Western Carolina University

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

MW 10:10am 11:00am
Killian 222
Instructor:
Co-Instructor:
Office Hours:

I.

Joshua Cauble
Email:
[email protected]
Tacquice Wiggan-Davis
Email:
[email protected]
UC 321 M: 11:00 2:00 | W: 11:00 12:00 | TR: 11:00 5:00

Course Description
This course will introduce students to a theoretical framework for understanding leadership and
followership, while participating in a learning community. Students will also experience the
personal discovery of leadership potential and commitment while easing their transition to
college by reviewing current skills and exposing them to campus resources that will provide the
knowledge necessary for success in higher education. You will also have the opportunity to
learn about other aspects of college life such as being an active student, campus activities, and
building campus relationships.

II. Course Objectives

1. To introduce a theoretical framework for understanding leadership and followership.
2. To develop characteristics, habits, skills, and understanding necessary for leadership in the
21st century.
3. To integrate academic theory with practical experiences.
4. To increase your knowledge of the university and its available resources.
5. To increase your knowledge of the importance of leadership in modern society and current
events of todays students.
6. To help participants understand how leadership can be exercised to help campus and
community organizations achieve goals.
7. To provide you an opportunity to meet and interact with each other and current campus
leaders.
8. To provide participants specific skills to be used in leadership positions.
9. To encourage involvement in WCU campus leadership positions and opportunities that can
provide a competitive advantage, in job search and career development
10. To increase retention by providing the participants a connection to the campus.

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

III. Course Purpose

As part of the Student Affairs mission, this course is designed to create educated, ethically and
morally responsible, fully functioning leaders who can contribute to the campus community, to
the local community, and to the global society.
This course will integrate student development theory, leadership theory, communication skills,
and current issues, allowing students to serve as leaders to fellow peers. This course will
promote the development of valuable leadership skills that will benefit the student in whatever
career they might choose and will enhance their resume for potential employers. In addition, the
students will also be introduced to a series of campus resources that will assist them in
achieving the highest level of academic, personal, and professional success.
The course is modeled after the Social Change Model of Leadership Development. The
purpose of this model is to develop a conscious and congruent person who can collaborate
with others, who can become a committed participant in the shaping of a group's common
purpose, and who can help resolve controversy with civility to assist students in becoming
responsible citizens. This model proposes to foster the development and implementation of
such values that are held essential to the practice of leadership for social change. This course
will focus on the first three areas of the Social Change Model.
1. Consciousness of self and others through self reflection means being aware of the values,
emotions, attitudes, and beliefs that motivate one to take action, including how one
understands others.
2. Congruency means thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency, validity, authenticity,
and honesty toward others.
3. Commitment implies intensity and duration. It requires a significant involvement and
investment of one's self in the activity and its intended outcomes. It is the energy that
drives the collective effort.
IV. Course Rationale
Leadership may be the most misunderstood concept in contemporary society, yet leadership is
crucial to understand. The need for competent leaders in an increasingly complex global world
is obvious. In order to understand and fully appreciate leadership, students must have
opportunities to learn about leadership and must have experience through practice with at least
some of the basic components of leadership. This course, as with all the courses in the WCU
Leadership Program, will educate students for and about leadership.
The specific focus of the Freshman Leadership Institute as a first year experience program is
on; an overview of the Social Change Model; the key elements of personal awareness and
commitment to leadership; definitions of leadership, management, and power; similarities and
differences between management and leadership; brief history of the field of leadership and
organizational development; major theories of leadershipTransformational Leadership,
Servant Leadership, Situational Leadership, and Path Goal Theory; major organizational
structures/formats; and contemporary leadership issues. In addition, students are expected to
be engaged in self-reflective activities in order to make connections between class work and
their own leadership roles in their communities.
The course will encourage students to apply creative and critical thinking skills to the study and
practice of leadership. To further assist students with their learning, community leaders from
different organizational formats will be involved with the course through presentations,
interviews, and support.

