Description: TheDen, where the Cougars LEAD form was originally located Source: sxu.edu
On Jan. 22, members of the Saint Xavier University community received notice the Cougars LEAD Certification would be discontinued.
An email sent out that morning stated students “actively completing the certificate will have until the first day of the fall 2024 semester to complete and submit their final portfolio.”
Executive Director of Student Success Joshua Bogaski-Baugh expressed the certificate program had completion rates varying from year-to-year, ranging from only a few students up to 12.
Alongside completion rates, a combination of factors went into the decision to discontinue the Cougars LEAD Certificate.
“Despite having a dedicated group of student leaders and individuals involved on campus, we observed consistently low levels of engagement and completion rates over the past few years with this program,” Bogaski-Baugh voiced.
Students will still be able to participate in and attend the events that were necessary to complete the certificate despite its discontinuation. “These activities will not be going away. In fact, students will still have many opportunities to enhance their leadership toolbox as well as develop the skill sets needed to achieve college and career success,” they continued.
“Attending events for the Cougars LEAD Certificate not only broadened my understanding of leadership styles but also provided a unique platform to connect with fellow student leaders. Experiencing diverse viewpoints and building connections with others on similar leadership journeys made this certification an unforgettable and enriching experience” voiced Jenin Hasan, a student who has completed the Cougars LEAD Certificate.
Students are encouraged to continue participating in the activities and events that were previously required to complete the Cougars LEAD Certificate in order to keep developing their leadership skills and to gain leadership experience.
The certificate emphasized the importance of developing leadership skills, as strong leadership skills can increase team productivity and performance, help one successfully connect to others, and can increase communication skills in regards to both influence and conflict management.
The Cougars LEAD Certificate was “a co-curricular leadership certificate which equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders in their personal and professional lives,” stated Joshua Bogaski-Baugh. The certification started as a way to further recognize the accomplishments of student leaders at the university.
According to the “Cougars LEAD Certificate” web tab section of the sxu.edu site, participants in the program were required to complete 16 individual leadership experiences alongside four hours of service learning.
The leadership styles included: Transformational Leadership, Situational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Experiential Leadership, and Servant Leadership.
Each leadership style involved different aspects of the university’s core values: Respect, Excellence, Diversity, Compassion, Hospitality, Integrity, Learning for Life, and Service.
Students completing the certification were also required to attend at least one Synergy Summit, which is a leadership conference open to all students at the university. Students who presented at the conference were able to use that experience as credit towards their certificate completion. However, students who only attended the presentations were not able to use it as credit.
Finally, students were to put together and present a Leadership Portfolio that served as a reflection of their experience attending the Synergy Summit. It also served as an overview of the required 16 individual leadership experiences and the four hours of service learning, a leadership philosophy statement with accompanying values, and a Cougars LEAD Final Reflection, according to the certification’s web tab.
The web tab states that the “final reflection is a valuable component of the Cougars LEAD Certificate program as it allows participants to introspect and reflect on their learning experiences. Through self-assessment and critical evaluation, students can identify personal growth, strengths, and areas for improvement.”
The reflective process serves as an opportunity to enable participants to become more empathetic and effective leaders through fostering deeper insights, enhancing leadership skills, and cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness, writes the web tab.
Hasan voiced that the certification process allowed for her to gain insights into her own strengths,and weaknesses, as a student leader and connect with her peers. She added that this self-awareness helped her to step out of her comfort zone.
Cougars LEAD “propelled me into roles within the SXU community, shaping my ongoing journey in various student leadership positions” she clarified.
It is unclear whether a new program similar to the Cougars LEAD Certificate will be introduced in the future, as “this type of programming as student leadership initiatives traditionally fall under the Student Life department,” explained Bogaski-Baugh.
Originally, the forms to fill the Cougars LEAD Certificate were able to be found on TheDen.
Students who wish to receive their certification prior to the fall 2024 semester are required to fill out the “Final Cougars LEAD Cohort Form” before March 1 to notify the program coordinator of their intent to complete the certificate.