ‘unleaderly’ behaviour
• Creation of portfolios (demonstrated growth)
• Project sponsor evaluations and feedback
• Recognition of outstanding leadership/ growth
Questions
• Where is leadership training occurring on your campus?
• Why do you want to expand your program?
• Whose support do you need to sustain the program?
• What challenges do you face?
Contact
Wendy Norman
Student Life Educator,
Student Development and Programming
Simon Fraser University
Phone: 778-782-7034
Email: [email protected]
LEAD Program: www.sfu.ca/studentlife/leadership