The John R. Elliott Character & Leadership Program Overview

students outside of in the Academic Quad

The Elliott Leadership Program includes four inter-related elements:

  • Academic Coursework
  • Leadership Development
  • Service Learning
  • Mentorship

Students entering the leadership program must be Juniors (at least 60 credits) or Seniors (at least 90 credits). The program is designed to be completed in two years but can be completed in one.

Graduates of the program will receive certificates of achievement after successful completion and will have their participation documented on their academic transcript.

The sequence listed below is designed for those entering the certification program in the Fall semester of their junior year.

1st year

  • Introductory Leadership Course (Taken in either Fall or Spring- must receive a final grade of ‘B’ or above to be eligible for the certificate).
  • Enrollment in the Mentorship program and completion of the mentee training.
  • Monthly meetings with assigned mentor beginning in the Spring Semester
  • Completion of 5 approved leadership development opportunities, including the program orientation, and end of year program conference.
  • 25 Service Learning hours.

2nd Year

  • 2nd Academic course in Leadership (must receive a final grade of ‘B’ or above to be eligible for the certificate)
  • Monthly meetings with assigned mentor
  • Completion of additional 5 approved leadership development opportunities
  • 25 Service Learning hours
  • Completion of Capstone Project

*Other leadership coursework and activities outside of the ELP program may count towards certification requirements and will be considered on a case-by-case basis

The sequence listed below is designed for those entering the certification program in the Fall semester of their senior year.

Fall Semester

  • Introductory Leadership Course (Taken in either Fall or Spring- must receive a minimum final grade of ‘B’ to be eligible for the certificate).
  • Enrollment in the Mentorship program and completion of the mentee training.
  • Reoccurring meetings with assigned mentor upon completion of mentee training.
  • Completion of 5 approved leadership development opportunities, including the program orientation, and end of year program conference.
  • 25 Service Learning hours.

Spring Semester

  • 2nd Academic course in Leadership (must receive a minimum final grade of ‘B’ to be eligible for the certificate)
  • Monthly meetings with assigned mentor
  • Completion of additional 5 approved leadership development opportunities
  • 25 Service Learning hours
  • Completion of Capstone Project

*Other leadership coursework and activities outside of the leadership program may count towards certification requirements and will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Students will be required to complete a Capstone Project as part of the program certification requirement. The project of their choosing should be one that encapsulates the core principles learned and consist of practical applications that can be utilized beyond the classroom.

Your project proposal will need to be approved in advance by the Program Directors and a subcommitee of the advisory board, to ensure that it aligns with the mission and vision of the program. 

Upon entering the program, each student will be partnered with a mentor and are required to complete a mandatory mentee training. The mentors in the program will consist of the best business, educational, and governmental leaders in the region.