Bay Path University

Students are also encouraged to put those freshly minted leadership skills to use by engaging in student clubs. "We talk about student leadership roles and how they can get involved," Moore shared. "A lot of the students might not have even known or felt confident enough to get involved before that conversation." For TAWC students, many of whom have decided to return to college to change or advance their career, the WELL program provides a much-needed chance to focus on themselves and their development as leaders. "Many TAWC students have never had the luxury of time to focus on themselves and their goals; they are always busy supporting others," shared Gretchen Heaton, Bay Path's senior director of Career and Leadership Development and academic director of Leadership & Organizational Studies and the TAWC WELL Program. "The WELL program series gives them targeted training in how to do this, with a lot of one-on-one guidance and support. Students are so excited that they get the opportunity to focus on this kind of personal and professional development." Both traditional and TAWC WELL courses focus on tactical skills such as interview prep and resume and cover letter writing, as well as teaching students about the effect of leadership on community through social action projects where students can put their leadership into practice through real-life exercises. Throughout the WELL classes, students learn that leadership is more than aiming for the corner office and being the decision maker. It's built on confidence, excellent time management, being able to work with others, understanding group partnerships, and problem solving. "Soft skills such as leadership, communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, these are examples of the skills that employers often say college students lack," Moore stated. "The WELL program focuses on these things not only to help prepare the students for internship opportunities (and ultimately the workforce), but also to allow students to complete the program by applying what they have learned to a community-based project." Upon the culmination of their WELL journey, students emerge with strong "whole-person leadership" skills and confidence in who they are, their values, and their ability to work with others. They emerge as true leaders. Gretchen Heaton, WELL program senior director at The American Women's College. www.baypath.edu 13 WELL COURSES ARE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO HELP STUDENTS IDENTIFY THEIR LIFE GOALS AND GIVE THEM THE CONFIDENCE, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE TO ACHIEVE THOSE GOALS SUCCESSFULLY.

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