Leadership Programs
Development opportunities
The Office of Student Involvement offers the following cohort (group) and retreat based Leadership Development opportunities. We are also in the process of developing additional opportunities that will be able to be completed by individual students based on interests or as part of a larger comprehensive leadership program.
To get involved with any of the programs listed below please contact the Office of Student Involvement at 864-503-5122 or by email.
The Spartan Leaders program was created to assist students in developing leadership skills that they will be able to use while at USC Upstate and when they graduate. This program is run as a partnership between the Office of Student Involvement and the Career Management Office and emphasizes the skills necessary for students to be successful as employees and as leaders. The program is interactive and allows students to not only learn during leadership workshops, but also to apply what they are learning through hands-on experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to get to know other students with similar interests—and have fun during the process!
The Spartan Leaders Certificate Program is comprised of 3 different leadership programs that serve as building blocks. Students can complete one, two, or all three of the leadership programs. Students who complete all three will earn the Spartan Leaders Certificate.
In all of the programs, students will learn about themselves, about working with others, and about making an impact on their communities.
Aspiring Leaders Program (Level 1)
Beginning fall 2021
The Aspiring Leaders Program is the entry-level leadership program at USC Upstate. Some of the leadership topics typically covered in this program include:
- Identifying your values & strengths
- Personal goal-setting
- Personality characteristics & implications for relationship-building & leadership
- Leadership styles
- Communicating effectively
- Leadership through storytelling
- Civic and community engagement
Students participating in the Aspiring Leaders program will be expected to attend the twice-monthly leadership sessions as well as complete/participate in some required activities and assignments. These activities will provide hands-on engagement experiences related to the leadership session topics. Each participating student will also be matched with an upperclass student who will assist them in getting adjusted to and involved in campus life at USC Upstate.
Students interested in joining the Aspiring Leaders Program should complete and submit the registration form below:
Questions about the program can be directed to Dr. Deb Kladivko, Associate Director of Leadership and Service at 864-503-5106 or dkladivko@uscupstate.edu.
Engaged Leaders Program (Level 2)
Beginning fall 2022
Following completion of the Aspiring Leaders Program, students can enter the Engaged Leaders Program. This intermediate-level program builds upon the skills learned through the Aspiring Leaders program. Some of the leadership topics typically covered in this program include:
- Group dynamics & building constructive teams
- Ethical leadership
- Power & motivation
- Understanding systems of inequity & marginalization through emotional intelligence
- Personal image & impression management (personal branding)
- Creative problem-solving & decision-making
- Communities & expectations
- Articulating your leadership & work experiences
- Professional correspondence & basic office etiquette
Students participating in the Engaged Leaders Program will be expected to attend the twice-monthly leadership sessions as well as complete/participate in some required activities and assignments. These activities are designed to provide hands-on engagement experiences related to the leadership session topics. Each participating student will also be matched with a USC Upstate faculty or staff mentor.
Influential Leaders Program (Level 3)
Beginning fall 2023
Following the completion of the Engaged Leaders Program, students can enter the Influential Leaders Program. This advanced leadership program builds upon the skills learned in the Aspiring and Engaged Leadership programs. Some of the leadership topics typically covered in this program include:
- Managing & facilitating change as a leader
- Strategic planning for leaders
- Planning & leading effective meetings
- Sharing the load: delegating & collaborating
- Managing conflict & building consensus
- Social change process: Making a difference
- Planning ethical & effective service/engagement projects
- Locating & applying for jobs
- Interviewing skills
- Financial literacy & basic investment principles
Students participating in the Influential Leaders Program will be expected to attend the twice-monthly leadership sessions as well as complete/participate in some required activities and assignments. These activities are designed to provide hands-on engagement experiences related to the leadership sessions topics. Each participating student will also be matched with an alumni mentor.
COMPLETION OF THE SPARTAN LEADERS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM:
Students who complete the Aspiring, Engaged, and Influential Leaders programs will earn the SPARTAN LEADERS CERTIFICATE. This Certificate can be added to the student’s Co-Curricular Transcript (not the Academic Transcript) and the student’s resume and will indicate to employers and graduate program admission committees that the student has completed significant work in the area of leadership and professional readiness.
Each August, current and future student leaders participate in a 2-day retreat that focuses on issues and topics related to leadership development. Applications are typically available late-spring semester. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Involvement at 864-503-5122 or involvement@uscupstate.edu.
A variety of leadership workshops on relevant topics are offered each semester and are open to all students, regardless of their previous involvement in leadership activities. Stay tuned for dates and topics for fall 2021!