Leadership Development
Leadership Certificates
Global Competency
The Global Competency certificate allows students to earn formal recognition for their intercultural and international experiences – from Study Abroad, to learning a second language, to volunteer work.
Categories and Points
Students are required to earn a total of 12 points in any 2 of the following categories (with no more than seven points in one category):
| Category | Low (1 point) | Medium (3 points) | High (5 points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A: Additional Language |
3 credits in ONE language | 9 credits in ONE language | 15 credits in ONE language OR Proficiency (via proficiency test, PLAR, or validated by other test means) |
| Category B: Global Competency Related Courses (credit or service) | 1 course | 3 courses | 5 courses |
| Category C: International Experience | TRU International Field Trip (not for credit) OR International Volunteer Experience (One week in duration) OR Military service (out of country), OR Other International experience (documented by student) | TRU International Field Course (for credit) OR International Volunteer Experience (Month or more in duration) | Study Abroad (for credit) OR COOP, Internship, Practicum Abroad |
| Category D: Employment activity related to global competency development | 50 hours | 150 hours | 250 hours |
| Category E: Volunteer Related activity in Canada related to global competency development | 15 hours | 25 hours | 35 hours |
Download a points form to track your progress
Notes on the point system
- You can only earn a maximum of 7 points in any one category
- You cannot count activities twice (no 'double dipping')
- Up to 7 points can be transferred from other institutions
- All points claimed must be substantiated and documented in your portfolio
Courses counting towards points
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Send the names of any courses you think may be relevant but are not included to the Learning Strategist.
Leadership in Environmental Sustainability
The Leadership in Environmental Sustainability Certificate allows students to earn formal recognition for their knowledge, skills, awareness, and attitudes that contribute to environmental sustainability competency – from projects, to artwork, architectural design, and relevant course assignments.
Categories and Points
Students are required to earn a total of 12 points in any three of the following categories:
| Category | Low (1 point) | Medium (3 points) | High (5 points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category A: Courses in Environmental Sustainability | 1 course | 3 courses | 5 courses |
| Category B: Volunteer Work | 10 hours | 20 hours | 30 hours |
| Category C: Employment Related Activity - Green Jobs | 100 hours | 200 hours | 400 hours |
| Category D: Environmental or Social Organizations | Member | Active Participant | Executive Member |
| Category E: Extra-Curricular Knowledge Sharing | Attending Events | Presenting or facilitating ONE event | Presenting or facilitating TWO or more events |
| Category F: Environmental Sustainability Course Related Work | Create or write paper or project or poster | Present TRU community | Present or publish paper or project or poster outside TRU |
Download a points form to track your progress
Notes on the point system
- Students can only earn a maximum of 5 points in any one category
- Students cannot count activities twice (no 'double dipping')
- Up to 6 points can be transferred from other institutions
- All points claimed must be substantiated and documented in the portfolio (see portfolio tab for forms)
Environmental or social organization
- 1 point = being a member, attending meetings, voting, and discussing issues
- 3 points = taking a leading role in subcommittees, or making special contributions to the organization
- 5 points = being an executive member such as president, vice-president, etc.
Extra-curricular knowledge sharing
- 1 point = attending event(s) and writing a reflective piece on the experience
- 3 points = presenting at, or facilitating, one extra-curricular knowledge sharing event
- 5 points = presenting at, or facilitating, two or extra-curricular knowledge sharing events
***Examples of events include: conferences, seminars, tours, workshops, community talks, etc.
Courses counting towards points:
Why earn these recognitions?
Students university experience should include more than just classes and assignments. Certificate participants have many opportunities to take part in meaningful intercultural, international and environmental sustainability experiences on campus, in the community, and abroad.
Don’t graduate with just a degree, diploma, or certificate. We want students to launch their career with a resume full of the relevant learning experiences that employers value today. GLBL 1000 and ENSU 1000 courses give students just that – documented evidence of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of a globally- and/or of a sustainably-minded citizens.
How do I earn the certificates?
Students can start by earning and compiling points in any year of study from first year to fourth year.
When students are close to the required 12 points and interested in completing the one credit GLBL 1000 and/or ENSU 1000 course, they will need to be preapproved by the Learning Strategist to add it to their course schedule.
Once students are registered into the courses, they are expected to complete a portfolio of their experiences, a giveback/presentation piece, and a reflective essay to be handed in at the end of that semester.
If students would like to earn the credential but do not meet the point requirements, we encourage them to first spend some time intentionally gaining relevant experience. Students can refer to the points chart or meet with the Learning Strategist (email lead@tru.ca) to learn more about how to meet the points requirement.
Book an Appointment to Get Started Today!
Please email lead@tru.ca to book an appointment.
FAQ
Why would Global Competency be important to me?
The benefits for each individual person would be dependent on the student and their goals for the future. However, there have been a lot of studies that say international experience and education are no longer value-added qualities but, rather, a prerequisite for success in the global marketplace. Below are some articles/research/studies that have been released on the importance of Global Competency:
Why would Leadership in Environmental Sustainability be important to me?
The benefits for each individual person would be dependent on that student and their goals for the future. Below are some articles/research/studies that have been released on the importance of Environmental Sustainability:
What do I receive when I finish Global Competency or the Leadership in Environmental Sustainability certificate?
When a student has completed all requirements and handed in their portfolio. A mark of "COM" mark will go onto the students’ transcripts for the course. Each student will be recognized at convocation as they walk across the stage. Students will receive a certificate at convocation or if the student is not attending convocation, it will be mailed out a few days later.
Do I have to attend class time for these courses?
Students are not required to attend classes regularly as per the course time specified however we will let students know once they are enrolled in the course that we would have one required class time during the semester.
When can I attain the Global Competency or the Leadership in Environmental Sustainability certificate? Can I only get it in my graduation year?
Students may finish their certificate at any time during their years at TRU if they have met all requirements. However, they will not receive the certificate until they graduate from a diploma, degree or certificate program.
If I am a student that is out of country or an OL student can I still participate in the ENSU 1000 or GLBL 1000 course?
Yes! We will have a Moodle site that students can follow that will help them through the development of their portfolio however the certificates run on a semester basis like an on-campus course. Also, the Learning Strategist is always available via email with any questions students may have.
Student Series
Thompson Rivers University provides student series throughout the year. Please visit this page for updates on series sessions.TRU LEADership
The purpose of the LEADership series is to encourage aspiring and active student leaders to explore their knowledge, skills, and values as they relate to leadership. Students will have the opportunity to build connections with fellow students, staff, and faculty.
The sessions will be a combination of knowledge-sharing and interactive/reflective activities. Upon completion of the series (5/6 sessions), students will receive a letter outlining the learning outcomes of the program and a certificate of completion.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @TRUStudentLife, to stay up-to-date on the latest information. We hope to see you soon!
Steps Towards Success
Success is not a destination, it’s a journey. Take the first step and register today!
The TRU Steps Towards Success Series is an opportunity for students to connect with peers, learn how to access resources on campus, and engage in skill-building interactive sessions. This series will cultivate a sense of belonging, boost student well-being, and empower students to take ownership over their own success.
Students will walk away from this three-part series with confidence to tackle the winter semester, a plan to achieve their own definition of success, and the tools to support them in taking their next steps.
Join us for a three-part series to sharpen your academic and life skills. Unfortunately, this series will not be running during the 2024-25 academic year.
