What Do I Do If...?
What if I do not know much about leadership theory or practice?
That is not a problem! Students will receive this training throughout their experience in the Certificate Program, but it is not a requirement for Coaches to have their prior knowledge. Coaches are expected to guide assigned Certificate students through their learning — not provide it for them. Your primary responsibilities as a Coach are to develop a positive working relationship with the students you coach, provide feedback, challenge them to grow, and support their efforts along the way. Technical information regarding leadership theory and practice is available in other places for Certificate students.
What if I have never coached students before, or do not work consistently with them?
Prior experience is not at all required. Your primary responsibilities as a coach are to develop a positive working relationship with the students you coach, provide feedback, challenge them to grow, and support their efforts along the way. If you feel that, with some training provided by the Leadership Center, you can do these things, you are well on the way to possessing the practical skills we require in our leadership coaches. If these responsibilities seem outside of your current skill set, you might want to examine our I-program facilitation opportunities here.
What if I have signed up to be a Coach, but haven't been paired with a student for several months?
It may simply be a factor of the number of currently available coaches outnumbering newly-enrolled students. Your first step should be to contact the Leadership Center to ensure that your Coach Information Sheet and resume are viewable by students — it may just be a technical problem that Center staff have not recognized. In addition, you might want to re-visit your Coach Information Sheet. Are your responses detailed and stated in a way that would be attractive to students? Do they accurately reflect your values and personality? Students choose coaches for a wide variety of reasons; your Information Sheet and resume should authentically represent who you are — if so, we are confident that it is only a matter of time before a student preferences you as their coach!
What is my student did not show up for our first meeting?
Please attempt to contact him/her again and reschedule. Sometimes, students just need to hear from someone outside the Leadership Center what is required for success within the Certificate Program. Often, students find the right path after this conversation. If they remain out of contact with you, please contact the Leadership Center and we will consult with you regarding an appropriate next step.
What if my student has not started a PDP yet?
The construction of the PDP,
which requires students to think deeply about their goals and values, may be
quite challenging for many students. The PDP is designed to be the first significant
step a student takes within the Certificate Program. If your student has not
completed a PDP within the first full semester of enrollment despite repeated
support from you as their Coach, please contact the Leadership Center. We will
partner with you in creating motivation for the completion of this initial assignment.
What if my student has not returned my emails or phone calls?
When it comes down to it, it is the student's responsibility to complete the Certificate requirements and follow through with related responsibilities, including maintaining ongoing communication with you as a Coach. With this said, Coaches should not leave all responsibility with their students. If you have attempted to contact your student several times over the past few weeks and have heard nothing, please contact staff at the Leadership Center. We would love to consult with you and help you connect. Moreover, if more significant steps may be required, we would like to act on these steps sooner rather than later.
What if my student asks me if she can count a class for one of her leadership class requirements that is not listed as a pre-approved leadership course?
Your first step should be to see a copy of the syllabus — this ensures that you have accurate information about the topics covered in the class. Does the class curriculum match the learning goals in your student's PDP? If so, feel free to allow them to count the class. If not, you should be comfortable disallowing Certificate credit for the class. If you have questions or would like another opinion, please contact staff at the Leadership Center.
What if I think my student's PDP or Portfolio isn't comprehensive enough?
As a coach, you have every right to ask the students to edit and augment their PDP or Portfolio. You, after all, need to sign their Certificate Completion Form that allows them to receive their Leadership Certificate.
What if I cannot attend the Certificate Completion Ceremony where my student will receive their Certificate?
While it is certainly a significant benefit to
both students and the program to have coaches present when students receive their
Certificate, attendance is certainly not mandatory. You should alert your student
and the Leadership Center of your absence. We also strongly suggest doing something
with your student individually, then, to celebrate all of their accomplishments
and discuss next steps.
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Certificate Calendar
Cancellation Policy
All students registered for an Illinois Leadership Center i-program or Leadership Workshop Series will need to read and consent to the following cancellation policy prior to registration.
