Santa Clara University

As a participant in the LEAD Scholars Program we require participation in certain aspects of our program, particularly those that take place during the first year.

Incoming LEAD Scholars and their families are asked to attend New Student Orientation session 2 or session 3. This is optional, but strongly preferred. At these two orientation sessions, we offer programs specifically for LEAD Scholars and their families. LEAD Scholars will be introduced to the program and begin to explore their courses with faculty and staff from the LEAD Scholars Program. We also hold a dinner for LEAD Scholars and their families to connect with faculty, staff and students in the program. Lastly we have a meeting for families to introduce them to Santa Clara University, the LEAD Scholars Program and college life.

Freshman Year

LEAD Week*

LEAD Week takes places the week before fall quarter begins. This program is a one-week program that is of no cost to student participants. Students are introduced to the academics of Santa Clara University by beginning their English 1 class early. They also take a one-week elective course of their choosing in such fields as Engineering, Chemistry, Business, or Religious Studies. LEAD Week also offers workshops that familiarize students with university resources and culture. Lastly, peer mentors coordinate a various team-building activities to engage students and foster community among LEAD Scholars. Click here for more information on LEAD Week.

English 1A and 2A* (Critical Thinking (CTW))

LEAD Scholars take the freshman required courses, English 1A and 2A within the LEAD Scholars Program. These courses begin during LEAD Week and continue through fall and winter quarters of their first year. Students take English 1A and 2A with the same instructor and students. These instructors for the LEAD Scholars English 1A and 2A have been specially selected because of their interest in working with first generation college students. These two courses provide an academic foundation for students, allowing them to fulfill their Critical Thinking and Writing requirement within an academically challenging and supportive environment.

LEAD Seminar 1 and 2*

In their freshmen year, LEAD Scholars also take LEAD 1 and 2, the LEAD Seminars during fall and winter quarters. This is a 2 unit course that addresses students’ transition to college. In the first quarter, students explore various resources on campus and how these resources can assist them in a successful transition to college. In LEAD 2 during winter quarter, students explore campus leadership opportunities and how to take advantage of these opportunities. For example they will learn about orientation leader and community facilitator positions, and develop their resume-writing and interviewing skills.

* While participation in the LEAD Scholars Program is optional, once a student agrees to participate these 3 components: LEAD Week, LEAD English 1A and 2A, and the LEAD Seminar 1 and 2 are mandatory. All other components of the programs are optional.

Students living on and off campus are welcome in the LEAD Scholars Program. Each of these students, however must be a member of one of four Residential Learning Communities (RLCs): Communitas, CyPhi, Xavier, or Unity. This allows for students to continue community building with LEAD Scholars in their RLCs. For students living on campus, this means you must live in one of these halls. For students living off campus, it means that you will be a member of this RLC granting you access to the residence hall, providing you information about RLC programs and generally becoming a part of that community. Please note this when indicating your RLC preferences on your housing or commuter application in ecampus.