Personal Development
Post-secondary education is far more than a degree; it is an experience. It is a time filled with excitement, challenges, achievements, and possibilities. The department of Student Services at Brescia University College offers students two programs designed to enhance personal growth and develop and strengthen skills.
The following programs are excellent ways for you to grow and develop into a woman who chooses to lead.
Leadership Certificate Program
Leadership Certificate Program
Everyone graduates from university with a degree. The leadership certificate is just one of the programs that Brescia offers to help set you apart after graduation.
There has been a lot written about the task of leaders and the skills required for leadership. But much of the success or failure of a leader is determined by who the leader is and by their personal characteristics. The Leadership Certificate consists of four levels; all students begin at Level I. At each level students gain an understanding of leadership practices and skills. Each level has a specific theme and learning objectives for students to engage in.
Level I — A Journey in Self Discovery
Level I is rooted heavily in self reflection, personal exploration, and discussion. The discussion is structured as a conversation circle. Similar to roundtable discussions, conversation circles involve everyone sharing their thoughts and ideas in a safe environment, which nurtures curiosity and exploration. Level I will engage your thoughts about:
- Who you are
- The people, places, and things that shaped your life
- Skills you currently possess
- Your areas for growth
- Your passions
- What it means to be a leader
- How labels and societal expectations affect you
- How you are perceived
Level II — Leadership Fundamentals
In Level II we engage in personal exploration and begin to identify our talents and transform these talents into active strengths. Effective leadership requires you to offset your weaknesses with the strengths of others. Level II explores:
- Interpersonal Communication
- The art of communicating and the STEP system to better communication
- Active Listening
- Group Dynamics and Team Building
- Untangling Interactions
- Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
- Managing Emotions
Level III — Becoming an Engaged Leader
Level III is far more than just learning about leadership; it is about determining what kind of leader you want to be. Though discussion, interactive exercises, and self-directed learning we realize the concept that leaders are made not born. Level III will help you break through self-perceived limits while fostering and enriching your natural leadership skills and abilities. In level III you will explore the concept of community and relationships by examining:
- The Civilities of Leadership
- The 7 Cs of Leadership
- Citizenship and Responsibility
- Personal Boundaries
- Personal Costs of Leadership
- The Art of Service
Level IV— Leadership in Action
Level IV consists of a Leadership Project. The project is based on the group activities and initiatives established in Level III.
Tri-Mentoring Program
The Tri-Mentoring Program matches a first year student (PAL) with a senior student; the senior student is matched with a Community Mentor. Professional women and Alumnae will share their expertise, awareness and experiences with a senior student. The Program will help you transition in and out of university; the individual needs of senior students will be considered when each is matched with both a peer and a community mentor. By participating in the program you will be presented with the opportunity to acquire leadership skills, meet new people, gain transferable skills, and explore career options.
The Tri-Mentoring Program consists of three parts:
First-Year Peer Connection
As a first-year student you will be matched with a trained upper-year student mentor. Your student mentor will help you transition at Brescia as well as become part of your social network. Aside from helping with university transition, your peer mentor will help you adjust culturally and expand your social network in Canada.
I am/will be a first-year student and would like a student mentor
REGISTER HERE FOR PAL First-year student application
Student Mentorship
Each senior-year student (Years 2 – 4) in the Tri-Mentoring Program fulfills two roles: you will have the opportunity to become actively involved in the Brescia community by mentoring a first-year student as well as being matched with a Community Mentor. Your Community Mentor will work in a profession related to your long-term interests, educational goals and career plans. Your first year student will rely on you to help her network and gain valuable guidance and encouragement. As a mentor you will develop strong relationships with yours peers, assist in the development of leisure programming, as well as learn about new cultures. In order to become a Student Mentor you will undergo a training program exploring topics such as: Active Listening, Effective Communication, Conflict Management, Leadership Fundamentals, and Community Building. You will also gain the opportunity to benefit from a friendly coach, a Community Mentor, who will assit you with career goals, networking, and life choices.
I am a senior student and I’m interested in becoming a student mentor
REGISTER HERE FOR Senior Student Mentorship Application
Community Mentorship
To facilitate the growth of new opportunities and ideas, and to share your knowledge and wisdom and provide a positive, encouraging influence in the life of a Brescia student, we encourage Brescia Alumnae and professional women in the community to apply as a Community Mentor. Students are matched with a Community Mentor in a profession related to their long-term interest, educational goals, and career aspirations. Community Mentors come from a wide variety of fields and professions; they are experienced and trusted guides who think creatively and advise wisely. Through this program students are able to explore career options, network, and gain valuable guidance and encouragement. If you are willing to enter a reciprocal relationship where both women enhance their personal growth and leadership capacity, BECOME a Community Mentor.
To apply as a Community Mentor Community Mentor Application
Tri-Mentoring Manual
To obtain more information regarding the program please download our Tri-Mentoring Manual
Please contact Courtney McDonald for further information courtney.mcdonald@uwo.ca