1. 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

2. Program Background & Structure

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Challenges

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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

10. Student Input

11. Is there interest? Role of senior students  greater responsibility (not just participating in, but also delivering program) Student driven changes Addition of 2 nd year ‘senior’ cohort 1.5 day leadership retreat Increase incoming cohort to 60 Build mentoring opportunities Addition of social events

12. 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

13. 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?

14. Contact Wendy Norman Student Life Educator, Student Development and Programming Simon Fraser University Phone: 778-782-7034 Email: wendy_norman@sfu.cawendy_norman@sfu.ca LEAD Program: www.sfu.ca/studentlife/leadershipwww.sfu.ca/studentlife/leadership