center for leadership and social change

FAQs

How can ATLAS help me?
ATLAS can enrich your college or professional experience in a number of ways. You may attend any of our free workshops that interest you, giving you an opportunity to improve specific skills. ATLAS also affords you the opportunity to become certified in a number of areas. This allows you to not only gain essential competencies, but also to showcase that knowledge after leaving the University.

Does it cost any money to be a part of ATLAS?
You may attend any of our workshops for free. If you would like to earn a level two or three certificate, there is a $10 administrative fee. This fee covers the price of your Leadership and Involvement Transcript, as well as helping to cover the cost of staffing, your certificate, and administrative functions.

How long does it take to earn a certificate?
Since ATLAS is leadership on your schedule, we offer a number of options for certificate completion. You may attend a Leadership Day (scheduled on the last Friday of the month) and take part in every workshop you need for one of our level two certificates in one day, conference style, from 9:00-4:00. Or, you may attend the free standing workshops. Using this option, you could finish your certificate in as little as one semester.

What is a Leadership Day?
Leadership Days are held on the last Friday of the month. They are an opportunity for you to attend all of the workshops required for a level 2 certificate in one day, conference style. The workshops begin at 9:00 am and go until 4:00 pm. There will be time for breaks and lunch built into the schedule. You may attend all day, or just come for specific workshops. So, if you have one Friday class or other Firday commitments, don’t worry, you can still complete the majority of your requirements in one day!

I haven’t been to an orientation. Do I have to go? What if the time doesn’t work?
You may attend workshops without attending orientation. However, if you are hoping to earn a certificate, orientation is required. In that one hour session, you will learn about your requirements and how to navigate through the program. If none of the scheduled orientations are convenient for you, please e-mail an ATLAS mentor (at ATLAS@email.arizona.edu) to set up a one-on-one meeting to cover the same information. We will be happy to work with you to find a good time!

I missed one of my workshops, now what?
If you are completing a level 2 certificate and missed a workshop, it is likely that the same workshop is offered during one of the leadership days. Other certificates may have overlapping requirements, so check the online schedule to see if it is offered again. If not, it will be offered next semester.

I attended a workshop, now what?
Please go to the event completion forms page on this website for an explanation of how to receive credit for your attendance. Even if you are unsure of whether or not you will get a certification, complete the form and if you decide to do one later, the ATLAS team already has a record of your attendance. Also, if you decide not to get a certificate, the reflection is helpful feedback for us to provide to our presenters, so we can ensure effective, powerful presentations!

I have to complete a Leadership Portfolio. What’s that?
Depending on your certification, you may be required to complete a leadership portfolio. This is an opportunity for you to learn how to effectively market yourself and prepare materials for that effort. The basic requirements* include: Resume, References, Personal Mission Statement, Leadership & Involvement Transcript, and Awards/Certificates. There are portfolio workshops that you may attend at numerous times throughout the semester for guidance. Also, you may schedule a meeting with a mentor or just stop by the office for help anytime!
*If you are completing a level 3 certificate, there are additional portfolio requirements.

I have a great presentation on one of these topics and am interested in presenting. What should I do?
Please contact the ATLAS mentors (at ATLAS@email.arizona.edu) to discuss presentation options for next semester.

I am interested in becoming an ATLAS mentor next year, what should I do?
Being an ATLAS mentor is a great way to supplement your leadership education. You learn practical skills while getting an opportunity to help others improve as well! Mentor applications will go out in late March with interviews in April. The position is a one-year appointment, with an expected 10 hours a week of service. There is a $250 stipend each semester that will be added to your Cat Card in recognition of your efforts. Please e-mail ATLAS@email.arizona.edu and we will send you an application!