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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
45
The Academic Distinction in Leadership Studies Program
The Distinction in Leadership Studies (DLS) program provides students with the
opportunity to develop a rigorous understanding of the concept of leadership and enhance
their leadership practice. Details about the program can be found in the “Major, Minor,
and Distinction Requirements” section of this catalog.
Hess Fellows Advocacy and Poverty Internships
The Hess Fellows Advocacy Program provides an intensive opportunity connecting
students with non-profit advocacy and poverty organizations. Advocacy interns learn
about advocacy, community engagement, and non-profit management through an eight-
week summer internship. They participate as full members of the agencies, helping to
build organizational capacity by conducting research, facilitating coalitions among
constituencies, leading community outreach programs, organizing lobbying efforts,
coordinating grassroots campaigns, and other means. Poverty interns learn about the
multiple dimensions of poverty through a variety of projects across the country. In
addition, students participate in workshops before and after their internships and
complete written reflections on their experiences during the internship. Applications for
internships are due in February each year and participants are selected through a
competitive process.
The First-Year Leadership Challenge
The First-Year Leadership Challenge is a co-curricular experience offered during the
month of January that helps students identify their leadership strengths and position
themselves for success at Birmingham-Southern College and beyond. The Challenge
introduces leadership concepts relevant for campus involvement. Students meet weekly
to participate in activities and simulations with other first-year students. The Challenge is
a joint effort between the Office of Student Development and the Hess Center for
Leadership and Service. Participants are nominated by faculty and staff during the fall
term.
The Compass Student Publication
Compass
publishes academic papers submitted by students, faculty, and alumni that
address issues of leadership, service, or experiential learning. The
Compass
is a student-
run publication issued each academic year. Submissions are welcome from all academic
areas.
Sklenar Center for International Programs
Anne Ledvina, Associate Director
The Sklenar Center for International Programs provides leadership for international
education at Birmingham-Southern College. Global engagement and awareness is