Advocate Leadership Seminar- HC 294
Instructor: Juana Alcala, M.Ed.
243-2049
Advocate Coordinators: Kristi Viereck and Kristy Ernst
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, Lommasson 101
Course Location and Meeting Time
Gallagher Business Building L13 - Every Tuesday 4:10 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Learning Community
As a member of the University's Advocates and this class, you are expected to cultivate a learning community where all members can learn from each other. By definition, a learning community embraces diversity and encourages personal responsibility. This mutual respect is essential for a supportive learning environment that enhances each student's self-esteem and fosters risk-tasking, creative conflict and above all excellence. This class will not be instructor dominated, rather you will hear from various campus experts who's experience and knowledge collectively will enhance our learning and your role as UM Advocates.
Course Learning Outcomes
You will receive the necessary skills to fulfill the role and responsibilities of being a UM Advocate. In addition, you will also gain valuable leadership skills and knowledge that you will use beyond your Advocate experience. Here is an example of specific learning outcomes:
- Develop an ability to assess, articulate and develop your leadership skills through self-reflection and personal decision making;
- Enhance yourcommunication skills andestablish mutually beneficial relationships with other Advocates, University staff and administrators;
- Develop a comprehensive knowledge base on the University and apply that information to prospective students and their families;
- Identify important challenges and ethical solutions to issues surrounding students at The University of Montana;
- Learn the history and structure of The University of Montana;
- The history, structure, and expectations of the UM Advocates;
- Learn torepresent yourself and UM professionally, positively, and honestly, while maintaining who you are;
- Learn campus geography, trivia, and tour skills;
- Gain greater diversity awareness, acceptance and respect;
- Learn group management and facilitation skills.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. In order to be excused from a class, prior arrangements must be made withinstructor. Any unexcused absence will result in one letter grade reduction.
Accommodations
Students with disabilities may request reasonable modifications by contacting instructor. The University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). “Reasonable” means the University permits no fundamental alterations of academic standards or retroactive modifications. For more information, please consult
Grading
This class is taken for traditional letter grade only. Grades are based on class assignments and class participation. Please keep in mind that this is a 300-level Honors College course.
Tours (made up of 3 elements)20%
- One on One Paper5%
- Piggyback Tour Evaluation5%
- First Tour Evaluation10%
Quizzes/Assignments:20%
Reflective Leadership Journal:20%
Attendance/Class Participation*20%
Virtual Tour/Group Team Building:20%
*Please note that participation is expected in class discussions and activities and may impact your final grade.
Course Materials
- Exploring Leadership: For College Students who want to make a Difference, by Susan Komives and Nance Lucas, and Timothy R. McMahon. This is required reading for this course, and as such, you may be quizzed on it at any time.
- The University of Montana: A Pictorial History, by Stan Cohen and Don Miller, was given to you at your induction ceremony. This is also required reading for this course.
- All other required materials will be made available during class. Each student is required to bring a notebook and a personal calendar/date book to every class.
Class Etiquette
Since this class teaches professional behavior, it is expected that certain professional practices will be observed:
- We will treat each other in a civil manner. We will practice respect for different points of view and all opinions will be heard and valued.
- We will give our undivided attention to all speakers and participate actively in their discussion.
- We will observe an arranged seating chart.
- As a member of this class, we are representatives of the Advocate organization and The University of Montana. Please dress appropriately during class and use good judgment. Please no offensive sayings on clothing, no ripped/torn or ‘over-exposed’ clothing. And please, no attire with the names of other colleges or universities.
Advocate Class Assignments
Email all assignments to Juana at
1. Campus Visit and Tour Training Assignments
Virtual Tour- Group Assignment – Due Date–Presentation and Final Project May 3
◦Assignment: You will be assigned two areas on campus and asked to create a virtual tour using both images and video. A demonstration will be provided for you in class.
◦In addition to enhancing our online visit options for prospective students, this assigned will also be beneficial in helping you gather stories about campus programs to share on your tours.
