By Gracie Elliott —<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miami Regionals offers a multitude of leadership opportunities, including the Leadership Co-
Curricular Certificate Program, presented by the Regional Office of Student Activities and
Orientation (ROSA). This certificate program is overseen by Julia Pond, Regional Director of
New Student Programs and Engagement; Derek Rice, Regional Coordinator for Student
Activities; and Andy Richard, Regional Administrative Assistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Leadership Co-Curricular Certificate Program is a non-credit bearing microcredential that is
free to all participants. In a contrast from other events and organizations, this program is not only
open to all Miami students, but it also welcomes faculty and members of the community. This
aspect of the program allows individuals to embrace the concept of cross-cultural leadership.
Julia Pond explained that the overall goal of this program is to foster a safe space for individuals
to wrestle with the idea of leadership. Unlike other opportunities that seek only to analyze a
certain aspect of leadership, the Leadership Co-Curricular Certificate Program encourages
participants to find their own definition of leadership that is unique to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To stimulate this personal exploration of leadership, participants are required to complete twelve
leadership activities. Out of those twelve, four must be ROSA-sponsored events such as a
leadership lunch or a \u201cSOOT\u201d session (Student Organization Officer Training). These events
take place on both Middletown and Hamilton campuses, and participants are also invited to
attend select events via Zoom. Up to three experiences can be repeated. For example, a
consistent volunteer at the homeless shelter can only use that as an experience no more than three
times. The same holds true for paid employment; individuals can use these experiences to count
for no more than three experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each experience is accompanied by a reflection that provides a summary of the experience, what
the individual learned from a leadership perspective, and how the participant plans to apply what
he or she learned. Pond clarified that the focus of this process is to develop an array of differing
experiences, since the design of the program prioritizes variety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, participants are asked to complete a pre-assessment\u2014the CliftonStrengths
assessment\u2014and attend a strengths activity. According to the Miami University Regionals
website, these activities include \u201ca Strengths Workshop Program, a self-guided Strengths
workshop, or a 1:1 Strengths Coaching session.\u201d Toward the end of the program, participants are asked to submit a Leadership Philosophy Statement and complete the post-assessment and apply
to complete the certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the nature of the program, the timeline of completion is largely dependent on the
participant. For ambitious individuals, all twelve of the experiences could be completed in as
little as a semester. There is, however, some flexibility built in so that individuals have more
time if needed to work through the program requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That flexibility, and cost effectiveness of this program, make it appealing to Miami students and
faculty, as well as community members. From the lens of a Miami student, this program is
applicable outside the realm of college and can aid in their job search preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An application must be submitted to be accepted into the program. Following acceptance, the
individual will be added to a Canvas site where all the needed information and resources will be
available. For individuals interested in the Leadership Co-Curricular Certificate Program, more
information can be found at https:\/\/miamioh.edu\/regionals\/student-resources\/student-activities-
orientation\/leadership-certificate-program\/tier-system.html. Specific questions can be directed to
Julia Pond at pondjk@miamioh.edu.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"