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ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE

2019-20

APPLICATION PACKET

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Contents ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE (ALC) OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................3

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS .........................................................................................................................................4

APPLICATION & PROGRAM TIMELINE .............................................................................................................................5

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ....................................................................................................................................9

APPLICATION INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................................6

APPLICATION PERSONAL STATEMENT TIPS .....................................................................................................................7

APPLICATION ESSAY PROMPT ........................................................................................................................................8

I APPLIED. NOW WHAT? .................................................................................................................................................9

FINANCIAL AID ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12

QUALIFYING FOR AID ............................................................................................................................................................ 12

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION TEMPLATE .....................................................................................................................9

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ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE (ALC) OVERVIEW

Thank you for your interest in the Adaptive Leadership Certificate (ALC) program. This program is designed to

be a flexible education pathway for military service-members and civilians in the Pikes Peak region. Please use

this packet as a guide for submitting application materials.

For service-members, this program complements Professional Military Education (PME) by delving into critical

thinking and leader fundamentals. Completing the course sequence will provide relevant professional knowledge

necessary for advancement and will contribute to greater opportunities for promotion. Additional outcomes

include building credits towards a BA degree at UCCS and employment potential in the civilian sector.

The certificate is comprised of four courses (12 credits total), delivered in a hybrid format, with cohorts of student

learning together in sequence. Students will learn inside and outside the classroom with hands-on experiential

learning. Highlights include:

• 12 credit hour cohort model (4 courses)

• One course at a time (8wk terms)

• Flexible hybrid program

• Experiential

• Emphasis on adaptive thinking and collaborative problem solving

This program will also align with the six “leadership core competencies” outlined by the U.S. Army - Readiness, Leadership,

Training Management, Army and Joint Operations, Program Management, Communications

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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To be accepted into the program, applicants will need to complete the following checklist.

1. Complete the Applicant Information Form attached with this packet. You can submit this form separately,

or together with your other application materials (listed below).

2. Write a personal essay describing why you want to be considered for this program. Use the prompts in

this packet and the tips/suggestions in the following pages to complete your essay.

3. Obtain a letter of reference from a current or former supervisor. Within this packet there is a template

that applicants can provide to their supervisor.

4. Submit all materials by the priority deadline date of September 16th, 2019 by email to

Education@uccs.edu

5. Make an appointment to discuss your TA benefits (if you are in the military) with your Unit Education

Officer or Commander.

6. Make an appointment, call, or stop by the UCCS Fort Carson Education Office in the post Education

Center. Contact our staff by emailing ftcarson@uccs.edu, or calling 719 526 8066

The applicant review committee will review materials and notify applicants of their acceptance decision by

October 1st. After students are accepted, additional instructions will be provided for registering for course, using

TA or other tuition benefits, course materials, and class details, dates, etc. Note that all class materials and

textbooks will be provided.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Monday, September 16, 2019

In order to be considered for the UCCS Adaptive Leadership Certificate program, students must meet

all selection criteria below for program eligibility:

Be able to submit a copy of HS transcripts by October 19th. Note that you DO NOT have to submit your transcripts until after you are selected as a candidate for the program (on October 1st)

Have a 2.0 GPA while in high school

Complete all application requirements including submission of a personal essay and letter of recommendation

Submit application materials by email to – Education@uccs.edu

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APPLICATION & PROGRAM TIMELINE

AUGUST / SEPT

Talk to the UCCS Fort Carson staff members. If you have questions, stop by the Fort Carson Education

Center. UCCS has an office open during regular business hours or call to make an appointment (719)

526 8066.

Attend an information session about the program. Talk to your unit Education Officer to find out when

an information session will be offered. Or call the UCCS Fort Carson office (719) 526 8066.

Talk to your supervisor to obtain a letter of recommendation. The program requires a letter or

recommendation, so applicant should start the process of obtaining this letter early.

Write your personal essay. Use the prompts in the application packet to draft a personal essay. Use

the suggestions in this packet for writing an effective personal essay. Make sure to proof the essay and

have someone else look it over as well

Request a copy of your high school transcript, and transcripts for other colleges/universities. To be

admitted to the program, you will need to submit a HS transcript. The minimum HS GPA for the program

is 2.0.

