The Path to Certification 

Step 1: Declare your intent to participate in the BGSU LEAD Program. How do I enroll?

Step 2: Read about the BGSU LEAD Program in detail. The BGSU LEAD Learning Outcomes will provide you a wealth of information about each of the nine leadership competencies, including suggestions for learning and recommended readings. You will also find this information in the Student Handbook.  Begin to think about your personal timeline for completion of the BGSU LEAD Program, and specific activities in which you might engage during the learning process. Remember, there is no “best” way to meet each of the leadership competencies, so be creative!

Note: Only those experiences gained after enrolling at Bowling Green State University may be counted toward the completion of the BGSU LEAD Certificate. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis (e.g., transfer student, adult learners). 

Step 3: Meet with your leadership mentor to develop your timeline for completion of the BGSU LEAD Program. Discuss any previous leadership experiences that relate to one or more of the competencies (see note above) and develop a strategy for documenting such information. Use the Student Timeline form to assist you in identifying further learning opportunities. Work with your mentor to revise and update your timeline as necessary.

Step 4 (ongoing): Pursue the learning experiences that you identified in your timeline.

Step 5 (ongoing): Meet with your mentor a minimum of three times per semester. Discuss the activities in which you have engaged and the new learning that has transpired.

Step 6 (ongoing): Compile evidence of your learning (e.g., informal writings, websites, letters of recommendation, formal papers, evidence of programs in which you have participated). See the Standard of Evidence for guidance. Work with your mentor to develop a portfolio that highlights your learning, including both a conceptual understanding of the competencies and behavioral examples. The presentation and format of this evidence are only limited by your creativity!

Step 7 (at the end of every phase): Submit your evidence to the Office of Campus Activities, 401 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, for review by the Certification Committee. See Seeking Certification or the Student Handbook for a detailed description of the certification process.

 Note: A certificate can be awarded at any time during the semester; however, you may only be certified for one phase per semester. In rare cases (e.g., transfer students), students may be able to provide acceptable evidence of previous learning experiences and “test out” of early phases of the program. Such situations will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the student’s mentor and the Certification Committee.

Step 8 (at the end of every phase): Receive notification from the Certification Committee. Based on the committee’s recommendations, either move to the next phase or revise your evidence as needed and resubmit at a later date.

Continue steps 4-9 until you have successfully been certified in each of the four phases.

Step 9: Receive your BGSU LEAD Certificate and continue learning about leadership!

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