BRANDON, MB – Outstanding student leaders were recognized recently in celebration of their completion of the Student Leadership Certificate program newly offered this year at Brandon University (BU). Student participants received their certificates at a reception honouring their achievements on April 1st.
The Student Leadership Certificate Program is a new, non-credit, co-circular program that was developed through the Student Services office at Brandon University. The Program offers free leadership seminars for current and emerging leaders at BU, and features a diverse group of 24 students in their second, third and fourth years of study.
“This inaugural, not-for-credit certificate is significant for our students, Brandon University and society because our students will benefit from having gained a broader understanding of themselves and of leadership skills,” said Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President (Student Services and Enrollment Management) and University Registrar. “As a university, we benefit from having students who are both aware of leadership skills and how they can use these skills to better themselves, those around them and society in general. This is important because research has shown that students who are leaders during their school years go on to be leaders in the community as well.”
Through participation in these seminars over the past academic year, students explored seven topics related to three key themes of leadership: team, individual and personal leadership skills. Learning outcomes included an understanding of prominent leadership theories and developing group facilitation, team work, self-care and time management skills. Students also learned to appreciate the value of diversity and inclusion in work and school life, and how to implement effective inquiry skills.
“The program has taught me a lot of new skills and reinforced some skills like interpersonal communication, dealing with groups, how to handle yourself as an individual, and ways to deal with stress,” said Dustin Dilay, fourth-year Sociology student and recipient of the Leadership Certificate. “For me, more than anything, it was a great exercise in the development of skills, and then having the opportunity to put those skills into practice through workshops.”
A unique aspect of this first-of-its-kind program at BU is a number of the student leaders who are parents were offered access to free childcare while attending workshops, which occurred on Wednesday evenings outside normal daycare/school hours. BU Student Services is also in the process of planning other specialized student leadership certificates focusing on global leadership and Aboriginal leadership.
“Leadership and citizenship are important at Brandon University,” said Dr. Heather Duncan, Acting Vice-President (Academic) and Provost. “We are all very proud of these students who committed time and energy to building their leadership skills. They are our leaders of tomorrow.”
At the April 1st celebration, students heard keynote speaker Terry Burgess, Regional Vice-President at RBC, share his thoughts on leadership and important skills as they enter to job market following graduation.
Brandon University, founded in 1899, promotes excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, and educates students so that they can make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders.
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