Leadership By Design is a one-year program for students to obtain certifications in five areas of professional and personal development: Leadership, Career, Wellness, Diversity, and Service.

Participants will attend a weekly one-hour cohort meeting for two semesters and accumulate points to earn rewards for graduation.

Students will accumulate rewards by completing requirements:

Certifications leadership logos

Leadership Certification - Students will develop an understanding of their personal leadership skills, and an introduction to organizational management.

Syllabus
Sessions Description
Session1: True Colors This session will focus on the True Colors test, a personality assessment tool that categorizes individuals into four color-coded personality types. This tool reveals preferences and strengths in communication, work style, and relationships.
Session 2: Stages of Personal Power Real Power: Stages of Personal Power in Leadership introduces the six stages of personal power, from powerlessness to wisdom, offering a framework for personal leadership growth. Based on Janet O. Hagber’s work, this presentation guides participants through the dynamics of each stage, helping them identify when it’s time to advance and how to navigate the shadows of power. Attendees will gain insight into cultivating authentic leadership that empowers themselves and others, moving beyond external achievements toward purposeful, wisdom-driven influence.
Session 3: Ethical Leadership The purpose of this session is to educate students on ethical leadership models and decision making.
Session 4: Communication The purpose of this session aims to improve participants' ability to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and build rapport, fostering effective interpersonal interactions.
Session 5: Team Dynamics The purpose of this session is to focus on the 5 stages of team development and enhance strategies to build effective teamwork among team members.
Session 6: Conflict Resolution The purpose of this session is to equip participants with strategies and skills to effectively manage and resolve disputes in various settings, fostering constructive dialogue and sustainable resolutions
Session 7: Clifton Strengths This session will focus on Clifton Strengths, which aims to identify and develop individuals' unique talents and strengths to maximize both personal and professional success

Wellness Certification - Students will learn about basic wellness and responsible behavior choices.

Syllabus
Sessions Description
Session 1: Balancing Stress This session will focus on the importance of understanding how stress impacts our mental health and provides strategies to cope with stress in healthy and adaptive ways.
Session 2: Civility & Community This session will focus on equipping participants with the skills to engage effectively with your community, both in times of success and during challenges.
Session 3: Boundaries This session will focus on the different types of boundaries, when they apply, and how to set healthy boundaries with some practical tools.
Session 4: Fitness This session will focus on the Role of Fitness for College Students, including the benefits of physical activity, overcoming fitness barriers, and different types of fitness activities. We’ll also explore how to build a sustainable fitness routine and set SMART goals.
Session 5: Disabilities This session aims to educate about disability services with an emphasis on students at ESU. Participants will learn about accommodations, supporting people with disabilities, accessibility, and elevating our consciousness to meet the needs of our disabled population.
Session 6: Active Bystander This session will focus on teaching students how to safely intervene in situations of potential harm, sexual assault, or discrimination. By learning these skills, students can positively influence outcomes and contribute to a safer campus community.
Session 7: Sexual Health Spotlight This session will focus on an engaging and dynamic sexual health class, packed with essential insights on pleasure, health screenings, birth control, and STI prevention.

Career Certification - Students will be provided with an overview of job search preparation and career discovery process.

Syllabus
Sessions Description
Session 1: Discover You This session will focus on identifying your strengths, values, and personal attributes, and how these elements come together to shape your career path.
Session 2: Job Searching Strategies This session will focus on the best practices for finding jobs and internships effectively.
Session 3: Resumes & Cover Letter This session will focus on creating resumes and cover letters. You will learn how to stand out and elevate yourself above the competition.
Session 4: Elevator Speech This session will focus on conveying your amazing qualities to potential employers. Develop a compelling 1-minute elevator pitch that leaves a lasting impression!
Session 5: Career Readiness This session will focus on what employers are looking for in candidates by discovering the eight key competencies that are essential across various industries.
Session 6: Interview Skills This session will focus on mastering effective techniques to help you stand out as the top candidate for the job.
Session 7: Networking This session will focus on mixing, mingling, and putting 'Social' Theory into practice.

Diversity Certification - Students will foster an understanding of one’s multiple identities and how those intersecting identities impact the world around them.

