Application Deadline:
Deadline is October 5, 2009
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
This initiative is designed to promote, foster and acknowledge diverse student leadership. The emphasis of the program is to strengthen students’ ability to inspire, motivate and influence others on campus. It will enhance students’ basic understanding of ethics, civility, communication, and compassion; team and community building; problem solving and conflict management; the financial awareness required for the management of budgets; resiliency, adaptability, and transparency; and other knowledge and skills associated with outstanding leadership.
Student leaders are an essential part of the Western Connecticut State University community. These leaders are involved in every aspect of the campus, from academic activities to residence life, from clubs and organizations to orientation and graduation; they are a crucial part of the community. One of the most important core values of this program is a strong commitment to fostering and developing a broad spectrum of diverse student leaders.
HSLP BENEFITS:
- Scholarships for every student leader upon completion of the training and program
- Two Certificates of Achievement/Completion: one on completion of the training, endorsed by the Vice President of Student Affairs and the training team leader, and one, endorsed by the President of the University, the Provost of Academic Affairs and the Vice President of Student Affairs, on program completion
- Hancock Student Leadership Program (HSLP) apparel and mementos
- Student Leadership Banquet
- Enhancement of the student’s resume
- Increased effectiveness as an ethical leader, transferable to a variety of environments (work, family, community)
- Application of communication and conflict management skills
- Incorporation of the principles of team work and adapting to change
- Acquired an understanding and grasp of power, influence and empowerment
- Honed skills in assessment, fiscal responsibility and transparency capabilities
- Completion of a dynamic on-line portfolio of participants’ accomplishments
- A support network of peers, mentors and contacts
- Possible inclusion into the WCSU Hancock Student Leadership Hall of Fame
- Program participants may receive a co-curricular transcript
NOMINATION PROCESS:
Each academic year, at least 20 students, with a minimum of 30 undergraduate or 6 graduate credits, will be nominated by members of the WCSU community, or self-nominated based on their academic background, leadership potential and extracurricular involvement. No prior leadership experience is required. Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be selected by the HSLP Steering Committee.
Selection Criteria:
- Application form and essays = 25%
- Two letters of recommendation (one on-campus and one off-campus letter) = 25%
- Interview with Steering Committee members = 25%
- Academic accomplishments/excellence = 25%
HSLP THREE CORE REQUIREMENTS:
- Hancock Student Leadership Training Program:
Students accepted into the program will complete a leadership training program containing three content areas (a total of 24 hours of training):
- Fundamental Leadership Skills (10 hours):
Leadership styles, roles and foundations, ethical issues, critical thinking, fiscal awareness and responsibility, priority setting, team, consensus and community building, change agency, resiliency/adaptability, time management and other outstanding leadership skills. - Communication Skills (7 hours):
Rapport building, listening, creative problem solving, influencing with integrity, public speaking, and assertion skills. - Conflict Management Skills (7 hours):
Managing conflicts of values and needs, negotiation, third party intervention, and group decision making skills.
Training Schedule: To be determined, but generally will be offered in retreat, evening and on-line formats.
Upon completion of the HSLP training program, students will be awarded a certificate of achievement/completion, a scholarship, Hancock Student Leadership apparel and an invitation to the Student Leadership Banquet.
- Fundamental Leadership Skills (10 hours):
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Student Selected Focus/Applied Leadership Project:
Upon completion of the HSLP Training Program, participants will work with their Steering Committee mentor to develop a 40 hour Applied Leadership Project. This project can be based on current and/or new leadership activities, and must be creative and innovative, at an advanced level. This part of the HSLP must be completed by the time of graduation from WCSU. Each student leader will be assigned an HSLP Steering Committee mentor who will assist them through the applied and written components of the program.
Applied leadership activities may include but are not limited to the following:- Executive board membership of a student club/organization
- Peer to Peer Mentor (P2P)
- Academic Tutors
- Resident Assistants
- Academic Resource Mentors (ARMs)
- Board of Trustees Student representative
- Echo Editor
- WXCI Station Manager
- Athletic Team Captains/Club Sport Captains
- University Ambassadors Program
- Attendance at approved campus-wide programs, such as the President’s Lecture Series and interviews with notable local and national leaders, such as Cornell West, documented through the university’s passport system
- Other approved activities
- Writing the Results/Leadership Portfolio:
Each student will be given access to an electronic folder, Leadership Portfolio, on the WCSU X Drive Common Areas. Students will be able to submit materials to their folder during their course of study at WCSU. Upon graduation, students will be able to download the contents of their portfolios to a personal data storage device for use in their future endeavors, such as employment and graduate school applications.
Students’ first portfolio submission will be their application essays. Additional materials will be added throughout their participation in the HSLP, attesting to their activities and accomplishments. Participants will be encouraged to enhance their ability to write clearly, and concisely in organized, logical, effective and audience-specific ways to create documents based on research, assessment and best leadership practices. HSLP mentors will work with student leaders, helping them to revise their work to achieve well written leadership documents.
This part of the HSLP must be completed by the time of graduation from WCSU. Upon completion of their Leadership Portfolio, students will receive a certificate of achievement. Upon completion of the requirements for the HSLP, student leaders will receive a scholarship and certificate of achievement/completion and the other benefits listed above.
Writing the Results activities:
- Students will conduct and report on two interviews with community leaders, (one female and one male interviewee), such as mayors, superintendents of schools, police chiefs, senior university administrators, CEOs and CFOs, Chamber of Commerce heads, State Representatives, First Selectmen, Senators, Congressmen, judges, the head of the Women’s Center, and other visionaries.
- Students will write one self evaluation essay upon completion of the HSLP, reflecting on their time in the program, their most significant learnings and accomplishments.
- Students will keep an ongoing journal/diary/log/blog of their Student Selected Focus/Applied Leadership activities, including any organizational documents.
HSLP STEERING COMMITTEE:
Walter Bernstein, Vice President of Student Affairs, Committee Co-Chair
Averell Manes, Professor of Political Science and Conflict Resolution, Committee Co-Chair
Theresa Canada, Chairperson, Education and Educational Psychology
Caitlin Clarkson, Graduate Intern of the Student Center
Walter
Cramer, Dean of Student Affairs
Ellen Durnin, Dean of Graduate and External Programs
Dawn Fletcher, Administrative Assistant, Student Affairs
Robyn Housemann, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Exercise
Dennis Leszko, Assistant Director of the Student Center/Student Life Office
Keith Moore, Resident Director, Pinney Hall
Allen Morton, Dean of the Ancell School of Business
Dianne Olsen, Assistant Director of Academic Advisement
Paul Simon, Director, Westside Campus Center
SPONSORSHIP:
The HSLP is a joint program sponsored by Academic and Student Affairs at WCSU, and the Hancock Scholarship Fund.
