Unity students canoeing

WE LEAD Certificate 

Through participation in the WE LEAD Certificate Program you will develop leadeship skills that will be valuable in all aspects of your life. Attending stimulating programs about gender and environmental issues, taking courses in women’s studies, and developing strong relationships with students, staff and faculty over the course of your college experience will allow you to expand your perspective.  WE LEAD Certificate students link coursework in women’s studies to leadership roles and environmental projects beyond the classroom – theory and practice are connected.  It’s a great way to get involved and make a difference.

Some students wonder if their planned course of study will allow them to participate in WE LEAD.  The answer is YES!  WE LEAD students encompass all majors and participate in all sorts of extra curricular activities, including athletics, student clubs, and student government.  The WE LEAD experience will enhance whatever major you are planning to pursue

To earn a certificate WE LEAD students complete the following curricular and co curricular items as described below. Students must apply for participation in the WE LEAD certificate program before any activities will be tracked for certificate completion.  To apply contact Nancy Zane, WE LEAD Coordinator.

All Unity College female students are welcome to participate in WE LEAD activities whether they are enrolled in the WE LEAD Certificate program or not.    


Curricular

  • GS 1883 Introduction to Women’s Studies (Alternate year course, next offered sp‘08)
  • ---- 3993 Internship or Non-credit WE LEAD Workplace Experience
  • GS ____ Any GS or GS cross listed course


Co Curricular 

  • Attend the monthly WE LEAD meetings - 1st Tuesday of every month
    • Location SC213 – Lunch will be served at the meeting 
  • Attend annual WE LEAD Retreat –  (Saturday/Sunday in September or early October)
    • - Orientation for new WE LEAD students.  What is WE LEAD?
    • - New WE LEAD students meet returning WE LEAD students
    • - Kayaking, hiking, skill building workshops, and more
    • - Great food and fun!
  • Each Year Complete 1 student led action project or participate in a Student Leadership Team position.  The student led action project must focus on a gender/environmental-related issue that you feel strongly about.  Project will be approved by WE LEAD Leadership Team.  The Leadership Team will administer the funds to support the projects.
  • Each Semester Attend 2 gender or women-related programs.  WE LEAD sponsored activities such as the speaker series, open circle gatherings, women’s hikes/trips, or any women related program that is pre-approved by the Leadership Team will fullfill this requirement.


Certificate Portfolio
Students must submit a final portfolio that documents both Curricular and Co curricular activities


Role of WE LEAD Student Leadership Team
The Leadership Team runs the WE LEAD meetings. The team consists of approximately 3-6 WE LEAD students and is mentored by WE LEAD faculty and staff. The leadership team meets weekly to plan the monthly meetings and to  review, approve and fund the student led action projects. Working groups will also be formed that will enable students to practice their leadership skills and to take on work that interests them.  Examples of possible working groups may include: Coordination of the speaker series, day/overnight hikes, political action, movie nights, and Earth Day activities.  WE LEAD staff and faculty are available to participate as mentors with the working groups.