Syllabus
Sessions Description
Session 1: Building Expectations and Exploring Diversity This session will focus on fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. Participants will engage in interactive activities, discussions, and self-reflection to explore culture, identity, and unconscious biases, while also learning practical strategies for allyship.
Session 2: Empathy Compassion Through the Lens of DEI This session will focus on defining and deepening students’ understanding of empathy and compassion and their importance in both professional and personal settings.
Session 3: Global Citizenship & Study Abroad This session will focus on Global Citizenship & Study Abroad, bringing real-world issues to life in a way that’s both engaging and eye-opening. Get ready to dive into vibrant discussions on social awareness and relationship-building, and connect your learning to the world in exciting new ways!
Session 4: Microaggression and it's Impact This session will focus on defining microaggressions, exploring their three most common forms, and examining how they affect marginalized communities. We’ll also discuss the impacts of these subtle yet harmful behaviors.
Session 5: Women in Leadership: Expectations, Sexism, and Intersectional Discrimination This session will focus on exploring the expectations placed on female leaders, examining the prevalence and impact of sexism and discrimination in the workplace, and providing practical strategies to address these challenges.
Session 6: Neurodiversity This session will focus on defining neurodiversity and highlighting the importance of supporting students and employees with diverse neurological profiles in both the classroom and the workplace.
Session 7: GSC: Advanced Safe Zone This session will focus on training that enhances understanding of LGBTQ+ identities, issues, and experiences. It will teach practical skills and strategies to support LGBTQ+ individuals, challenge discriminatory behaviors, and promote inclusivity

Service Certification - Students will have opportunities to engage in local and abroad civic engagement, growing into an active member of a global community.

Fall Opportunities
  • Discover Stony - 3 points
    • Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 11 AM – 2 PM | Stony Acres
      Sign up by Thursday September 5, 2024 in the SAA Suite for transportation.
      Contact: Maddy Constantine, Stony Acres Program Director (mconstantine@esu.edu)
  • Poverty Stimulation - 2 points
    • Thursday, September 26, 2024 | 2 – 4 PM | Mattioli Recreation Center
      Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator Health & Wellness & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
  • Pocono Latin Fest - 3 points
    • Friday, September 27, 2024 | 5 – 10 PM | College Circle
      Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu)
  • Warrior Bash - 3 points
    • Saturday September 28, 2024 | 3 – 6 PM | Circle of Stroud Hall/University Circle
      Contact: Matt Ingram, Director of Student Organizations & Commuter Services (mingram2@esu.edu)
  • Pink Light Walk - 2 points
    • Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 5 – 7 PM | Science & Technology Center Lawn
      Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator of Wellness Education & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
  • ESU Pride - 2 points
    • Thursday, October 10, 2024 | 7 – 9 PM | University Center
      Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) or Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
  • Homecoming Bonfire - 3 points
    • Friday, October 18, 2024 | 8 – 10 PM | Commuter Lot 23
      Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) or Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
  • Diwali - 2 points
    • Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | 7 – 9 PM | University Center
      Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) or Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
  • The Howl – 2 points
    • Thursday October 31, 2024 | 7 – 9 PM | University Center
      Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) or Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)

FAQ's

Logistical Process


What is Leadership By Design
Leadership By Design is a one-year program designed to help students earn certifications in five key areas: Leadership, Career, Wellness, Diversity, and Service. The program includes weekly one-hour cohort meetings and requires students to accumulate points to earn rewards for graduation.
What are the attendance requirements
Required Attendance: Students must attend all scheduled sessions. Students must arrive within 5 minutes of start time, and fill out the assessment questionnaire at the end of the session.
What if I miss a session
  • Cancellation Due to Weather or Other Issues: If a session is canceled, the instructor will arrange an alternate session.
  • Personal Reasons:  If you miss a session for personal reasons, you may attend the session when offered during another cohort time, or by scheduling a make up session with the respective instructor.
What are the rewards for completing the program
  • Recognition: Your achievements will be documented on your co-curricular transcript.
  • Certificates: You will receive a certificate of completion for each certification area.
  • Stole and Pins: You will earn a stole with pins representing each certification.
  • Cap and Gown: You will receive a cap and gown for graduation.

Schedule


Where and when does the program take place

The program is divided into four cohorts, each with a specific schedule. Each certification area lasts for seven weeks.

  • Cohort A: Tuesdays (2-3 pm)
  • Cohort B: Tuesdays (3-4 pm)
  • Cohort C: Thursdays (2-3 pm)
  • Cohort D: Thursdays (3-4 pm)

All cohorts will meet in the Science & Technology Center Room#135.

What if the schedule times don't work with my schedule
If the scheduled cohort times do not fit your schedule, please contact Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement at sbotnick@esu.edu or at (570) 422-3607. He will work with you to explore alternative arrangements or solutions to ensure you can complete the program requirements.
How do I earn the Service Certification
A list of service opportunities will be provided at the start of the semester. These opportunities will take place at different days and times, and you may pick the ones that best fit your schedule.

General Information & Additional Questions


Who can I contact for additional information or questions
For additional information or any questions about the Leadership By Design Program, please contact Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement. You can reach Sam via email at sbotnick@esu.edu, by phone at (570) 422-3607 or by visiting the Student Activity Association Suite in University Center, Room 223 during business hours (Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).

Contact Us

For more information and a full calendar of upcoming events, please visit WarriorLink at warriorlink.esu.edu.

Contact Information

Campus Address
University Center 227
Phone:
(570) 422-3607
Title of Department Leader
Assistant Director of Student Engagement
Name
Sam Botnick