Starting this fall, WSU students can enhance their workplace marketability by earning a Global Leadership Certificate along with their WSU degree.
WSU already offers extensive opportunities for students to become more globally awarewithout necessarily leaving campus, said Prema Arasu, vice provost, International Programs. The certificate program provides a structure for students to integrate various learning experiences into a meaningful understanding of what it means to live and work in a global community, she said, and it is aligned with International Program’s efforts to enrich the global culture at WSU.
“The new certificate program is an important addition to the undergraduate program at WSU,” said Mary F. Wack, vice provost for undergraduate education and dean of the University College. The certificate will be offered and awarded by the University College and Office of International Programs in partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement, Campus Life and the Colleges.
The 15-credit program is comprised of: 12 credits from a list of approved courses that include global/local perspectives, language and culture, and/or international issues; a one-credit class focusing on leadership development; one credit for 45 hours of experiential learning either locally or internationally; plus a one-credit capstone project that demonstrates integrative learning and reflection. Some transfer and some pass/fail credit hours may apply toward the certificate.
“It’s a feasible and meaningful way for students to infuse global education experiences into their curriculum,” said David Pietz, director of WSU’s Asia Studies program and former Director of Global Studies.
Pietz, who was instrumental in developing the certificate program, said he likes the co-curricular aspect of the program. Students have to do more than just take courses, he said, they have to engage in campus events and activities, seek out meaningful service learning projects, push the boundaries of their comfort zone and be reflective of their role in society.
The Global Leadership Certificate program has been embraced by many units across campus, including the Center for Civic Engagement.
“I think it’s quite progressive,” said Melanie Brown, director of the Center for Civic Engagement.
Brown said the intended learning outcomes for student participants include developing a greater understanding of, and ability to engage in, intercultural issues, service learning as it pertains to a global citizen and leadership in a global context.
Students might be able to choose general education courses or classes in their major that also satisfy the bulk of the Global Leadership Certificate requirements, Brown said, but the goal is for students to be intentional and design a program that adds value to their major and the skills they bring to the workplace.
For instance, she said, a student a majoring in biology might decide she is particularly interested in sustainability, and so then chooses courses that allow her to explore sustainability in an international or intercultural context. With that in mind, she would look for on-campus events that allow her to deepen her understanding of the local-global implications of sustainability and then perhaps she could find a domestic or international service learning project that focuses on water quality, reforestation, soil erosion, or some other area of sustainability.
“The capstone is an opportunity to bring it all together,” she said, and demonstrate that the student has thought critically about his or her learning and made meaning from the experience.
The Global Leadership Certificate was approved by the Faculty Senate in April and will be open to students starting this fall.