1. Is the Leadership Certificate Program just like every other minor offered at Wartburg College?
No, the LCP is unique in that it involves two required courses (LS115 Exploring Elements of Leadership, and ID315 Leadership Theories and Practices) and three academic courses from students’ course of study, as well as reflection on various student experiences linked to the components of the LCP. Although similar, no two individual Leadership Certificate programs will be exactly alike. It is our belief that having common components of the program but allowing individuality and integration into students’ existing academic program adds rigor and vitality to the program, and makes it unique.

2. Are only first year students able to participate in the Leadership Certificate Program?
No. Although it is easier to fulfill the requirements of the LCP over a four year period, it is highly possible and likely to complete the requirements within a two year period.

3. Are certain majors more optimal for completing the LCP?
It is possible for any major at Wartburg College to complete the Leadership Certificate Program. Because requirements for majors differ, certain majors require more detailed planning, but every major at Wartburg can include completion of the LCP.

4. What are the benefits of the Leadership Certificate Program?
The basic benefits of completing the Leadership Certificate Program include learning what constitutes leadership, civic engagement, and translating leadership into action. However, additional individual benefits will vary greatly. Society oftentimes mislabels position as leadership. Leadership involves far more than holding a position. The program also assists students in making vital connections from the theoretical world to the world of reality. Finally, the Leadership Certificate Program is unique as an entry into a career. Virtually all occupational fields are looking for employees who have demonstrated the components of the LCP. Completion of the LCP will offer something on your resume, credentials, and transcript that set you apart from others.

5. Since the LCP involves individual plans, does this mean I don’t receive support from the college?
NO! Although every LCP plan is individual, your advisor and the Institute support you throughout the program for Leadership Education.

6. Will I have time to complete the LCP with everything else I have to do?
Only you know how busy you are. However, this program involves taking two additional classes, both of which meet requirements for the Wartburg Plan of Essential Education. LS 115 meets Interconnected-Social Science requirement and ID 315 meets the Interdisciplinary requirement. Other academic requirements come from your existing program hence additional coursework will not be an issue. Completion of the portfolio will require time for reflection, writing, feedback, reflection, and re-writing. However, when appropriately spaced out over a period time, time requirements are very manageable. In addition, development of the portfolio does not have to be done during the academic year.

7. The program sounds interesting, but I’ve never been much of a leader. Can I still participate?
Yes! As previously mentioned, leadership is too often narrowly defined. Our definition of leadership is broader and is based on making the world around us a better place. This means that leadership possibilities are far greater. Requirements of the program allow you to link what you’ve done (or what you’ll do) with leadership in ways you’ve likely never thought about. It is very possible that someone who does not view him or herself as a “typical” leader will benefit from the program.

8. What do I do if I want to complete the Leadership Certificate Program?
Begin by contacting one of the representatives affiliated with the Institute for leadership Education to learn more about this opportunity and its value to your education. You will also want to discuss this with your academic advisor to identify ways the LCP fits within your major and minor coursework. The Leadership Certificate Checklist can serve as a useful guideline to successful completion of the Leadership Certificate.