How does ELP work?

The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is a fall semester certificate-based program.  All new student participants will receive a leadership certificate for completion of the program.  The ELP consists of groups of 12 new students who meet in "knowledge communities" (KCs). These small groups are each led by a leadership team consisting of two upper-class peer mentors along with a faculty and administrative professional staff member who serve as advisors. There are a total of six KCs, each with a different theme.  The theme of each KC is used as a viewpoint from which to study leadership.  KCs are not determined by students' intended major, but consist of students who share similar interests.  New students are assigned to a KC through the online ELP application process.  Read more about the KCs here.

Semester Schedule Overview

Throughout the fall, ELP students meet regularly within their KC and participate in a "Leadership and Life Skills" workshop series (see below). In addition, participants develop and implement a service-learning project centered on their KC theme. There are special opportunities for all ELP participants to come together at selected times through the fall semester for both social and professional development events.  Some of these include:

• The ELP Kick Off program, scheduled for 3:15-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31, which includes activities to connect and begin the fall program.
  
• The Leadership-in-Action networking program (early November), provided as an opportunity to interact in individual and small group discussions with senior-level faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders, to discuss insights and perspectives about leadership. 
  
• The December Poster Symposium, where the ELP KC participants present their service-learning project activities, culminating in the awarding of certificates and a closing ceremony, followed by a final KC team meeting.
  

Expected Time Commitment and Activities

In order to maximize the ELP experience, new students need to commit to being actively involved in the various ELP program opportunities. ELP student participants should expect to spend approximately two hours/week involved with the program. 

The following highlights anticipated time commitments and program certificate requirements:

• one-hour weekly KC meeting/activity
  
• five one-hour "Leadership and Life Skills" workshops, offered regularly until mid November (participants must attend a total of five workshops through the semester). Topics include communication skills, conflict resolution, goal setting, group dynamics, interpersonal etiquette skills, leadership 101, leadership and ethics, leadership and managing stress, motivation,  personality styles, presentation skills, and time management
  
• group time (with KC to work on service-learning project) or scheduled networking and social activities for ELP participants - timing varies
• periodic individual and/or small group meetings with your ELP Mentors and Staff Advisor and one individual interview meeting with your KC Faculty Advisor (to discuss your interests, questions, the KC, leadership, resources, etc.)