Leadership Development Program commences

Nadine Fox, Contributing writer

Do you have what it takes to be a great leader? Is developing management & communication skills something you are really passionate about? Would you like to work on becoming a better, efficient leader?

The Leadership Development Program had been taking Applications until Oct. 21. Although it is too late to join this year, this information is helpful to keep in mind for next fall semester when applications will be available again.

The Leadership Development Program is a nonaccredited program that Mercyhurst University offers. It provides students with different levels of leadership skills.

This program is a high quality leadership training program that specializes in developing specific leadership skills geared towards students with a strong interest in becoming a better leader and developing their own styles and interests. This includes a variety of different learning opportunities with workshops, speakers and breakout sessions.

The program is divided into three levels beginning in the Fall semester and continuing on throughout the academic year. Each individual level has a primary focus centered around leadership and builds upon the previous level.

Students also have the opportunity to network with other student leaders, which helps establish a strong leadership component for their resume.

In addition, Mercyhurst greatly values and appreciates service & volunteer work. Each level has a service element in which students can help give back to their community. This year, Level One members of the Leadership Development Program will focus on self-awareness and self-reflection.

Students will discover their strengths through reading “StrengthsFinder 2.0” by Tom Rath and use that knowledge in different workshops about Servant Leadership, Emotionally Intelligent Leadership and Vision.

Level Two is for students who have completed Level One and would like the option to continue building their leadership skills. This level focuses on interpersonal skills.

Level Two members learn about how to lead others, work with their peers, and professionalism. This level reads and reflects on “The Student Leadership Challenge” by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. In this reading, the young leaders will learn the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.

After completing Level Two, members will receive cords to wear at graduation, symbolizing their accomplishment and commitment to leadership and development.

In Level Three, students who have completed the previous two levels will move on to a capstone leadership experience. These students will engage in different types of workshops that help prepare them to successfully branch out into the world.

Level Three members help plan and facilitate the Emerging Leaders workshop by using the skills they have learned throughout their experience in the program and give back to the program.

The Emerging Leaders Workshop is typically held in the fall semester and is a hands-on exploration that lasts for about three hours. The Emerging Leaders Workshop dives into being an effective leader and discusses personalities, communication styles and group dynamics.

Students are nominated for the Emerging Leaders workshop by faculty and staff who notice their leadership potential.

Steph Przepiora, the director of Campus Involvement said, “Although it is too late to join the Leadership Development Program this year, we encourage students to watch for applications at the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. The Leadership Development Program is a great opportunity to meet new people and build your resume and leadership skills. The Leadership Development Program meets about once a month, so even the busiest students can find time for it.”