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

V. Required Texts
Ferret, S.K. (2010). Peak performance: Success in college and beyond. (7th Ed.). McGraw Hill.
New York, NY.
Moore, Wes. The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates. New York: Spiegel & Grau, 2010.
Print.
Other readings will be assigned on Blackboard and by handouts.
VI. Academic Integrity
This policy addresses academic integrity violations of undergraduate and graduate students.
Graduate students should read inside the parenthesis below to identify the appropriate entities
in charge of that step of the process.
Students, faculty, staff, and administrators of Western Carolina University (WCU) strive to
achieve the highest standards of scholarship and integrity. Any violation of the Academic
Integrity Policy is a serious offense because it threatens the quality of scholarship and
undermines the integrity of the community. While academic in scope, any violation of this policy
is by nature, a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and will follow the same conduct
process (see ArticleVII.B.1.a.). If the charge occurs close to the end of an academic semester or
term or in the event of the reasonable need of either party for additional time to gather
information timelines may be extended at the discretion of the Department of Student
Community Ethics (DSCE).
I. General:
This policy addresses academic integrity violations of undergraduate and graduate
students.
Students, faculty, staff, and administrators of Western Carolina University (WCU) strive to
achieve the highest standards of scholarship and integrity. Any violation of this policy is a
serious offense because it threatens the quality of scholarship and undermines the integrity
of the community.
Instructors have the right to determine the appropriate academic sanctions for violations of
the Academic Integrity Policy within their courses, up to an including a final grade of F in
the course in which the violation occurs.
II.

Definitions:
1. Cheating Using, or attempting to use, unauthorized materials, information, or
study aids in any academic exercise.
2. Fabrication Creating and/or falsifying information or citation in any academic
exercise.
3. Plagiarism Representing the words or ideas of someone else as ones own in any
academic exercise.
4. Facilitation Helping or attempting to help someone to commit a violation of the
Academic Integrity Policy in any academic exercise (e.g. allowing another person to
copy information during an examination).

III. Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Integrity Process:

1. Within five (5) business days of the instructors knowledge of the alleged violation of
the Academic Integrity Policy, s/he will inform his/her department head (or associate
Dean of the graduate school when applicable) in writing of the allegation and

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

proposed sanction(s).
2. Within ten (10) business days of the instructors knowledge of the alleged violation
of the Academic Integrity Policy, the instructor will inform the student of the
allegation, including the proposed sanction(s), in writing. In the written notification,
the instructor will inform the student of his/her right to request a meeting with the
instructor. During the meeting, the instructor shall complete the Academic Integrity
Violation Faculty Resolution Form. If the student does not request a meeting with
the instructor within five (5) business days of receipt of the written allegation(s), the
student shall be deemed to have mutually resolved the matter and shall be bound to
the sanction(s) outlined by the instructor in the written allegation. If the student
does not request a meeting, the alleged violation of the Academic Integrity Policy
shall not be subject to further review and/or appeal.
3. Within five (5) business days of meeting with the instructor, the student shall either
appeal the decision to the department head or mutually resolve the matter by
accepting the allegation and proposed sanction(s). No action by the student within
five (5) business days of the meeting with the instructor shall constitute a mutual
resolution and waiver of the students rights to appeal pursuant to the Academic
Integrity Policy. If the student does not respond within five (5) business days of
meeting with the instructor, the alleged violation of the Academic Integrity Policy
shall not be subject to further review and/or appeal.
4. Within five (5) business days of receiving a students appeal, the department head
must schedule a meeting with the student. The instructor may be present during
the meeting. During the meeting, the department head shall complete the
Academic Integrity Violation Department Head Resolution Form. Only information
submitted during the meeting with the student, or in the meeting between the
instructor and the student, may be considered by the department head. The
evidentiary standard for making a decision shall be preponderance of the
evidence. The department head may agree or disagree with the allegation(s) of the
instructor. The department head may also approve, overturn, or modify the
sanction(s) proposed by the instructor. If the student does not attend the scheduled
meeting with the department head, the matter will be heard in absentia and shall not
be subject to further review and/or appeal.
5. Within five (5) business days of meeting with the department head, the student shall
either appeal the decision to an Academic Integrity Board or mutually resolve the
matter by accepting the allegation and proposed sanction(s). The student must
submit an appeal to the academic Dean listed on the Academic Integrity Violation
Department Head Resolution Form. No action by the student within five (5)
business days of the meeting with the department head shall constitute a mutual
resolution and waiver of the students rights to appeal pursuant to the Academic
Integrity Policy. If the student does not respond within five (5) business days of
meeting with the department head, the alleged violation of the Academic Integrity
Policy shall not be subject to further review and/or appeal.
6. Within seven (7) business days of receiving a students appeal, the appropriate
academic Dean must schedule an Academic Integrity Board hearing with the
student. The Academic Integrity Board shall consist of a minimum of two (2)
currently enrolled students and/or faculty members (with a minimum of one faculty
member). A faculty member will serve as chair of the board. The instructor may be
present during the hearing. Only information submitted during the hearing, or in the
meetings between the instructor/department head and the student, may be
considered by the hearing board. The evidentiary standard for making a decision
shall be preponderance of the evidence. The hearing board may agree or disagree

