FAQ's About the LEAD Dimension

What is Champlain's Education in 3-D?

It is a four year journey beginning with a professionally focused curriculum (career dimension), combined with the general knowledge that makes you an educated, well rounded person (Core dimension), and finished off with the practical skills that help you learn how to make the most of your life outside the classroom (Life Experience & Action Dimension—LEAD).

What is LEAD?

LEAD is the third dimension of Champlain's Education in 3-D, the required four-year Student Life program. In year one, LEAD focuses on two areas—discovering personality styles and building community. Years two, three and four address lifelong career management and financial sophistication.

Who designed LEAD?

Many groups on campus helped develop LEAD—students, recent college graduates, faculty and staff.

If I am a commuting or transfer student, do I have to take LEAD?

If you are a traditional student enrolled in the Core sequence you have to take LEAD. Your Core level determines what your requirements are for LEAD.

If I live on campus year one and then become a commuting student, will I still need to participate in LEAD?

Yes. When you decided to attend Champlain, you signed on to Champlain's Education in 3-D. If you are enrolled in Core classes, you must complete the LEAD requirements even if you move off campus.

Who is in charge of LEAD?

LEAD is a Student Life program that is run by Student Life Professionals as well as a large group of trained Peer Advisors (PA's). You will be assigned to a LEAD group with a specific PA. PA's will be facilitating many of the LEAD activities and also helping you in whatever way they can.

I see LEAD courses on my schedule. Are they classes?

These activities are required just like your classes; however, unlike your academic classes, the specific times that your activities will take place are determined by your LEAD groups. Check with your PA's.

Students have been broken up into different groups based on where they live (residential students are grouped by residence halls, commuting students are in a separate group). LEAD activities are noted on your schedule as follows:

LEAD 101-01 (Complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator on line by August 14)
LEAD 102-01 (Living Agreements—activity to take place with your residence hall)
LEAD 103-01 (Community Conversations—another community building activity to be scheduled with your residence hall)
LEAD 104-01 (Community Building Requirement)
- Although you are encouraged to complete this requirement during your first semester, you have until registration during the spring semester (typically the 9th week) to meet this requirement.

What if I'm a commuting student?

As a commuting student, you will have a special arrangement for LEAD 102-01 and LEAD 103-01. Your PA will be able to give you the information regarding this matter. Your other requirements are the same as those of residential students.

Will I have to buy books for LEAD?

No. LEAD activities are all hands-on. You may be required to write reflections or discuss an activity in order to get credit for your participation.

How will I find the time to participate in LEAD in addition to all my other responsibilities during the first year?

LEAD requirements can be met in as few as seven hours during year one. We bring much of the program right to your doorstep, and many first-year requirements can be fulfilled right in your residence hall. Of course there are many extra options for those students who want to get more involved.

What if I don't fulfill my LEAD requirements?

You won't be allowed to register for classes the following semester. Additionally if you are late for registration, there is a late fee charged to your account, so you will definitely want to complete your requirements in a timely fashion.

What will I get out of LEAD?

LEAD offers you the practical skills to complement your learning in the Core and program dimensions. As one student said, "The program is about the 2 C's and the 2 M's—career and community, me and money."

Why do I have to participate in LEAD?

At Champlain, we believe that valuable learning experiences take place both inside and outside of the classroom. That is the reason we've developed Champlain's Education in 3-D. Life skills in community building, finance and lifelong career management are vital to a productive, 21^st century life. While at most colleges and universities, students are left to develop these skills on their own, here at Champlain we do not leave this skill development to chance.

Because of the feedback we received from many sources, especially students and recent college graduates, we feel confident that LEAD is just the thing to give you a jump start as you begin your career and life after college. Although participation is required, most of LEAD (after the first semester), offers you many choices as to how you decide to complete your requirements.

How will I learn the skills I need in LEAD?

Through programs, activities and lots of hands-on experiences, you'll practice developing the social, financial, leadership and career skills that will help you create a meaningful personal and professional life.