Leadership Certification Program

What is the Leadership Certification Program?

The Leadership Certification Program (LCP) began in fall of 2005 at Mercyhurst College. It is a multi-level, non-credit program designed to recognize and develop the leadership potential of undergraduate students. The LCP allows participants to discover their own leadership interests and styles while developing specific leadership skills. The LCP is a dynamic, high quality leadership training program, which is a combination of live broadcasts and video conferencing with nationally recognized speakers, workshops, breakout sessions, and a variety of leadership activities. The core of the LCP is a series of nationally recognized Live Broadcast Speakers. After each live broadcast, there is a question and answer session with the nationally known speaker. Then, LCP students break off into groups to set attainable goals to be accomplished in a two week timeline. The students of each group must hold each other accountable to accomplish the goals they have set for themselves. All members of the group set a date and time to meet again to discuss outcomes, successes and challenges. Students them submit an online write-up of their experiences.

Why should you participate?

After successful completion of Level 1, participants receive dual certification from the Office of the Student Union & Student Activities and the National Society for Leadership & Success are inducted into Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society. The skills you will learn and utilize within the LCP are advanced abilities for both your professional and personal lives. Throughout the LCP program, participants will build networks with other student leaders while building a strong leadership component for their resume. After successful completion of Level 2, participants receive Level 2 certification from the Office of the Student Union & Student Activities as well as Sigma Alpha Pi Honor Society cords to wear at graduation.

How can I get involved?

Applications will be accepted from any traditional, full-time undergraduate student registered at the main campus of Mercyhurst College for level 1 the 2008 - 2009 LCP. Applications can be downloaded at the link below or they can be picked up from the Office of the Student Union & Student Activities, located on the ground level floor of the Student Union (next to Campus Ministry). Applications must be filled out completely and emailed to dkemp@mercyhurst.edu or dropped off at the Office of the Student Union & Student Activities. A maximum of 85 students will be selected for Level 1 of the LCP on an annual basis. After successful completion of Level 1, students will receive an invitation to participate in Level 2 (application necessary). After successful completion of Level 2, students will receive an invitation to participate in Level 3 (application necessary).

• Leadership Certification Program Application

What is the time commitment?

The LCP is designed to be a flexible certification program. The LCP Live Broadcasts are held once per month, generally on a Tuesday evening from 7pm – 8:30pm with two make-up sessions offered the following week (generally a Wednesday at 4:30pm and Thursday at 8:15pm). All participant records will be kept on file in the Office of the Student Union & Student Activities.

Will there be Information Sessions so I can learn more about the LCP?

The Office of the Student Union & Student Activities has scheduled the following information sessions to provide more in depth information about the LCP and to answers any questions you may have.

Level 1 Information Sessions:
    Option 1: Wednesday, April 23rd at 8:15 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room
    Option 2: Thursday, April 24th at 4:30 p.m. in the Student Union Great Room

Level 2 Information Session:
    September, 2008 - - stay tuned for more details

Level 3 Information Session:
    September, 2008 - - stay tuned for more details

What are the mandatory requirements for all applicants?

There are various membership and program requirements depending on which level of the LCP you are involved in. For more information, please review specific level requirements by opening the following documents:

• Level 1 Membership Requirements PDF, [104 KB]
• Level 2 Membership Requirements PDF, [115 KB]
• Level 3 Membership Requirements PDF, [112 KB]

Who will the Live Broadcast Speakers be and what will they be discussing?

The following is a list of speakers from the last three years. Watch for more details as speakers are confirmed for the 2008 - 2009 academic year. Speakers are held in the Student Union Great Room and are open to the entire Mercyhurst Community.