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

with the allegation(s) of the instructor. The hearing board may also approve,
overturn, or modify the sanction(s) proposed by the instructor and/or department
head. If the student does not attend the scheduled hearing, the matter will be heard
in absentia and shall not be subject to further review and/or appeal. Within ten (10)
business days of the hearing, the appropriate academic Dean shall review pertinent
records and send the student written notification of the decision of the Academic
Integrity Board.
7. Within five (5) business days of receiving written notification of the decision of the
Academic Integrity Board the student may accept the findings and sanctions of the
board or submit an appeal to the designated academic Dean. No action by the
student within five (5) business days of the meeting with the department head shall
constitute a mutual resolution and waiver of the students rights to appeal pursuant
to the Academic Integrity Policy. If the student does not respond within five (5)
business days of meeting with the Academic Integrity Board, the alleged violation of
the Academic Integrity Policy shall not be subject to further review and/or appeal.
8. If the student elects to file an appeal of the decision of the Academic Integrity
Board, she must submit a written appeal within five (5) business days of receiving
written notification of the decision of the Academic Integrity Board to the designated
academic Dean. An appeal to an academic Dean must be limited to the following
grounds; 1) a violation or due process or 2) a material deviation from Substantive
and Procedural Standards by the UNC Board of Governors (as set forth in the UNC
Manual 700.4.1).
9. If an appeal is heard by an academic Dean, s/he shall review pertinent records
within ten (10) business days of receiving a valid appeal. The academic Dean may
agree or disagree with the allegation(s) of the instructor. The academic Dean may
also approve, overturn, or modify the sanction(s) proposed by the instructor,
department head, and or Academic Integrity Board. Within five (5) days of making a
decision, the academic Dean shall provide the student with a written decision. The
decision of the academic Dean shall be final.
10. The student must remain enrolled in the course related to the case, and may not be
permitted to withdraw from the course related to the case, until all hearing timelines,
notifications, and/or appeals have been completed.
11. Upon resolution of each level of the case (no matter the outcome), the instructor,
department head, and academic Dean must provide the Department of Student
Community Ethics with all materials and documents related to the case (i.e. course
syllabus, materials in violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, Instructor Resolution
Form, Department Head Resolution Form, Academic Integrity Board decision letter,
academic Dean decision letter, etc). The Department of Student Community
Ethics shall serve as the repository for all records associated with allegations and
violations associated with the Academic Integrity Policy.
IV. Academic Integrity Board:
The Academic Integrity Board shall consist of a minimum of two (2) currently enrolled
students and/or faculty members (with a minimum of one faculty member). A faculty
member will serve as chair of the board. Students and faculty members serving on boards
for each college will be selected by each college Dean. The Department of Student
Community Ethics will train all board members prior to their service on a hearing
board. Each academic Dean will convene hearing boards as necessary, and will determine
a faculty member to serve as chair prior to a hearing.

