Leadership is for ALL! Has your student considered joining the Leader Certificate Program? As your student registers for courses for Fall Semester 2021, we hope they’ll consider LDR 225: Foundations of Leadership, in the Franz Center’s Leader Certificate Program! Our world needs leaders more than ever!

Does this resonate?

Does your student want to learn more about how to lead themselves and others during these complex and uncertain times? Would they like to make a positive impact in their local, national, and global communities? Do they want to set themselves apart when applying for service opportunities, internships, and jobs? Would they like to develop leader habits such as being more courageous and motivational?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Leader Certificate Program might be a good fit for your student! Hear from students who have participated in the Leader Certificate Program to learn more!

About the Program:

Courses are 1 credit and meet once per week in the fall. All students are able to register for the first course in the program (LDR 225: Foundations of Leadership). All majors are welcome! 

Why should your student enroll?

Students who enroll in the Leader Certificate Program receive:

1. Knowledge, skills, and mindsets to make a difference as a leader!
2. Academic Leader Certificate, cords to wear at Commencement, and a designation of completion of the program on their academic transcript.
3. Priority in the RA selection process with Residence Life! 
4. Students who enroll in the Leader Certificate Program (by taking LDR 225) also receive priority in the selection process for the popular Global Perspectives on Leadership course (mostly recently we’ve travelled to amazing locations such as New Zealand –  check out our 1-second-every-day-style video from May 2019. I know that we will be back on campus and exploring the world again as soon as we can. Students can be ready when the time comes to apply for these opportunities (and many more!) by strengthening their leadership now. 

Registration Options:

We are offering 7 sections of LDR 225 for Fall Semester 2021:

• Mondays at 9:15 a.m. (Dr. Hannah Highlander)
• Mondays at 7:10 p.m. (Mike Wode)
• Tuesdays at 11:20 a.m. (Dr. Dave Houglum)
• Tuesdays at 7:10 p.m. (Gina Loschiavo)
• Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. (Chelsea Chase)
• Thursdays at 12:55 p.m. (James Peña)
• Fridays at 11:25 a.m. (Dr. Lara-Zuzan Golesorkhi)

Scholarship/Financial Assistance Info:

If students are in need of financial assistance to participate in the program, they are encouraged to complete the leadership scholarship application. Scholarship applications are due by Friday, April 30^th at 5pm. Students must be enrolled in LDR 225: Foundations of Leadership or LDR 325: Leadership Practice, to be eligible to receive financial assistance. 

Here is what University of Portland students are saying about the Leader Certificate Program: 

“The leadership course experience has been an important component of my education here as it’s helped me see leadership in the little things. From my experiences in leadership positions on campus to the moments of leadership just sitting in class, I’ve learned how to reflect, use my strengths and grow as a human being to approach different aspects of life.”  –Samantha van den Berg  

“None of my major-oriented classes have been as beneficial as the Leader Certificate Program in relation to my education and my career. The Leader Certificate Program adds valuable life skills to any major – skills that are often overlooked within specific fields of study.”  – Gabe Ablin 

See a video of the difference the Leader Certificate Program made for one of the graduates of the program.

Hear what leadership speaker and author Mark Sanborn has to say about why you should get involved in the Leader Certificate Program at UP.

For more information/questions: 

The Leader Certificate Program is designed to provide leaders with the tools, knowledge, and ability to impact and inspire their followers using the key leader habits. Students can start their leadership journey by enrolling in LDR 225 for the Fall Semester! Students can contact Dr. Dave Houglum at houglum@up.edu for more information go to the Leader Certificate Program website.

Year after year, as the spring semester comes to an end, students find strength in the literal and figurative light that summer brings at the end of the academic-year tunnel. For first-year students, this milestone marks the end of the beginning to their collegiate career, and they often find solace in the three-month freedom from academic responsibilities. In addition to relishing this break, I have three suggestions on how students can maximize this first summer of college and set themselves up for success upon entering their sophomore year.

1. Reflection

I believe there is room for more reflection in life generally and especially after a major life event. I believe it is important to highlight that not only did first-year students have to work through the traditional challenges of transitioning to university, they had to do so while managing the uncertainty, stress, and loss this pandemic has brought. Encourage your student to intentionally reflect on their experience thus far and where they want the next step of their journey to take them. Some helpful questions for them to ponder on their own or in a conversation with you are:

• What was your favorite/least favorite class? Why?
• What did you accomplish this year that you are proud of? (Think accomplishments of all sizes – waking up for every 8:10 a.m. class should be celebrated the same as making the Dean’s List.)
• What do you wish you would have done differently this year? (Focus on the opportunities for growth rather than the consequences of the challenges.)
• What advice would you give an incoming student?

Focus on open-ended questions to allow for a true reflection. By starting with these questions, your student will be able to process their growth through successes and challenges and identify goals for their continual journey.

