
Leadership By Design
Leadership By Design is a one-year program for students to obtain certifications in five areas of professional and personal development: Personal Development, Professional Development, Technical Skills, People Skills, and Civic Engagement.
Participants will attend a weekly one-hour cohort meeting for two semesters and accumulate points to earn rewards for graduation.
Competencies 
- Personal Development
- Professional Development
- Technical Skills
- People Skills
- Civic Engagement
Personal Development: Students will foster self-awareness, personal growth, and well-being through leadership, identity exploration, self-care, and holistic health.
- Syllabus
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Sessions Description Crucibles of Leadership This session introduces “crucibles” as transformative experiences shaping leadership. Students will reflect on three types—New Territory, Suspension, Reversal—and explore their role in personal growth through self-reflection and discussion. Discover You This session will focus on identifying your strengths, values, and personal attributes, and how these elements come together to shape your career path. Exploring Personal Identity Exploring Personal Identity helps students delve into personal branding, authenticity, and owning their narrative. This session offers strategies to align their image with core values, fostering confidence and success through self-reflection and growth. Stages of Personal Power This session covers Janet O. Hagberg’s six stages of personal power, providing tools to navigate leadership challenges and develop authentic, impactful leadership. Practicing Self-Care This session focuses on managing stress in college and beyond, teaching habits for life. Students will learn mindfulness, time management, and relaxation techniques to build resilience and practice proactive self-care. Power Through Fitness This session highlights the importance of fitness for college students, covering physical activity benefits, overcoming barriers, and types of activities. Students will also learn to create a sustainable fitness routine for lifelong well-being. Sexual Health Spotlight This session will focus on an engaging and dynamic sexual health class, packed with essential insights on anatomy, pleasure, health screenings, birth control, and STI prevention.
People Skills: Students will develop self-awareness, strengthen interpersonal skills, and explore diversity to foster inclusive relationships and community.
- Syllabus
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Sessions Description Team Building & Communication This session helps participants communicate effectively and build rapport to enhance teamwork. Exploring the five stages of team development, students will learn strategies to improve collaboration and create a supportive team environment. True Colors This session explores the True Colors personality assessment, guiding participants to understand their personality type and enhance team collaboration through improved communication, mutual appreciation, and self-awareness. Discovering the Multifaceted Scope of Diversity This session helps students explore diversity, recognizing it as a broad range of human differences beyond race, ethnicity, or gender. Students will gain a deeper understanding to foster meaningful interactions and inclusivity in daily life Understanding Gender & Sexuality This session explores gender and sexuality, addressing key concepts like identity, expression, and orientation. Participants will gain insights to foster inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and support diverse experiences in personal and professional spaces. Civility & Community This session will focus on equipping participants with the skills to engage effectively with your community, both in times of success and during challenges. Mastering Boundaries This session will focus on the different types of boundaries, when they apply, and how to set healthy boundaries with some practical tools. Embracing Disabilities This session will focus on understanding disability from the perspective of the ADA, accommodations in higher education, and through the lens of individuals with disabilities.
Technical Skills: Students will enhance digital proficiency, build career readiness, and strengthen tech knowledge through interactive and professional learning.
- Syllabus
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Sessions Description Maximizing Office 365 This session explores Office 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and OneDrive. Students will gain hands-on skills in communication, collaboration, and organization to enhance productivity and prepare for professional success. Managing Library Resources This session teaches students to navigate and maximize library databases, including research techniques, advanced search strategies, and resource organization. Participants will gain skills to efficiently access and utilize academic resources for success. Financial Techniques Take control of your finances. Learn strategies for budgeting, building credit, and protecting yourself from fraud. Gain the tools to make informed financial decisions and secure your future. AI Literacy & Ethical Practices This session offers an AI 101 overview, covering tools like ChatGPT and prompt engineering. Students will learn effective prompts, AI capabilities, limitations, and ethical practices for responsible use in academic and professional settings. AI in Academic Project Development This session teaches students to use AI for brainstorming, research, content organization, and writing refinement. It covers practical skills, efficiency, quality, and ethical AI use in academic projects. Digital AI in Image, Video Music & Presentation This session introduces digital AI tools like MidJourney, Runway, Suno, and Gamma. Students will explore their use in creative projects through hands-on activities, understanding their potential and limitations in modern professional work. Job Searching & Professional Platforms This session covers job and internship search strategies using LinkedIn and Handshake. Students will learn to build profiles, network with professionals, and leverage platform tools to find career opportunities.
Professional Development: Students will build essential skills, including communication, leadership, time management, and conflict resolution, for career success.