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

V. Sanctions:
The instructor, department head, Academic Integrity Board, and/or academic Dean may
impose academic sanctions permitted by the institution (not to exceed receiving a grade of
F for the course). The instructor, department head, Academic Integrity Board, and/or
academic Dean may not permanently remove the student from the course or suspend/expel
the student from a program or the University. Student behavior of the magnitude to warrant
consideration for permanently removal from the course or suspension/expulsion from a
program or the University must be referred to the Department of Student Community Ethics.
VI. Habitual Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy:
Upon receipt of materials associated with violations of the Academic Integrity Policy, the
Department of Student Community Ethics will determine if a student has previous violations
of University policies. Students with a prior record of violations, or who commits a gross
and/or egregious violation of the Academic Integrity Policy, will be referred to the
Department of Student Community Ethics for consideration of being subject to hearing
proceedings as a habitual violator. Students with three or more violations of the Academic
Integrity Policy will automatically be subject to hearing proceedings as a habitual
violator. Students in this category are subject to course-related sanctions imposed by the
instructor, department head, Academic Integrity Board, and/or academic Dean and
University-level sanctions imposed by the Department of Student Community Ethics for
habitual violations of University policies.
Additional information is available on the Student Success website under Student
Community Ethics.
VII. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Western Carolina University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for
students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. Students who require
reasonable accommodations must identify themselves as having a disability and/or medical
condition and provide current diagnostic documentation to Disability Services. All information
is confidential. Please contact the Office of Disability Services for more information at (828)
227-3886 or [email protected]. You may also visit the offices website: disability.wcu.edu
VIII. Instructors Expectations

Be respectful of the instructor and your fellow class members by turning off all cell phones
prior to class and using laptop computers for class purposes only.
Students attend every class period and arrive to class on time
Safe Space - Be respectful of their fellow class members viewpoints and that the content
of class discussions remains confidential within the classroom
Be prepared and ready to have active dialogue in the classroom
Teach and learn from one another in and outside of the classroom
Hold yourself and others accountable for their actions and behaviors
Represent the Freshman Leadership Institute and the Leadership Institute to the highest
level

IX. Course Requirements

Self Reflection Paper
Campus Event Participation
Volunteering Experience
Attendance/Participation
Final Event (Whee Takeover)
Total

10 pts
20 pts
20 pts
20 pts
30 pts
100 pts

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

X. Course Assignments
Self Reflection Paper: This paper will be based on self-reflection. The paper will be graded
based on grammatical errors and relevance to assigned topic. Your paper should be no longer
than 2 pages (3 including title page), double-spaced and size 12 font (Times New Roman).
Campus Event Participation: There will be many opportunities throughout the semester to
attend programs/events on campus. You will be able to earn points based on the number of
events you attend. To receive credit you must creatively show me you went to 10 events. It can
be displayed through photos, portfolio, PowerPoint presentation, or Prezi. The program/event
categories are below:
Athletics Events
Cultural/Diversity Programs
Performing/Visual Arts Events
Leadership Programs
Residential
Fraternity and Sorority Life Program/Events
Campus Wide Sponsored Event
Volunteering Experience: During the two class periods assigned for this experience, you will
need to complete 1.5 (minimum) hours of community service at an area approved by the
instructor. These hours will need to be logged and signed by a supervisor at the placement site.
Any site approved by the instructor may work, as long as the hours completed are only
completed for use with this class (you may not double-dip hours if using them for another
class).
Final Event: As an entire class you will put on an event for the campus. This event will be
designed and implemented by everyone in the class.
Attendance/Participation: Leadership encompasses many things; some of those are
accountability and active participation. Students throughout this semester will be held
accountable for their actions through their grades. You must be present and on time to
participate effectively in class. If you miss more than 2 classes your grade will drop down one
letter grade.
XI. Grading Scale
A
AB+
B
BC+

