Originally Posted by goelk

how long did it take you to complete the program? what is the reflection letter all about? also is it true tht we can complete 40hrs of community service only after taking the 4required courses or can we complete them before taking any classes also?

I finished it in about a year but you can complete it within 4. I did community service after completing all of my sessions mainly because my last workshop was the last core one, haha sucks. However, I used my position on the Inter-Residence Council for my community service since it is volunteer work.

Thanks Nicole for the info! Is it possible to complete it in first year? or am i being overly optimistic . Especially since I was planning on volunteering anyway, before I heard of the program. Also, when do we sign up?

Originally Posted by ferreinm

The program isn't going to make you a leader. The program helps establish the skills needed to help you become one. Honestly, I learned a lot about myself and how others perceive me. It helped me learn how to approach others and how to use my strengths for the greater good. In addition, you get to meet some great people. The workshops appeal to a wide range of people. You learn things from time management, MBTI and even Robert's Rules of Order (which if you want to be part of the Inter-Residence Council you'll need to know). I don't think it's a waste of time. It also works really well with your schedule. You sign up for a session which is typically 2-3 hours and you can take all four years at Mac to complete the program. Seats are taken up quickly as it is a required component for the CAs.

hey thanks for clearing things up!! also i'm not great with abbreviations so could you tell me what CA is?

Originally Posted by sara_h216

Thanks Nicole for the info! Is it possible to complete it in first year? or am i being overly optimistic . Especially since I was planning on volunteering anyway, before I heard of the program. Also, when do we sign up?

The schedule isn't up for next year yet. I'm keeping an eye on it though.

I co-wrote this article with Eva http://www.macinsiders.com/showthread.php?t=1974 6

I've taken more workshops since then so feel free to ask about specific ones. Also, I might be running a workshop with Jeanette sometime next year =)

A CA = community advisor (they work in residence to help you out during your first year)

I see the coordinator quite a bit so I'll talk to her about when the dates will be posted. I think it is possible to complete in first year, however, first year is a challenging time for most students as there is a lot to adjust to. If you need help with time management let me know, I've mastered the skill.

Originally Posted by goelk

only when we have completed the 4 required classes we can start working towards the 40hrs community service ?? or can we have 40 hrs of community service first and then attend the required classes? please clarify this for me!! also you didn't reply to the part whether it is worth spending so much time to complete the leadership program or not!! please reply to this too!!

Wow that was a lot of exclamation marks. You have to have completely FOUR out of the EIGHT classes, not necessarily all of the requireds, just FOUR. After this you can start the community service hours. You can't use hours you have completed before you completed the four classes.

As for my opinion. Meh, I don't really have a strong opinion about the program. The seminars aren't particularly amazing. I'm a firm believer that you become a good leader through doing. Making mistakes and learning from them is what makes a good leader, not a few hours in a seminar. I kind of see the program as a resume padder, it hasn't given me anything of worth so far.

Originally Posted by callender

Wow that was a lot of exclamation marks. You have to have completely FOUR out of the EIGHT classes, not necessarily all of the requireds, just FOUR. After this you can start the community service hours. You can't use hours you have completed before you completed the four classes.

No, community service can be started once the four core workshops are completed.

Thanks for your input Callen and Nicole. I'll definitely be coming to you for time management skills as well Nicole .. I'm far from mastering it :(

thanks...i have all my doubts cleared!!

by the way since i'm an international student from India and not really familier with "Community Service"...could any of you tell me what exactly do we have to do in "Community Service"? What all activities could come under this?

Originally Posted by goelk

by the way since i'm an international student from India and not really familier with "Community Service"...could any of you tell me what exactly do we have to do in "Community Service"? What all activities could come under this?

Community Service is such a broad area. You can do pretty much anything and it'll count as community service as long as you aren't getting paid.

Edit: It has to be a service of course, so it has to benefit someone else.

Edit2: Also, I'm not sure about university, but I know in highschool you can't use any machinery (such as cars) for it to count as community service. Although it sounds like a stupid rule and I think it should be fine in university.

so basically volunteering?thts it rite?

if u don't mind cud u give me some examples of the stuff u did?

community service would also come under extra curriculars rite?