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: wendy_norman@sfu.ca

LEAD Program: www.sfu.ca/studentlife/leadership