93 100 pts
90 92 pts
88 89 pts
83 87 pts
80 82 pts
78 79 pts

C
CD+
D
DF

73 77 pts
70 72 pts
68 69 pts
63 67 pts
60 62 pts
59 pts and below

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

Date

Reading / Class Schedule

Mon 08/17

Introduction: Syllabus, Blackboard, OrgSync

Wed 08/19

Mon 08/24

Wed 08/26

University Resources
Woo Woo FLI Workshop Sign-Ups
University Resources
Chapter 8: Excel at Taking Test
Tacquice Wiggan-Davis

Mon 08/31

Communication

Wed 09/02

Mon 09/07

Building Relationships
Chapter 12: Build Supportive and Diverse Relationships
No Class Labor Day!

Wed 09/09

Mon 09/14

Wed 09/16

Mon 09/21

No Class One-on-Ones with Joshua!

Wed 09/23

Citizenship and Civility

Mon 09/28

Wed 09/30

Developing Positive Habits

Chapter 13: Develop Positive Habits
Residential Living (TENTATIVE)

Mon 10/05

Wed 10/07

Mon 10/12

No Class Fall Break (Disney)!

Wed 10/14

No Class Fall Break (Disney)!

10

Mon 10/19

Tacquice Wiggan-Davis Collaboration

10

Wed 10/21

11

Mon 10/26

Public Speaking and Presenting

The Leadership Institute Presentation
Volunteering Experience

11

Wed 10/28

12

Mon 11/02

12

Wed 11/04

Mike Corelli Leadership Minor

13

Mon 11/09

13

Wed 11/11

14

Mon 11/16

Majors and Careers

Chapter 14: Explore Majors and Careers
Jennifer Williams & Alex Zernechel FSL
Karen Farmer & Ronni Williams Clubs and Organizations
Whee Takeover Planning

14

Wed 11/18

Whee Takeover Planning

15

Mon 11/23

No Class One-on-Ones with Joshua!

15

Wed 11/25

No Class Thanksgiving Break!

16

Mon 11/30

Whee Takeover Planning

16

Wed 12/02

Whee Takeover Planning

17

Mon 12/07

Finals Week Whee Takeover!

17

TUE 12/08

Finals Week Whee Takeover Event

(8:00P 11:00P)

Assignment Due

Woo Woo Mentor/Mentee Reveal Info

Time Management and Values
Maximizing Your Resources
Chapter 4: Maximizing Your Resources
Woo Woo Retreat Information

Randa Hodges Advising Center

Chapter 11: Create a Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit
Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit

TBD Intercultural Affairs

TBD DCSE
Volunteering Experience

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute

Volunteering Experiences

Campus Events Participation

Self-Reflection Paper

Class Final Event

Campus Resources

Registrars Office

Career Services and Cooperative Education

828-227-7216
registrar.wcu.edu

828-227-7153
careers.wcu.edu

Hunter Library

Campus Recreation Center

828-227-7485
library.wcu.edu

828-227-7069
reccenter.wcu.edu

Writing and Learning Commons

University Center

828-227-2274
walc.wcu.edu

828-227-7206
uc.wcu.edu

Mathematics Tutoring Center

Health Services

828-227-3830
mathlab.wcu.edu

828-227-7640
studenthealth.wcu.edu

Center for Service Learning

Counseling and Psychological Services

828-227-7184
servicelearning.wcu.edu

828-227-7469
caps.wcu.edu

LEAD 140: Freshman Leadership Institute