Students should select the Graduation with Leadership Distinction pathway that most closely aligns with their passions and what they have engaged with during their time at the University of South Carolina. Students may use experiences and coursework completed prior to registering for GLD. However, all experiences must have been completed during the timespan of their degree, whether at USC or a previous institution.
GLD in Community Engagement and Social Advocacy focuses on the collaborative efforts between you and your local, state, regional, national, and global neighbors to foster the exchange of mutually beneficial ideas, knowledge, and resources. This includes community-based research, community-engaged scholarship, civic learning, community-engaged learning, outreach, service, and volunteerism.
GLD in Global Learning explores world political, economic, social, and cultural differences, commonalities, and relationships through high quality, immersive international educational experiences.
GLD in Professional Engagement focuses on leadership theory, skills, and processes related to implementing positive change in social, community, or professional settings. GLD in Professional Engagement also emphasizes issues related to work or career life, including professional ethics, interpersonal professional relationships, and work responsibilities in the societal workplace context.
GLD in Research explores approaches to inquiry or research processes applicable in one or more disciplines. This includes mentored scientific research, scholarship, and creative activity, which may be completed through courses, paid, and volunteer experiences.