Leadership Scholars Application
Are you an undergraduate at The University of South Carolina with an interest in leadership and
a passion for change? Do you have a vision of what leadership means on our campus and in the
Columbia community? The Carolina Leadership Initiative is soliciting applications for its
2015-2016 Leadership Scholars program. Our scholars are committed to serving the university
and the Columbia community by designing and organizing a new brand of leadership for our
campus. Students will spend the first semester of the program learning new theories, models, and
practices of leadership before spending the second semester creating their very own leadership
development program for USC. Applications for the 2015-2016 Leadership Scholars
program are due Friday, April 3rd, 2015 by 5:00 pm.
Details and Expectations:






This program will be completed throughout the entire 2015-2016 school year.
Becoming a Leadership Scholar is a yearlong commitment. No replacements will be
accepted in the event that a scholar cannot fulfill the entire commitment period.
The Carolina Leadership Initiative will provide a $1,000 stipend ($500 per semester) to
each student to support his/her commitment to the program.
Leadership Scholars should be available to attend regular meetings, date and time to be
determined but likely weekday evenings (approximately two meetings per month).
Leadership Scholars are expected to actively participate in meetings to bring new ideas to
the discussion. Scholars may also be expected to lead discussions or presentations
throughout the year.
The Carolina Leadership Initiative encourages creativity in its scholars. Scholars will be
encouraged to bring outside research into our discussions to help identify a new brand of
“Carolina Leadership” on our campus.
Evaluation Criteria
The Carolina Leadership Initiative is committed to “Making a Positive Difference.” Leadership
Scholar Applications will be evaluated based on the potential for applicants to develop personal
leadership skills or the leadership skills of others in an effort to advance this commitment. These
skills include the following.







Inspiring change
Learning effective communication, professional, and interpersonal skills
Recognizing personal and group strengths and opportunities for improvement
Developing integrity and putting ethics into practice
Valuing diversity and teamwork
Promoting creativity and thoughtful risk-taking
Developing strategic visions to benefit our communities
Application Materials:
Leadership Scholar applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Carolina Leadership
Initiative office located in the Leadership and Service Center before submitting an application to
ask any questions about the program. The application itself should be completed in the following
format:






Completed application cover sheet
Section 1 – An overview of the applicant’s past and future interest in leadership,
including a detailed description of any prior experiences that have prepared the applicant
for successful leadership within the program. (Approximately 1-2 pages)
Section 2 – A short essay responding to the following question:
o Describe your idea or vision of what “Carolina Leadership” should look like?
How would one identify the influence or impact of your vision for “Carolina
Leadership” in the average person? (Approximately 2-3 pages)
Section 3 – A copy of the applicant’s unofficial transcript
Section 4 – A copy of the applicant’s résumé
Section 5 – 2 letters of recommendation from university professionals that can speak to
the applicant’s ability to lead.
For further information: Please contact Ryan Day, Graduate Assistant for the Carolina
Leadership Initiative, at rday@email.sc.edu
Applications may be submitted electronically to Dr. Kirk Randazzo, Director of the Carolina
Leadership Initiative at Randazzo@mailbox.sc.edu
The University of South Carolina is an equal opportunity institution.
2015-2016 Leadership Scholars Application Cover Sheet
Application Due: Friday, April 3, 2015 at 5pm
Application Information
Applicant’s Full Name:
Date:
VIP ID:
Email:
Major (s):
Total Credit Hours (2015-2016):
GPA:
University Advisor Contact Information (Email / Phone Number):
Briefly list any previous or current leadership roles you’ve held on campus:
Applicant Commitment:
By submitting this application I agree to the following:
I certify that all of the information in this application is filled out correctly and to the best of my ability. I am a
current student at USC and will be for the 2015-2016 academic-year. I understand that this commitment is for the
entire 2015- 2016 academic year and resigning my position as a Leadership Scholar in any way will result in the
forfeit of any remaining stipend funds. I acknowledge the expectations of the Leadership Scholars and will fulfill
these obligations if selected.