What is leadership?
The essence of leadership is influence. Each of us is a leader whether we like it or not, and to influence you need to have someone to influence and something requiring influence. In other words, we influence ourselves and others in order to achieve something.
To influence someone, we need to have an effective relationship with that person. Whether it is ourselves, a friend or a group, influence works best when an effective relationship has been developed. Relationships with self require a certain respect, discipline, dignity and humility that comes with understanding and accepting our personal strengths, weakness and shortcomings. Relationships with others come from a genuine caring and investment of time in understanding and accepting the strengths, weaknesses and shortcomings of the other person. Leaders also need to have something they are striving for. As leaders we need an inspiring vision, lofty goals, clear expectations and an understandable path to get there. Relationships and vision are two fundamental elements that must be considered, pondered and developed if any of us are ever to become effective leaders.
In the ADVL program, you learn to develop your own leadership style, methods and tools towards becoming an effective leader, however you can begin to work on your personal leadership immediately by developing your own personal vision statement & goals, and then identifying & developing strategic relationships with people that will be instrumental in helping you achieve your goals. I challenge each of you to sit down and make a list of the things you would like to achieve in 5, 10 or 20 years (the length of time depends on what you would like to achieve). Then, draft a statement that captures the essence of where you are going with your life. That is your vision. Your vision could be career related, lifestyle related, travel related or in any other area that holds a deep passion for you. From your vision statement, you can then begin to craft achievable goals to get there. Next, I challenge you to develop a second list of people that you need to surround yourself with to help you achieve your vision and goals. Those are the people you should seek out, stay in contact with, spend time with and proactively focus on developing a relationship with.
In short, leadership is influence. And influence requires relationships and vision. So, we can develop into effective leaders by identifying our personal vision, and developing strong relationships with those around us.
-Stephen Ritchie, ADVL Coordinator
What is the ADVL Colloquium?
The ADVL Colloquium is a series of monthly meetings that provide an opportunity for all students (from all years) and faculty to meet in an open forum for academic and professional guidance, community interactions and professional development through seminars, guest lectures and presentations by academics from other disciplinary professionals in the Adventure Travel and Eco-tourism Industry. Colloquiums are also an opportunity to meet and discuss many different aspects of the ADVL program, participate in unique events, listen to presentations from fellow students and obtain the latest developments, announcements and job opportunities! Participation at each colloquium is mandatory for 2nd, 3rd and 4th year students, and is highly recommended for 1st year students. Attendance will be taken at each Colloquium.
What is the ADVL Practicum?
This is a study in cooperation with one or more faculty members on a particular aspect of an Outdoor Wilderness setting. This course includes the planning, organizing and leading of the outdoor activities and trips in the fall during Outdoor School 1, 2 and 3. These activities may be done on or off campus, and students must apply for their desired position.
What is the Independent Practicum?
This is a study or teaching assistant position in cooperation with one or more faculty members within a predetermined course. As a study, the project may include participation and or certification in an activity or discipline outside the realm of Human Kinetics. This must be pre-approved by the Practicum Advisor. Upon completion of the practicum, the student is required to submit a report (in English or French) summarizing the experience gained. The student should be in 3rd or 4th year, and the practicum experience should require sufficient hours of work to equal that required of a 1.5 credit activity course. In consultation with the instructor or professor, the student will be asked to participate actively in the role during designated time blocks. The student must also assist in preparing equipment or coordinating logistics of the lesson/trip, and then complete follow up items after the course has been completed.
What is an academic certificate?
An Academic Certificate is a University recognized specialty program that is designed to enhance a student’s basic knowledge in a recognized discipline or area of interest. In a way, it is a second degree since the students must take credits of additional qualifications.
How do you benefit from taking advantage of this opportunity?
· You gain an additional education in a direct focus area
· You become more marketable to employers
· You will have two Academic Teachables (if you had plans of becoming a high school teacher)
· Unlike other programs you can fulfill the requirements within the length of the program saving yourself a full year of studies.
What are Technical Certifications?
Technical certifications are given out by the governing bodies of certain sports. In comparing yourself to a standardized version of this certificate, you are able to compare yourself to others in skill and ability. By obtaining a level, it means you have followed criteria set out by the governing body in order to obtain a certain level. These levels will give you much more credit in your skills. You will be able to say “I am a level 2 paddler” instead of “I am a good paddler”. These technical certifications are added to your log book and resume and will aid you in the job market.
What average do I need with my university credits?
The higher the average the better the chances. Having said that, a high 70% at a University level may get you an offer. An 80% would get you in, if spots are available.
Is it a difficult process for a transfer to happen between programs?
