The Citadel Experience Path to Principled Leadership Leadership Development 4-2a

It’s Up to You... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLYkKDrXJBs

Your Citadel Experience will be what you make of it. If you put in 100% you will get 100% in return!

Commander’s Comments Name Home town Academic Major Plans following graduation Other relevant information NOTE: Commander has opportunity to insert bullet comments on personal background (home town, Academic Major, goals following Graduation, why they came to The Citadel, etc.)

The Citadel Experience – What is all about ? Since its establishment in 1842, The Citadel is tradition based institution with a rich history connected to the state and the nation It is challenging and unique educational experience in a structured and dynamic military environment It is one of six senior military colleges in the United States that integrates ROTC instruction as part of the core education program It is an opportunity to challenge yourself in a leadership experience as never before The senior military colleges are the following: (1) Texas A&M University. (2) Norwich University. (3) The Virginia Military Institute. (4) The Citadel. (5) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. (6) North Georgia College and State University Most importantly – it is what you make it!

Pillars of The Citadel Experience The Citadel Experience has four developmental pillars – four areas of specific focus with requirements that cross connect and reinforce each other through a variety of programs, systems, and activities. The Citadel Experience has four developmental pillars – four areas of specific developmental focus that cross connect and reinforce each other through a variety of programs, systems, and activities. Within the various developmental pillars, we already have established requirements for completion and advancement. Codifying and linking these requirements as part of the leader development process reinforces the effort to develop our cadets holistically and achieve success across essential aspects of The Citadel Experience. One critical requirement missing from our current programs and process is for every cadet to fulfill some type of leadership activity or position each year as an upperclass cadet. Adding this requirement provides an additional challenge to the overall experience, links directly to the concept of roles/expectations, and supports the leadership laboratory environment of the Corps. This new requirement is analogous to taking a core course in our academic programs.

The Character Pillar This is the First Pillar which consists of the high moral standards expressed in The Citadel’s Core Values: Honor Duty Respect Other key components of this Pillar include demonstrating: Integrity, Moral Courage, and Ethical Decision Making.

The Academic Pillar Your primary duty is to perform academically. - Earn and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or better - Complete prescribed credit requirements to maintain academic alignment - Attend Class - Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills -Communicate effectively in speech and writing

This Pillar is Central to Your Leadership Development. The Military Pillar This Pillar is Central to Your Leadership Development. The skills developed in this pillar are applicable to both military and civilian professions. -Demonstrate personal discipline -Exhibit personal accountability for yourself and others -Become adept at leading teams towards a goal

Fitness Pillar This Pillar will engage you to develop physical and mental strength and endurance to attain an optimum functioning of the body and the mind. Some Components of the Fitness Pillar Include: -Core Health, Exercise and Sport Science (HESS) Courses -Weekly Physical Training Activities -Varsity Sports and Intramural Activities -Citadel Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) -Meeting Citadel height/weight standards -Negotiating the Obstacles associated with the Fourth Class System

This graphic depicts the sequential process of leader development that is part of The Citadel Experience. Cadets grow from Followers to Leaders through their time at The Citadel 11

Establish your Personal Goals To do well in all that The Citadel has to offer, you must develop and commit to a set of personal goals and work hard to achieve them. Personal goals tend to be more meaningful if they contain the following characteristics: - Specific - Measurable - Achievable

Goal Setting Exercise Write down 1 personal goal for each of The Citadel’s 4 Pillars (Character, Academics, Military, Fitness) on the 3x5 card. Be ready to discuss these with your classmates.

Commander Goals and Philosophy Note: Cadet commander should insert a summary of their personal goals to serve a model for the freshman Additionally they should include a short summary of their personal leadership philosophy

Closing Comments Congratulations on your choice to attend The Citadel. You have a great opportunity before you! Your cadet leadership is ready to prepare you for the challenges and experiences of this year. Our job is to set you up for success in the future. Remember to keep your academic efforts as your most important priority. Take pride that you are here – be ready for the challenge!