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Header ELP FAQ
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  2. Emerging Leaders Program
  3. Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join? This seems like a lot of work. Is it fun?

This is an exclusive experience that puts you in an environment with built-in support and friends from day one of your VCU Experience. Not only will you learn about yourself through fun and engaging leadership courses, but you will gain lifelong friends with your mentor and pod. After 16 years of the Emerging Leaders Program, we can assure you that you will have a great time and this will put you on the trajectory for success at VCU!

What are Mentees?

First year students in ELP are categorized as ‘mentees'. Mentees are paired with second year mentors who guide and encourage them throughout the year. Mentees and mentors will work in small groups that we call "pods."

I just got accepted into ELP, but I already have a roommate picked out for the year. Can I still live with them if they're not in the program?

No. All residential ELP students live together in the Gladding Residence Center (GRC) on the same floor. Due to the nature of the program being a living-learning community, all ELP students will be placed with roommates in the program. If you accept the offer to ELP, you will not be able to keep your roommate unless they are also in ELP. **We assure you that you will make lifelong friends in this program and if you're concerned about this requirement please let us know. We have ELP students who can share their experience with you!**

What coursework is required?

Mentees are required enroll in one class per semester for this program. Students will enroll in REAL301 (3 credit) in the fall and REAL491 (1 credit) in the spring.

Is there a cost to joining the program?

There is no cost to join ELP, in fact we pay students a $1,000 scholarship to be a part of the program! However, there will be costs involved in taking the required courses for ELP and living in the residence hall (which is not a requirement for non-residential students). All other program costs including events, access to speakers, meals, leadership trainings, and socials are free to all participants.

What are SuperPod Projects?

Mentee/Mentor "pods" will join together to work throughout the year on what we call “SuperPod Projects.” These projects are year-long group efforts to improve the VCU Campus and greater Richmond Community. Doing these projects with your peers will help you gain time management, leadership, team building, some financial planning skills, and it will help you foster connections throughout the university and community. At the conclusion of your ELP experience, you will have the opportunity to share your Superpod project with campus and community leadership!

When are the mandatory meetings?

We have one hour meetings from 5-6PM every other week. These meetings are mandatory for all students to regroup as a program, engage in leadership learning, and connect as a community. All ELP students are expected to schedule their classes around this meeting time.

How much is the scholarship award?

The 1st year Mentees will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the first semester and have the opportunity for a renewed scholarship for second semester if the Mentee meets specified goals.

Can I be involved past my first year in the program?

his position. Mentors receive a $1,000 scholarship in the fall semester with the ability to renew for the spring should they maintain a 3.0 GPA and are in good standing in the program. The Emerging Leaders Program also hires 4 third-year students to be interns and teaching assistants in the office, which is another scholarship opportunity.

I didn't get selected to be in ELP. Are there other leadership opportunities for me?

Yes! For students who wish to explore leadership after their first year, the VCU Transform Living-Learning Program is a robust experience that connects leadership learning through coursework and experiential learning. Applications for the following year open in October and close in February. For more information, visit www.lead.vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University
Division of Student Affairs
Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning
830 West Grace Street
Box 842548
Richmond, VA 23284-2548
(804) 828-7848
oslel@vcu.edu
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Updated: 03/14/2023