UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Proposal for Graduation with Leadership Distinction

Office of the Provost

Background

The University of South Carolina is committed to building 21^st century leaders ready to make positive change in local and global communities. Recognizing that the college years offer a systematic opportunity for leadership development, USC President Pastides established the Carolina Leadership Initiative to foster student leadership.

The Office of the Provost proposes a leadership credential that is co-sponsored by the Carolina Leadership Initiative and USC Connect, Carolina's signature learning program. Through intensive within- and beyond-the-classroom engagement in a selected pathway (Community Service, Global Learning, Professional and Civic Engagement, or Research), students may earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction which will be recognized on the student transcript and at the commencement ceremony.

• Introductory Memorandum (PDF)
• Proposed academic bulletin language (PDF)
• Justification (PDF)

 

Requirements:

Students graduating with leadership distinction must demonstrate the ability to apply learning to create solutions in new contexts in one or more of four pathways: Community Service, Global Learning, Professional and Civic Engagement, and/or Research. Graduation with Leadership Distinction may be earned by students in any degree program and in addition to any existing honors or distinctions granted by the university.

Each pathway includes requirements in 5 areas:

• beyond the classroom experience
• enhancement activities
• coursework
• publication or presentation and
• an approved culminating demonstration of learning and Application to leadership (e.g., e-portfolio).

Requirements vary by degree level (i.e., associate, baccalaureate). Any student who completes requirements for the appropriate leadership track is awarded that degree “With Leadership Distinction in [that track].” Students may complete more than one track.

Overview chart of requirements (PDF)

 

Logistics:

Responsibility for the specific procedures related to record keeping and awarding Graduation with Leadership Distinction will be assumed by the Office of the Provost in collaboration with colleges/schools, regional campuses, and appropriate university offices and divisions (e.g., Offices of USC Connect, Study Abroad, and Undergraduate Research; Division of Student Affairs). Students' engagement in experiences will be verified through appropriate university offices and personnel. Student demonstration of learning and Application (e.g., e-portfolio) will be assessed by qualified instructors/faculty.

Draft Application packets (PDF) with full details to graduate with leadership distinction in:

• Community Service
• Global Learning
• Professional and Civic Engagement
• Research

Frequently Asked Questions

Comments and Questions welcomed.

 

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