October

Meet with the instructor for the first class. The program will start on October 19th, with the first session

being an orientation to the program.

January

Start Class 2. The second class will start in January. Each course will be 8 weeks in duration.

Start planning for your Leadership Shadowing experience. Part of the program will involve a

shadowing experience with a leader in the community. Your instructor will help you find an appropriate

community leader.

Complete the UCCS undergraduate application. For those students who are planning on attending

UCCS, January is a good time to complete the undergraduate application. Your instructors will assist in

this process.

March

Start Class 3. The third class will start in March.

Complete the FAFSA for the following school year. For those students who are planning on attending

UCCS or another college in the Fall of 2020, March is the deadline for application for Financial Aid.

May/June

Start Class 4. The fourth class will start in May.

Certificate awarded. The fourth class will finish at the end of June, at which time your certificate will be

awarded.

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APPLICANT INFORMATION Submit this worksheet along with your personal statement and letter of recommendation. Please know that we will keep this information secured and will not use any information for purposes other than enrollment in this program.

STUDENT INFORMATION

Application Name:

Applicant email address

Application phone number (optional):

Military Branch (if any), and MOS - OR – Current position if not in the military

Rank/Grade in the military (e.g. E4, E5, etc.)

Years in Service

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

Name of High School attended

Did you graduate from HS, or earn a GED?

Mailing Address, City, State, Zip

PREVIOUS COLLEGES AND COLLEGE CREDIT EARNED List any colleges you have attended for which you expect to receive college credit.

College Name

Dates of Attendance

List any college-credit courses you are taking currently.

College name

Courses enrolled in

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APPLICATION PERSONAL STATEMENT TIPS Use the tips below for writing your personal essay. Please use only your own ideas and words. DO NOT copy/paste from someone else (plagiarism) or have someone else write the essay. We do encourage you to seek help and support while writing, and have others provide feedback, but this should be your own essay.

CHOOSE A TOPIC THAT WILL HIGHLIGHT YOU. Don’t focus on the great aspects of a particular college, the amount of dedication it takes to be a doctor, or the number of extracurricular activities you took part in during high school.

Do share your personal story and thoughts, take a creative approach, and highlight areas that aren’t covered in other parts of the application.

KEEP YOUR FOCUS NARROW AND PERSONAL. Don’t try to cover too many topics. This will make the essay sound like a résumé and won’t provide any additional details about you.

Do focus on one aspect of yourself so the readers can learn more about who you are. Remember that the readers must be able to find your main idea and follow it from beginning to end. Ask a parent or teacher to read just your introduction and tell you what he or she thinks your essay is about.

SHOW, DON’T TELL. Don’t simply state a fact to get an idea across, such as “I like to surround myself with people with a variety of backgrounds and interests.”

Do include specific details, examples, and reasons to develop your ideas. For the example above, describe a situation when you were surrounded by various types of people. What were you doing? Whom did you talk with? What did you take away from the experience?

USE YOUR OWN VOICE. Don’t rely on phrases or ideas that people have used many times before. These could include statements like, “There is so much suffering in the world that I feel I have to help people.” Avoid overly formal or business-like language, and don’t use unnecessary words.

Do write in your own voice. For the above example, you could write about a real experience that you had and how it made you feel you had to take action. And note that admission officers will be able to tell if your essay was edited by an adult.

ASK A FRIEND/SPOUSE TO PROOFREAD. Don’t turn your essay in without proofreading it, and don’t rely only on your computer’s spell check to catch mistakes. A spell-check program will miss typos like these:

"After I graduate form high school, I plan to get a summer job."

"From that day on, Daniel was my best fried."

Do ask you trust to proofread your essay to catch mistakes. You should also ask the person who proofreads your essay if the writing sounds like you.

*Adapted from The College Application Essay by Sarah Myers McGinty.

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APPLICATION ESSAY PROMPT To be accepted into the program, applicants will need to submit a personal essay. For the essay you will need to write about

both your thoughts on leadership and your professional goals. From both sections below (leadership and professional

aspirations), choose one of the two prompts to describe your leadership experience. Please limit your essay to two double-

spaced pages (one from each prompt chosen). Please submit your responses to both prompts in a Microsoft word document. You

can also include your Applicant Information Form in the same document.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Respond to only one of the following questions (write no more than one double-spaced page)

1. Have you ever been put in a position of leadership? How did you do? Write an essay telling about your experience.

2. There are several qualities one must have to become a great leader. What are these qualities and which of these

qualities do you think is the most important one for a leader?