- Syllabus
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Sessions Description Cover Letters & Resumes This session will focus on creating resumes and cover letters. You will learn how to stand out and elevate yourself above the competition. Ethical Leadership This session examines ethical leadership using Steve Wilkins’ Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics. Students will explore biases, ethical frameworks, and apply reasoning to real-world dilemmas through interactive exercises and decision-making challenges. Time Management & Goal Setting This session introduces time management and goal-setting skills for lasting success. Students will learn techniques to reduce overwhelm and harness their passions to set and achieve energizing, meaningful goals for personal and professional growth. Leading with Empathy & Compassion This session focuses on identifying common biases, understanding their impact on individuals and communities, and learning strategies to foster inclusive and respectful interactions. Interviewing This session will focus on mastering effective techniques to help you stand out as the top candidate for the job. Conflict Resolution through the 6 Thinking Hats This session introduces Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats framework for conflict resolution and collaboration. Students will learn each hat’s role and practice applying diverse perspectives to develop creative, balanced solutions through interactive scenarios. Networking & Elevator Speeches This session explores applying social theory to build connections and showcase strengths. Students will learn networking strategies and craft a 1-minute elevator pitch to impress employers
Civic Engagement: Students will build social responsibility, cultural awareness, and advocacy skills to make a meaningful impact and drive change in their communities.
- Spring Opportunities
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- Stuff You Missed in Sex Ed pt.1 - 2 points
- Mon. Feb. 3 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Stroud Hall, Room #117
Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator of Wellness Education & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
- Mon. Feb. 3 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Stroud Hall, Room #117
- Stuff You Missed in Sex Ed pt.2 - 2 points
- Mon. Feb. 10 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Stroud Hall, Room #117
Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator of Wellness Education & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
- Mon. Feb. 10 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Stroud Hall, Room #117
- Day of Love - 3 points
- Wed. Feb. 12 | 7 – 10 p.m. | Mattioli Recreation Center
Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) and Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
- Wed. Feb. 12 | 7 – 10 p.m. | Mattioli Recreation Center
- MLK Day of Service - 2 points
- Thu. Feb. 13 | 2 – 4 p.m. | University Center
Contact Ly Fleming, Director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs (lfleming@esu.edu) and Lurine Allotey, Assistant Director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs (lallotey@esu.edu)
- Thu. Feb. 13 | 2 – 4 p.m. | University Center
- Stuff You Missed in Sex Ed pt.3 - 2 points
- Mon. Feb. 17 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Stroud Hall, Room #117
Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator of Wellness Education & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
- Mon. Feb. 17 | 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Stroud Hall, Room #117
- Hunger Games - 2 points
- Tue. Feb. 25 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Mattioli Recreation Center
Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) and Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
- Tue. Feb. 25 | 6 – 8 p.m. | Mattioli Recreation Center
- AWAY Alternative Spring Break Trip - 7 points*
- Sat. Mar. 8 – Wed. Mar. 12 | Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland, Virginia
Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) and Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
- Sat. Mar. 8 – Wed. Mar. 12 | Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland, Virginia
- Mocktail Mix & Mingle - 2 points
- Mon. Mar. 31 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Sycamore Suites
Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator of Wellness Education & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
- Mon. Mar. 31 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Sycamore Suites
- Take Back the Night - 2 points
- Wed. Apr. 2. | 4:30 – 7 p.m. | TBD
Contact: Kayla Simon, Coordinator of Wellness Education & Prevention (ksimon6@esu.edu)
- Wed. Apr. 2. | 4:30 – 7 p.m. | TBD
- EPCOT - 2 points
- Wed. Apr. 16 | 7 – 9 p.m. | University Center
Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) and Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
- Wed. Apr. 16 | 7 – 9 p.m. | University Center
- End of Year Extravaganza - 3 points
- Thu. Apr. 16 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Main Quad
Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) and Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
- Thu. Apr. 16 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Main Quad
- Let It Go! - 2 points
- Thu. Apr. 29 | 2 – 4 p.m. | University Center
Contact: Fernando Alcántar, Director of Student Engagement (falcantar@esu.edu) and Sam Botnick, Assistant Director of Student Engagement (sbotnick@esu.edu)
- Thu. Apr. 29 | 2 – 4 p.m. | University Center
*= Cost associated with participating in the program
- Stuff You Missed in Sex Ed pt.1 - 2 points
Facilitators
- Center for Multicultural Affairs
- Campus Rec & Wellness
- Career & Workforce Development
- Counseling & Psychological Services
- Gender & Sexuality Center
- Kemp Library
- Office of Accessible Services Individualized for Student (OASIS)
- PSECU
- Stony Acres
- Student Activity Association
- Student Engagement
- Student Organizations & Commuter Services
- Wellness Education & Prevention
Contact Us
Contact Information
- Campus Address
- University Center 227
- Phone:
- (570) 422-3607
- Title of Department Leader
- Assistant Director of Student Engagement
- Name
- Sam Botnick
- E:
- sbotnick@esu.edu