Lakehead Global Certificate Program
Message from James Aldridge (Vice Provost, International)
Welcome to the homepage of the Lakehead Global Certificate (LGC). The vision of Lakehead University International (LUI) is to develop inter-culturally competent and socially engaged leaders through transformative global experiences. In alignment with key strategies embedded in our Strategic and Academic Plans, and as we continue to internationalize Lakehead University, LUI seeks innovative ways to provide our students with new experiences and to develop skills that will help prepare them for the increasingly globalized world in which we live.
LGC is a program designed to recognize students who, throughout their time at Lakehead, have demonstrated a commitment to the development of intercultural communication skills, cultural intelligence, and global competency. Co-curricular certificates are awarded to students whose participation in a variety of extra-curricular activities, events, programs, seminars, classes and other experiences, demonstrate this.
LGC is a work in progress, growing and evolving as new activities and experiences are added. We look forward to your input and feedback as we roll out this program to our students and community.
Finally, I want to say a special thanks to three people who were instrumental in the development and launch of this program. Kevin Brooks was special advisor on this program, handling much of the research and developing key foundational elements of the program. Katie Fraser (International Engagement Specialist on the Orillia campus) and Laura Pudas (International Student Advisor and Student Mobility expert based in Thunder Bay) have and will continue to lead the program as it grows. I extend a huge thanks to you all.
What is a Lakehead Global Certificate (LGC)?
The Lakehead Global Certificate (LGC) is a program designed to recognize students who, throughout their time at Lakehead University, have demonstrated a commitment to the development of intercultural communication skills, cultural intelligence, and global competency. Cultural intelligence is the ability to function effectively across cultures, ability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. Global competency is the ability to cross boundaries and prosper in multiple cultures.
A Lakehead Global Certificate is awarded to students who, through participation in a variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, events, programs, seminars, classes, and other experiences, demonstrate global awareness, cultural intelligence, and global competency.
The LGC is a specialized, focused, Co-Curricular Record verified and issued by Lakehead University International (LUI). The LGC program is open to all students of Lakehead University. Students can achieve one of three levels that will indicate their commitment to global learning: Global Inquirer, Global Explorer, Global Citizen.
Why Should You Participate?
The LGC rewards Lakehead students for demonstrating global and intercultural competencies. An LGC can be earned at no cost to the student but will be a valuable part of a student's exceptional LU experience.
The LGC will allow you to make valuable connections with diverse members of the Lakehead community and expand your network of like-minded students. Students who can explain and demonstrate their understanding of intercultural and global issues will have a competitive advantage upon entering the job market. Whether you are pursuing social justice work, any area of business, or have a keen interest in the environment, you will significantly benefit from increasing your intercultural and global knowledge and appreciation for internationalization across communities. Students may have many motivations to earn an LGC, including:
Give Your LU Degree a Global Edge: The LGC will allow you to make valuable connections with diverse members of the Lakehead community and expand your network of like-minded students.
Set Yourself Apart: Students who can explain and demonstrate their understanding of intercultural and global issues will have a competitive advantage upon entering the job market.
Personal Development: Whether you are pursuing social justice work, any area of business, or have a keen interest in the environment, you will significantly benefit from increasing your intercultural and global knowledge and appreciation for internationalization across communities.
LGC Point System
There are three levels of the Lakehead Global Certificate and points are cumulative:
The Global Inquirer:
12 points, at least 3 points drawn from 3 different pillars.
The Global Explorer:
15 points, at least 4 points drawn from drawn 3 different pillars.
The Global Citizen:
18 points, at least 4 points drawn from 4 different pillars
LGC Pillar System
Pillar 1: Peer to Peer Engagement |
Pillar 1 emphasizes participation in meaningful engagement between domestic and international students. Activities categorized under Pillar 1 include: Have an idea for an activity under Pillar 1? Use our LGC Activity Request Submission Form! |
Pillar 2: Community Involvement |
Pillar 2 promotes engagement with diverse members of the off-campus communities to share their cultural knowledge and experiences. Activities categorized under Pillar 2 include: Refer to the LGC Pillars for a complete list of approved activities. Have an idea for an activity under Pillar 2? Use our LGC Activity Request Submission Form! |
Pillar 3: Intercultural Education and Awareness |
Pillar 3 focuses on ways in which students can develop their global knowledge and competency by taking part in a variety of online, on-campus, and community events. Activities categorized under Pillar 3 include: Refer to the LGC Pillars for a complete list of approved activities. Have an idea for an activity under Pillar 3? Use our LGC Activity Request Submission Form! |
Pillar 4: International and Global Experience |
Pillar 4 focuses on the many ways that students can develop their skills by immersing themselves in a culture that is different than their own. Activities categorized under Pillar 4 include: Refer to the LGC Pillars for a complete list of approved activities. Have an idea for an activity under Pillar 4? Use our LGC Activity Request Submission Form! |
Pillar 5: Diverse Work Experience |
Pillar 5 rewards points for students participating in on or off-campus employment opportunities in a global setting, working with diverse co-workers, and/or working with global content. Activities categorized under Pillar 5 include: Refer to the LGC Pillars for a complete list of approved activities. Have an idea for an activity under Pillar 5? Use our LGC Activity Request Submission Form! |
Pillar 6: Language Learning |
Pillar 6 awards points to students who seek increased global awareness by learning a language beyond their home language. Activities categorized under Pillar 6 include: Refer to the LGC Pillars for a complete list of approved activities. Have an idea for an activity under Pillar 6? Use our LGC Activity Request Submission Form! |
How Can I Earn an LGC?
1. Create your LGC Profile.
This allows us to learn more about you and is a great opportunity for you to do some initial self-reflection about your current global competencies.
2. Look at the LGC Pillars and try to map out a path to certification that is right for you.
3. Throughout your time at LU, engage in activities and events that will count as points towards your LGC. Be sure to complete the LGC Activity Record after you have attended an LGC approved event.
4. Once you have earned enough points for a Lakehead Global Certificate, you can submit a request for validation of your activities on the Co-Curricular Record portal. Please ensure that your request reflects the appropriate LGC earned (i.e. Global Inquirer, Global Explorer, Global Citizen). You must also complete the LGC Completion Self-Reflection Form. Please note: points awarded from one certificate may be used for students working towards the next level (i.e. your points from Global Inquirer LGC would count towards the Global Explorer LGC).
Contact Information
Laura
Pudas
International Recruitment Officer - Africa, Middle East, Caribbean
Campus: Thunder Bay
Office Location: NO 2004B
Phone Number: +1 807-343-8010ext. 7907
Email: recruit2.intl@lakeheadu.ca