2. Experiential Learning

Summer is a great time to explore out-of-classroom resume-building opportunities and remember they aren’t limited to just working! There are so many ways students can build transferable skills and continue to grow personally and professionally. Here are three alternative options students could benefit from:

• Volunteering: Depending on your student’s academic discipline, finding work in that field without a degree might be very challenging and often students are unsure of their desired path after graduation. Volunteering allows students to explore different career fields and niches within them, while giving back to and getting to know their local community. Also, this is a great chance to expand their network – connections now often mean internships and jobs later on.
• Continual education: It can be helpful to remind students that learning is not limited to the classroom. After shifting to a virtual existence this last year, there are more opportunities than ever. UP offers free certifications in specific skills through LinkedIn Learning, which even allows employers to view which courses students have completed. Students can access LinkedIn Learning through their MyApps portal. IBM Skills offers a host of free webinars, online courses and programs for students to explore new topics and careers. Encourage your student to think outside the box – utilize podcasts, documentaries, and video series such as TED Talks to explore the world and challenge their perspectives.
• Read: So often reading is associated with a command. Students have been told what to read nine months out of the year for the last 13 years which commonly leads to an avoidance of the pastime. There is something very profound about holding a book and turning the page, unsure what you will find on the other side. The type of books to choose from outnumber the dance challenges on TikTok. Online we are told what to think about content. In books we are given the freedom to think for ourselves. Whether the book is about current events, fictional worlds, or personal histories, reading allows for individual reflection on the content and its effect on their world view.

3. Utilize Resources

Just because the academic year has ended does not mean the University ceases to exist for three months. The same resources we prompt students to use while on campus are available over the summer! Three that would be particularly helpful in their transition are:

• Career Education Center: It is never a bad time to update resumes and cover letters! The Career Education Center is available for one-on-one appointments to provide guidance in major exploration, career options, and general goal achievement. With so many resources online, summer is the perfect time to create a Handshake profile or take The O*NET Interest Profiler – a self-assessment, career exploration tool.
• Switchboard: Once a Pilot, always a Pilot, and our Pilot alumni love helping current students! Switchboard, run through Alumni & Parent Relations, is a platform on which anyone in the Pilot community can post an Ask (I.e., I’m looking for a summer housing in North Portland.), or an Offer (I.e., I’m available for informational interviews about a Master’s in Education.). This is a wonderful tool for students to utilize to expand their network and set up informational interviews. 
• Shepard Academic Resource Center: At every step of their collegiate career students are pondering a myriad of questions and we are here to help. Just because they have finished their first year does not mean they are expected to have all the answers. Being able to ask for help and accept it are critical skills students need to continually nurture both on and beyond the Bluff.

We often compare the Orientation experience to drinking from a firehose – so much information all at once and it seems like nothing sticks; I would venture to suggest the entire first year is a bit like that. By taking the summer to relax and reflect, students will realize how much they have grown and gather an idea of how they want to continue that process come fall. I guarantee more information stuck than they expected and through celebrations of their progress they will find the courage to dive even deeper as sophomores.   

Brenagh Sanford serves as the assistant director for First Year Experience, after previously working as a hall director on campus. In her role, Brenagh coordinates the Anchor Seminar Workshop and academic coaching programs through which she works to support students as they transition to campus and help normalize the varied challenges first-year students face. As a life-long learner, Brenagh works to promote academic and personal development within every student she works with, and she has a true affinity for supporting students through their college journey and beyond.

While many students will be on break from classes this summer, UP offices are still open for business, even if virtually! Most offices are “open” all summer and staff are happy to speak with students via phone, email, and even Microsoft Teams regarding academic planning, career planning, or other topics. In fact, it may be smart to tackle some questions or conversations over the summer while these offices are quieter, rather than waiting until the first week of the fall semester.

Below are a few items to consider!

Career Exploration

• The Career Education Center is here to help if your student needs assistance searching for a job, networking or navigating LinkedIn, preparing for an interview, or negotiating a job offer. The Career Center serves both students and alumni! It’s never too early or too late to connect to the multitude of resources they offer. They are available virtually by phone or video chat and more information about making an appointment with their staff is available online.

Class Schedule or Major Discussions

• Is your student wanting to speak to someone about their schedule or major? They can always contact their school or college directly with questions.
• Fall class registration will be open through the first week of classes! Schedules change and certain classes may open up over the summer. Every year, the University needs to plan for the incoming first-year class, and one of the requirements is that there are spaces saved for new students arriving in the fall. Last year, there were over 4000 spaces reserved in several subjects for the class of 2024. After registration for the incoming first-year students is complete, those first-year restrictions are “removed” – usually on August 1. After this date, class spaces may open up due to students needing to rearrange their Fall Semester classes. 
• For students who want a class that is currently unavailable, it is recommended that they store their PIN for registration somewhere that is easily accessible. That way if a spot opens up in August, students don’t have to track down their advisor to get their PIN in order to access the registration portal and make changes to their schedule. Waitlists may also be available online through Self-Serve for certain classes that have filled. Encourage your student to explore these options.
• In general, if students have questions regarding classes, it is best that they go through their school or college and speak with their program counselor or academic advisor. If a student has bigger questions or doesn’t know where to go, they can always start with the Shepard Academic Resource Center.

Accommodations

• Accessible Education Services (AES) works in partnership with students to facilitate individually-tailored accommodations, according to student need. The types of disabilities represented among our student population include learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, psychiatric disabilities, vision and hearing impairments, and chronic health and mobility impairments. AES also provides accommodations for temporary disabilities. Summer is a great time to put an accommodation plan in place or have your student review the efficacy of their existing plan. Students can contact AES for further discussions around accommodations.

Tutoring

• Some tutoring will be offered during the summer, so please visit the Shepard Center’s Learning Commons website for up-to-date schedules and offerings.

Connecting with the Pilot Network

• Summer is the perfect time for utilizing Switchboard! No matter where students live, they can connect to Pilots through UP’s online community. Many students reach out to alumni for advice on graduate school, finding a place to live, or advice in a particular field of work.

Do you have further questions about UP during the summer months? Contact the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations, and we would be happy to direct you to the appropriate office or resource on campus!