1. Build your resume: Not many schools have a similar program, so this will set you apart from other job candidates. Employers like to see that a candidate has strong leadership qualities; it means they have good integrity, can motivate themselves and others, and have initiative to go above and beyond!
2. Gain REAL life leadership experience and build a personal leadership portfolio: Employers are asking more behavior-based questions to find out candidates' strengths. This program will give you real leadership examples and projects to discuss. Your leadership portfolio will allow you to give tangible evidence of what you have done!
3. Receive coaching and mentoring in leadership: Students will obtain a mentor from off the WLC campus, which is great for personal development and can be used as a reference!
4. Getting involved: Studies show that involvement in extracurricular activities has a positive effect on student learning and the overall college experience. Students who are actively engaged are more likely to have success in their college careers.
5. Great networking opportunity both at WLC and off campus: WLC believes in its students and the impact they have on both the WLC family and the outside community. Through seminars, workshops, and service projects, students will be able to build and strengthen these relationships. It also offers great potential for job opportunities!
6. Helps students gain insight and self-awareness about their leadership style: What type of leader are you? Students can tailor this program to best fit their strengths while they grow both professionally and spiritually.
7. Receive a certificate and recognition: Celebrate the leadership experience and skills you have gained!

The Christian Leadership Certificate Program consists of five activity areas: Academic, Leadership Learning, Commitment to Service, Mentorship, and Independent Leadership Initiatives. Each activity area has its own requirements as detailed below.

1. ACADEMIC

Two courses from WLC's academic catalog are required. For each course, students will submit a one-page reflective essay OR approved creative project demonstrating how their perspective on leadership has been impacted by the course's curriculum and assignments.

• All students will complete COM 333 Leadership and Communication with a grade of C or better.
• Student should select one course from within their major that enhanced or informed their view of leadership as it applies to their field of study or intended career. The selected course must be approved by the Certificate Coordinator and taken within the final four semesters of the academic program.

2. LEADERSHIP LEARNING

(10 hours/year minimum; total of 30 hours for certification)

• Participation in on-campus leadership workshops/seminars and speaker series.
• Participation in off-campus leadership workshop/seminars requires approval from the student's leadership coach prior to attending.

* Hours must be logged in the Leadership Portfolio within seven days of the date of completion of the workshop, seminar, etc.

3. COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

(20 hours/year minimum; total of 60 hours for certification)

Jesus was the consummate example of the "Servant Leader." Jesus' words to his disciples give us a clear picture of this teaching: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45

An integral component of Christian leadership is service to others. In this activity area, students are asked to put those ideals into practice. Students will be required to complete service opportunities both on and off campus.

Examples of service opportunities students could take part in are available in the Commitment to Service Ideas. Students who participate in other service opportunities need to get approval from the Certificate Coordinator.

* A maximum of 20 hours of service may take place on campus.

** 10 hours of off-campus service must be dedicated to serving a church or Christian organization.

*** Hours of service are exclusive of activities that fulfill other requirements for certification.

4. MENTORSHIP

Mentors are experienced people who provide information, advice, support, and encouragement to less experienced people, often leading and guiding by example.

Students will select a mentor from outside the Wisconsin Lutheran College community, whom they identify as a leader, and cultivate a relationship with this individual throughout their college career. Students will include a reflective essay on the lessons learned from their mentor, and how they plan to apply these lessons in their lives as Christian leaders. Contact the Certficate Coordinator for a current list of available mentors.

5. LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES

Students are required to complete two Leadership Initiatives. One initiative should be done individually and the other in a team format of two to three students. To successfully complete each Independent Leadership Initiative, a student must:

• Identify a problem/need in the community.
• Promote awareness of this problem/need to others.
• Organize a group to address the problem/need.
• Measure the effect of the initiative.

Each Leadership Initiative requires documentation of the effectiveness of the initiative according to the categories listed above and reflection on the process. The student will use a variety of media (photos, video, website, etc.) to present the results of one of the initiatives to a campus/community group.

* A minimum of one Leadership Initiative must address an off-campus problem or need.

As students complete the different activity areas, they will update their Christian Leadership Development Portfolio (CLDP) and continue to build it throughout program.

Upon completion of the program, students will submit their updated CLDP, write a brief reflective essay, submit three letters of recommendation, and complete a final portfolio presentation.

Once the final stages of program are completed and approved by the Leadership Committee, students will be recognized for all of their leadership work by being presented with their Certificate in Christian Leadership.

The application deadline is March 26 of a student's freshman year. Accepted applicants will be granted provisional enrollment that is contingent on the applicant completing 30 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and completing one semester of study at Wisconsin Lutheran College. The non-credit certificate program consists of a minimum of five semesters beginning in the fall of the applicant's sophomore year.

Students must also be held to the highest standard of behavior and exhibit strong Christian character. Final acceptance to the Christian Leadership Certificate Program will be granted by the Executive Director of the Center for Christian Leadership. After acceptance, any violations of the WLC Code of Conduct could result in removal from program.

• Students must first complete Application/Statement of Intent detailing their leadership skills and goals as well as why they would like to participate in program. Secondly the student must submit the Recommendation Form, completed by a person who can attest to their capacity for leadership growth.
  
  
• Once student has been admitted into program they will meet with the Certificate Coordinator to go over the program and select an advisor who will guide the student throughout program. This advisor will then meet with the student to create their Christian Leadership Development Portfolio (CLDP), which addresses plans and goals for leadership growth.