Workshop Modules

Before starting any of the workshop modules, you must attend the introductory ‘Getting Started’ workshop. In this session, you will learn about the program requirements, the 6 workshop modules as well as various leadership theories.

Workshop registration is open on OSCARplus. Modules can be completed in any order and over any period of time up to a maximum of 4 years.

1. Living a Shared Fate: The Ethics of Leadership
   
   Through a series of simulation-based activities, participants will explore how community leaders make decisions, prioritize the needs of themselves and others and understand consensus.

2. Be the Change: Leadership in Action
   
   This module is a service placement with a local community partner in Hamilton. Through service activities students will explore concepts of leadership in action, leading with purpose and leaders as engaged citizens.

3. Leadership in Diverse Communities
   
   This workshop will explore how students with an open mind and an open heart can lead through understanding, inclusion and respectful relationship building.

4. Defining your Personal Leadership Mission
   
   By the end of this workshop, participants will have developed a clearly articulated personal leadership mission statement and a greater sense of how they represent this to others.

5. Together Everyone Achieves More: Communication and Collaboration
   
   Through group challenges, play and adventure based activities, students will learn experientially about the fundamentals of clear communication and how groups can achieve great successes by working together.

6. Understanding Yourself and Others
   
   Through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) students will explore their own preferences as well learn how to understand how others perceive the world and make decisions. Particular focus will be on exploring your own leadership style in the context of working successfully in a functioning group.
   Note: Students must complete the MBTI quiz online in advance of the workshop. There is a cost for this workshop that must be paid when registering. Registration must be done in person in the Student Success Centre.

Program Components

The Leadership Portfolio

Throughout the certificate process, you will develop a leadership portfolio that captures your workshop module experiences and includes leadership development experiences (positional and non-positional) from outside of the certificate.

Experiential Learning

All modules are intended to be as interactive and experiential as possible. As a participant, you must be prepared to contribute actively to the experience and participate in all learning activities.

Exit Interview

Once all workshop modules are complete, you will be scheduled for an exit interview in order to complete your certificate. This interview will ask you to draw upon your leadership development experiences and reflect on your leadership portfolio.

Learning Outcomes

Through participation in the Dr. Mary E Keyes Certificate of Leadership Development, you will:

• Understand and discuss how leadership can be considered a process, not a position
• Compose your personal definition of leadership, a personal mission and apply these to your daily actions
• Examine and formulate your leadership identity in the context of personal, academic and career goals
• Understand and appreciate diversity and be able to practice inclusive leadership
• Consider future directions for leadership development
• Apply communication skills and collaborative approaches to your leadership endeavours
• Explain their process for making ethical decisions
• Explore how your personal values, worldview and preferences will inform your leadership style
• Describe and critique various approaches to leadership
• Relate leadership to community and social change
• Analyze and reflect on leadership activities, processes and experiences that you have experienced in all facets of life.

FAQs

Can anyone participate?

All students registered in an undergraduate program at McMaster University are welcome to participate in the program.

How do I sign-up for a module?

Registration for all modules is available through OSCARplus. You can access OSCARplus through the Student Success Centre main page at studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca.

Do I have to do the modules in a specific order?

After you complete the ‘Getting Started’ workshop, you can do modules 1 through 6 in any order.

Do I have to pay to attend the modules?

The certificate is free for undergraduate students. One of the workshops does have a small fee ($17) which must be paid for upon registration.

When do I get my certificate?

Certificates will be available at the end of each semester in December and April. Students will be notified via email when the certificates are ready for pick up.

Do I get a University credit, academic or otherwise from McMaster?

No. The certificate program is considered a co-curricular activity and as such does not count as an academic course or credit.

How long will the certificate take to complete?

The certificate will take a minimum of two semesters to complete and a maximum of four years.

What are the benefits to taking the certificate program?

In addition to the outcomes outlined on our website, students will have the chance to network with other student leaders, develop a leadership portfolio for future interviews, connect with campus partners and resources and much more!