PROFESSIONAL ASPIRATIONS

Respond to only one of the following questions (write no more than one double-spaced page):

1. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a

challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

2. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of

yourself or others.

Make sure your respond to two questions total and limit your response to two double spaced pages.

NEED ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR APPLICATION OR HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please contact ftcarson@uccs.edu or call the UCCS Fort Carson office at (719) 526 8066

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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION TEMPLATE

For this program you will need at least one letter of recommendation from a supervisor. Applicants can provide the template

below to a supervisor to facilitate the process of obtaining a letter of recommendation for the application.

ATTN:

Applicant Selection Committee

UCCS, Adaptive Leadership Certificate

SUBJECT:

Letter of Reference for applicant XXXX

I am writing this letter in support of SPC XXXX’s application for acceptance into the Adaptive Leadership Certificate Program at

UCCS. SPC XXXX has demonstrated exemplary leadership and superb communication qualities during his time under my

command and it is my belief that XXX’s service-orientated nature, excellent communication, and commitment to learning all

represent strong predictors of success student in your program.

SPC XXXX approached me in July 2019 to discuss the leadership program. XXX is drawn to this position because of his

willingness and desire to lead other troops and improve his/her ability to successfully do so.

During XXX’ss time in our unit, he/she was tasked with __________. XXX has demonstrated success by_______________

Additionally, XXX has received several awards during his/her time in service. Due to his/her high level of interest in your

program, and desire to professionally develop, I believe XXX’ss effort will be excellent in future studies. It is my belief that XXX

will make an excellent addition to the program and provide other cohort members with a unique leadership perspective from

his/her time in service and diverse experiences. Additionally, as XXX’s supervisor, I can pledge support should any training

conflict with the in-person class meetings.

Best Regards,

Commander / Supervisor / PLT SGT Unit

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the admission requirements for the program? Can anyone enroll? The admissions requirements for this program include submission of a HS transcript and a minimum HS GPA of

2.0. Additionally, application materials will be required. Applicants will not have to complete the full

undergraduate application.

Do I need ACT or SAT test scores for the program?

No – this is considered a certificate program, and the traditional college application is not needed. Follow the

application instructions in this packet.

What is my entrance status? The following are definitions for each status, but students in the certificate program will be considered non-

degree undergraduates.

First-year/Freshman: First-year/Freshman will be the first college in which you enroll after graduating

high school (most high school seniors will have this status). Check this status even if you have advanced

placement (AP) credit, Running Start credit, or have earned college credit in high school. (Most students

will have this status.)

Transfer: A transfer student is a student who starts at one college, and then decides to attend another.

Non Degree: You want to take college course(s) but are not seeking a degree.

How much will the program cost? The total cost of the program is approximately $5100. HOWEVER – UCCS has secured scholarship funding for 15 students, which will cover all tuition and fees beyond $250 per credit hour (current TA rate). Military students should be able to utilize tuition assistance (TA) and therefore will have $0 out of pocket costs. Additionally, all course materials, textbooks, readings, and even some meals will be covered. If you are not able to access any tuition assistance from your employer, you will be asked to pay $250 per credit hour for the courses ($750 per course x 4 = $3000). UCCS is excited to offer this program to military service members in the community with no cost to them. This program will be a high-quality experience.

Will the credits for this program transfer to UCCS or other colleges? All the credits for the program will transfer to UCCS and any other accredited institution of higher education. The courses are all 1000 and 2000 level courses and will transfer in as lower level electives for most programs. If students plan to continue at UCCS with a major in Human Services (bachelor’s program), the credits will count as core classes for the major.

What High School Information is needed? Before the start of the first course, you will need to submit a HS transcript. If your high school can submit your

transcripts electronically, you will need the high school code to put on the application. To find your school code,

visit: sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-code-search. The best way to get your high school transcripts is by

getting in touch with your actual high school, by calling the school or school district to ask how to order the

transcripts.