No, depending on your chosen courses, it could be painless and actually positive. Students in the program must take optional courses. You would simply have to take first and second year courses in your first year with us.
How long does this process take?
It normally does not take long, within weeks or a month
When are the optimal times for Transfer, e.g. right when I get into university or after my first year of university?
You would apply at the same time as the others or a little earlier to make an impact. Please bare in mind that it is difficult to offer a position when final semester grades have not been received. I would suggest that you maintain contact occasionally with me (program coordinator).
If I have to wait until a year of university has passed to transfer will I have the same average to attain as high school students applying for the same program?
Considering University courses seem more difficult from what our teachers say, your teachers are correct. The higher the average the better the chances. Having said that, a high 70% at a University level may get you an offer. An 80% plus would get you in. Age would be to your advantage with waiting an extra year before applying.
Do I have to fill out another personal profile for my transfer into the Outdoor Adventure and Leadership Program or can I use the one I sent you previously?
You may use the old form however, you will likely see some changes in questions and in requests for references.
Once I’m at the university when should I talk to guidance counselors about a transfer of programs?
It would be best to speak with the program coordinator in which you
wish to enter.
Will I be able to minor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership? For instance take all the Outdoor Adventure Leadership courses as my electives for other courses?
If you were a student in the School of Human Kinetics, you would have access to a few courses (rock climbing, wilderness and winter camping, cross country skiing, snowboarding),but not the more advanced courses because of ratios. No other department or school has access to these courses.
If people decide to drop out of Outdoor Adventure Leadership during their first semester is there a possibility of students in other programs being able to fill the spot?
There are normally about 1 to 3 students that drop out by 3rd year (too demanding or change in interest). We normally do not fill the spots with extras because in 3rd and 4th year, students are involved in bigger experiences (canoe tripping to the Arctic Ocean, sea kayaking on Georgian Bay, rock climbing, river rescue, etc).
What can I do to get into this program?
When choosing your University courses, try to select BIOL 1000 (Environmental Biology) or BIOL 1700 (Introductory Biology), PSYC 1105 (Introduction to Psychology), NATI 2285 (Native Studies). These will be acceptable direct transfers for equal credits. It will expedite your chances of finishing within 4 years total. Again, grades will be a deciding factor for admission to the program.
Why is space so limited for admission to the ADVL program?
It is our intention to offer a high quality program to the students and to make employers realize what we have going. We only accept between 12 and 20 students each year. With a smaller number, greater experiences can be offered to them. We have has students complete internships in western Canada and the United States.
What criteria are used to choose the lucky ones who are accepted in the Physical & Health Education program? Marks only? Extracurricular activities in High School? Outdoor Experiences? Certifications?
Normally grades are an important factor. Extracurricular activities and volunteer work in a field of interest can be of some importance if the grades are comparable between applicants. Acquired certifications and personality are also a factor if the grades are not up to par.
What are the best courses to take in high school to maximize your changes?
I suggest that you take courses in Biology and languages (French or English) particularly in your final year of high school
How early should I start thinking about getting into this program?
It is more advantageous early in secondary school to start thinking of a program choice. This way, more doors will be open to you.
Is the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program very demanding?
This program tends to be a little more demanding in number of credits than most other degrees (about 135.5 credits vs 120 credits). This means you will take more courses and benefit from more experiences.
What do I get aside from a degree in Physical and Health Education with a specialty in Outdoor Adventure Leadership?
You will also have a choice of directing your elective courses towards an additional certificate in the following areas (normally the equivalent) of one year registration at University, about $4 200 at no additional cost.
· Environmental Biology (toward ecological interpretation either animals or plants)
· Gerontology (Elder hostels, adventure and eco-travel)
· Business (Entrepreneurship; start your own business; in final stages of acceptance)
· Basic Multi-lingual Communications (Ability to communicate at a basic level in a minimum of three languages and ideally in 5; in final stages of acceptance).
· Certificate of Bilingualism (Ability to communicate fluently in French and in English)
· Native Legal Education (pre-law)
This means that you could graduate with an honours (70%plus) Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, specializing in Adventure Leadership with a certificate in another more specialized area.
Is it useful to get a Bronze Medallion swimming certification before getting to Laurentian?
Yes. We also offer it at the University, but it would be an advantage to arrive with a current bronze cross and bronze medallion certification. Students are also required to be National Lifeguards and have their NLS.
How long has the course been in existence?
The ADVL program began in 1985. Since then, it was gone through a number of face lifts as to continually remain as a cutting edge program.
How do students in Outdoor Adventure Leadership gain work experience during their degree?
ADVL students can work on campus or help manage student run clubs. For example, the bouldering, kayak and outer’s clubs.