◦Be creative and explore parts of campus you have never experienced.
◦This assignment includes taking 10 photos. Your video should include interviews with individuals who can share any experiences that they have about the area and that would be interesting to tell prospectus students and their families.
◦You will share your photos and your videos to the class on May 3.
◦ES reserves the right to use your photos and stories in future presentations, publications or website.
◦In addition to this final, you will each be asked to write a reflection of your experience in your leadership journal.
One-on-One Tour with Current Advocate – Due February 26
◦Assignment: Take a tour with a current Advocate.
◦Unlike a piggyback tour, you will be alone with the Advocate and can get instant feedback about stories and facts to share on a real tour.
◦Up to 5 new Advocates can do this assignment as a group with 1 current Advocate.
◦You will be required to schedule this tour with an Advocate (Suggestion: talk to your AdvoBuddy)
◦The tour should take no less than 45 minutes, but no more than 1 hour 15 minutes.
◦You will submit a 1 or 2 page essay addressing the following:
Describe one story that you learned and will share on your tours.
What tip or tips did you learn for giving tours?
How has this assignment prepared you for giving tours?
Piggyback Tour and Evaluation – Due March 15
◦Assignment: Take a real campus tour, with real visitors, led by a current Advocate.
◦This assignment is designed so that you can experience an actual tour to increase your comfort and confidence with giving a tour on your own.
◦You will be required to find a tour that you can attend. You CAN piggyback a special tour as well.
◦To pick a tour that has visitors registered please contact Kevin Molm or the coordinators.
◦If there are no visitors for your scheduled tour, you will need to find another tour to piggyback.
◦No more than 5 new Advocates per tour.
◦You will submit a 1 to 2 page evaluation of your piggyback experience. Suggested topics:
What did I learn on my piggyback that I will incorporate on my tours?
How has this experience made me more confident and comfortable with giving tours?
Tour Council Tour – Due March 22
◦Assignment: Give a tour to the Tour Council.
◦This is a LEARNING exercise designed to provide you with feedback about your tour style, namely the route, stories, facts and how you present yourself.
◦You will sign up for one of the Tour Council times available on the first day of class. If things change, contact Kevin directly at .
◦Report to Enrollment Services, EL 101, to give your tour. The Tour Council will introduce themselves and the tour will begin, at which point you will pretend that the Council members are ACTUAL VISITORS.
◦At various points on the tour, the Council will “break character” and provide you with feedback.
◦The Council will collectively decide whether you are ready to give tours or if more training is needed; you must receive the Council’s approval before you can give tours. You will also be graded on your performance in the following areas:
◦What we are looking for:
Your route is comprehensive and inclusive of the primary highlights on campus.
The ability to answer a variety of questions from your visitors with accuracy and ease.
Your reaction to potentially awkward situations and questions.
Comprehensive knowledge of University facilities, programs, and services.
Ability to apply lessons from other assignments, Advocate class, and your personal experiences.
Positive and polished introduction
A good level of enthusiasm.
Your personality and style is appropriately reflected in your tour.
Appropriate attire
Moxie
2. Quizzes/Assignments
During class, you may be quizzed on UM information that is relevant to your responsibilities as an Advocate. It may be an in-class quiz; it may be take-home. It is recommended that you become a student of the University for this project. Read the Kaimin, scour the bulletin boards and devour the homepage. It’s important to get into good habits to maximize your ability to help new students. The quizzes will also be based on The University of Montana: A Pictorial History, and on information that is presented to you in class.
3. Reflective Leadership Journal
In class there will be times when you will be asked to complete some reflective journaling based on course content and discussions. This journal is an opportunity for you to explore your thoughts and feelings through the act of writing. Your responses should encompass the course content and be meaningful for you. You do not need to worry about sharing anything you write. You will be asked to submit your journals at the end of the semester, however you are welcome to block out content with a black marker before submission.