What are the courses in the program?

LEAD 1200 Foundations of Adaptive Leadership

LEAD 1600 Leading Teams and Organizations

LEAD 1800 Ethical and Multicultural Leadership

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COUN 2100 Wellness, Resilience, and Emotional Intelligence

Why should I complete this program?

Advance your military career or become successful in higher education and the civilian sector – UCCS will

prepare you for both.

Take advantage of our Military Credit Transfer policy

Earn your Certificate while on Active Duty – your BA and MA once you separate (Pathway)

Online flexibility with targeted physical campus support for military members

Promotion points earned with credential completion (i.e., E-5 to E-6 promotion would result in

approximately $5000 per year raise)

Education and skills that will improve soldier board hearings

Learn from experts from all sectors with the very best preparation for eventual separation.

What will I learn in the program?

Develop individual awareness of self, others in network, and context to advance individual and team

mission

Demonstrate attitudes, knowledge and skills related to social and cultural sensitivity, emotional

intelligence, and wellness

Demonstrate effective crisis intervention skills including psychological first aid, de-escalation, and conflict

mediation

Understand and demonstrate ethical leadership practices

Engage with and foster curiosity and lifelong learning as central to leadership

Build confidence as a learner and generate self-efficacy for continuing education

What are some professional outcomes from the program?

Solve complex human development challenges and create action plans through exposure to case studies,

hands-on learning, and connection to local civilian leaders

Build skills for providing performance and developmental feedback to subordinates

Transfer credits earned, along with additional credits, towards degree programs at UCCS

Earn promotion points required for advancement in the military

Earn skills for immediate employment in social services, management positions, or working in faith-based

organizations

Miscellaneous Information: What types of questions will I be asked about my past criminal activity? Most schools require students to answer questions about legal infractions. Answering "yes" to one or more of the

questions will not necessarily preclude your being admitted. However, your failure to provide complete,

accurate, and truthful information can be grounds to deny or withdraw your admission, dismiss you, or subject

you to disciplinary sanctions after enrollment. UCCS may process a criminal background check on applicants

which may or may not happen regarding your application. On your applications, complete honesty is expected.

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I APPLIED. NOW WHAT? Once you’ve submitted your application, make sure that you’ve turned in everything for the college to consider you as a potential student. Have you:

Submitted your application information sheet?

Asked your high school counselor to send your transcript to the university?

Submitted your letter of recommendation?

Submitted your essay?

Sent any college transcripts you might have?

Received confirmation that we received everything?

Made an appointment to discuss your TA benefits (if you are in the military) with your Unit Education

Officer or Commander

Made an appointment, called, or stopped by the UCCS Fort Carson Education Office in the post

Education Center to discuss TA? Contact our staff by emailing ftcarson@uccs.edu, or calling 719 526

8066

During the first meeting, your instructor and program administrators will help you get enrolled in course one, log into the learning management system, oriented to the program, etc. Additionally, you may want to consider what financial aid is available to you and apply for Financial Aid - additional information about financial aid below.

FINANCIAL AID Financial aid is money to help pay for college. It comes from the federal and state governments, colleges and universities, banks, and organizations. Applying for financial aid is a separate process from applying for admission to a college. You must do both.

To receive financial aid, you must apply for it using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov)

QUALIFYING FOR AID Financial aid is money to help pay for college. It comes from the federal and state governments, colleges and universities, banks, and organizations. Applying for financial aid is a separate process from applying for admission to a college. You must do both. To receive financial aid, you should apply for it using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov). Colleges use the results of the FAFSA to create a financial aid package.

Cost of Attendance (COA) – Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need.

Federal and state need-based financial aid is offered only if your EFC is not enough to cover the cost of attending a particular school. Although your Expected Family Contribution will stay the same, your financial aid eligibility may increase when you apply to higher-priced colleges.

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UCCS Fort Carson

Fort Carson Education Center

1661 O’Connell Blvd

Building 1012, Room 212

Fort Carson, CO

(Office) 719-526-8066

ftcarson@uccs.edu

Fueling Leaders of Tomorrow

College of Education 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy Colorado Springs, CO

USA 80918 Columbine Hall 3023 and University Hall 234

Phone: 719-255-4996