The Leadership Gold Medal Award Program – Certification Program

The Certification Program is one of three components of the Leadership Gold Medal Award program.  The certification program is designed to follow a model from the fourth class to first class years.  The model identifies an annual focus for the cadets.  As Fourth Class Cadets, the focus is on Followership by being responsible for self and becoming a contributing team member.  As a Third Class, the focus is on Direct Leadership by being responsible for self and accountable for the training of two or three others.  As a Second Class, the focus is on Indirect Leadership by leading leaders and making day-to-day decisions to attain operational goals.  And finally, as a First Class, the focus is on Executive Leadership by setting and enforcing policies and making decisions in complex environments.

The Certification Program accounts for differences in the interests of cadets on campus.  The program is designed to allow cadets, as they mature, to determine their niche in the campus community, whether it be in a leadership position through the Corps of Cadets, Associated Students, athletics, civic responsibility, or community service.  Additionally, the program is designed to encourage opportunities for self-assessments and personal improvements plans in the areas of leadership and wellness. 

Current opportunities include (click on each opportunity for additional information including eligibility and upcoming dates):

• The Student Leadership Institute

• FranklinCovey's "The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People^®"

• FranklinCovey's "Leadership:  Great Leaders, Great Teams, Great Results^®"

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI^®), "Introduction to Type"

• Train-the-Trainer Peer Educator Program

• Student Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI^®)

• ServSafe Alcohol^®, Fundamentals of Responsible Alcohol Service

Additionally, the program stresses the importance of being a well-rounded citizen by participating in academic, wellness, and civic and campus activities.  Finally, the program rewards exceptional accomplishments in the completion of the required Leadership Certification Program.

The Certification Program is based on a menu of standards and requirements with assigned points.  Each year, participating cadets are required to attain a minimum number of points to remain eligible to continue with this program.

Certification Standards and Requirements

Certification Standards and Requirements (pdf)