Frequently Asked Questions
Cluster Facilitator FAQ click here
Why won't I know if I'm accepted sooner?
There is a committee that will be meeting to discuss the applicants for
LeaderShape DFW. We plan to notify all participants once decisions have been
made and the date indicated is the LATEST that you would find out.
Where is Bridgeport
camp?
Please check out the Bridgeport Camp & Conference Center website at http://www.bridgeportcamp.com
to view the facilities.
Is it
free/how does the money work?
LeaderShape DFW costs $700 for each non-SMU student. The institute is FREE for
SMU students! However, if the participant applies and is accepted but fails to
cancel in a timely manner, the $700 fee will be charged to their student
account.
How many students will attend LeaderShape DFW?
Approximately 60 students will attend LeaderShape DFW. Approximately 30 of these
students will be from SMU and the other 30 will represent a number of
institutions Sessions throughout the program will include large group sessions
with each participant present as well as smaller communities of approximately 10
students for breakout sessions.
How does campus
housing work?
You will be able to move out of your residence hall room or SMU-owned fraternity
house when you return from LeaderShape DFW. You will have to be completely moved
out by 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 18. If you live in a sorority house or the Sigma
Chi house, you will need to make individual arrangements with your house.
Can I
still be an usher for graduation?
Yes. You will return to campus on Wednesday, May 17, around 2pm.
Do I
have to be an officer in a club?
No. You do not need to be an officer in a club or organization on campus.
LeaderShape DFW is designed for student leaders as well as aspiring student
leaders who have at least one year of undergraduate studies ahead of them
(current freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who will be returning for an
additional year).
Do I have to
stay the whole time?
Yes. You must commit to staying for the entire institute. The program is
designed in stages that build upon each large group and small group session.
Your attendance at all sessions is required.
Do I need to
bring anything?
LeaderShape DFW will provide all necessary supplies and some snacks. Students
are responsible for all personal items (i.e. bedding, snacks, reading materials,
etc.). A detailed list will be discussed at the orientation meeting.
Do I need
money while I'm there?
All meals and most snacks will be provided. You may wish to bring money for
sodas from the vending machines or to purchase group photos (cost is $5.00 per
picture).
Can I drive myself?
Yes. Transportation from SMU will be provided; however, if you prefer, you may
drive yourself. If you drive, you MUST turn in your car keys when you check in
for LeaderShape. Your keys will be identified and placed in a secured lock box
for the entire time you are at LeaderShape. Your keys will be returned after the
commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 17.
Why do I
have to give up my keys?
For safety reasons, it is important that program organizers are able to locate
participants at any given time and ensure that nobody is able to leave the
premises. Surrender of keys is primarily an issue of safety.
What about exams?
Exams end on Thursday, May 11 – so you should not have a final exam conflict.
Contact Carol Clyde at cclyde@smu.edu if you do have a conflict.
Can I go to
or be a cluster facilitator for LeaderShape DFW again?
No. Although we consistently hear that participants want to attend again,
selection for Leadershape DFW is very competitive and the advisory board would
like the greatest number of student participants. There are opportunities for
continued involvement on the Advisory Board and one student from the board will
be selected each year to serve as an on-site coordinator. The same is true
for cluster facilitators, though you can be placed on a waiting list in case an
emergency arises that would not allow a new facilitator to participate.
Can I apply again if I couldn't attend/weren't chosen?
Yes. You are strongly encouraged to reapply.
Can I go if I'm
not returning to my school in the fall?
Due to the competitive nature of the program, priority is given to those
students who will be returning to their home institution in the fall.
Can I
have my cell phone and computer while I'm there?
Please DO NOT bring personal computers or cell phones/pagers. Participants will
have a limited free time and are encouraged to spend that time getting to know
other participants. Also, due to the communal living arrangements, there is no
secure location for you to keep these items. Bridgeport camp is in a remote
location and reception is not very good, thus cell phones may not work at the
camp.
What are the
time commitments?
Participants are required to attend a brief orientation meeting in the Spring
before the institute (several orientations will be offered to accommodate your
schedule). The institute is a six day conference from May 12-17 that follows a
detailed schedule with activities from approximately 8:00 am until 10:00 pm. In
addition, participants will be invited to informal reunions where they can meet
and catch-up with other LeaderShape graduates.
What will
the curriculum include?
The LeaderShape Institute develops citizens who "lead with integrity." The
curriculum incorporates current leadership issues in such a way as to meet the
developmental needs of young adults. The curriculum focuses on "take-home
application" through the vehicle of a comprehensive and powerful LeaderShape
Project. By working through the project, each participant has an opportunity to
engage himself/herself in reflection, planning, one-on-one interactions, small
group feedback, and large group learning.
LeaderShape DFW is designed to concentrate on a different theme during each of
the six days:
Day 1: Building Community
Day 2: Value of One, Power of All
Day 3: Challenging What Is, Looking to What Could Be
Day 4: Bringing Vision to Reality
Day 5: Living and Leading with Integrity
Day 6: Staying in Action
Where can I go for additional information?
Feel free to come to the Leadership and Community Involvement Office
(Hughes-Trigg Student Center, Suite 318) and speak with us about the program. For additional information you may visit The
LeaderShape Institute webpage: http://www.leadershape.org
This website will provide additional information about the curriculum and
program. Please note that this is the national headquarters site, so do not
contact staff at the national program for questions specific to LeaderShape DFW.
Additionally, do not apply through the national program webpage.