Celebrate your achievements and lessons learned outside of the classroom.

The Categories of the Emerging Leaders Programme recognise the many settings where you can gain valuable skills and experience outside of the classroom, and where many of you are recognised for your social impact and leadership contributions.

Explore the Categories below to see where your existing Activity Hours might belong or get inspired to pursue some Activity Hours in a new Category that captures your interest. Make sure to check out the FAQs for any questions you might have about the Categories.

 

  • The Career Development category recognises students who actively undertake activities to develop their career management skills.

    This category requires the completion of CareerEDGE+ Programme (not the profile), the latest version of a model used around the world to help students and graduates develop their employability. You can access this through the MyCareerSpace platform in the Menu bar of Otago CareerHub.

  • The Community Engagement category recognises students who are involved with civic and social purpose initiatives. These students are working with others to make positive contributions to the wider community external to the University.

    Community Engagement activity hours will often be completed with a community organisation but extend to assisting on a marae, service to others in a Church or other similar settings.

    Examples: Ignite Consultants, Red Cross Refugee Support Volunteer, Buddy Programme with Presbyterian Support Otago, Reading Oasis, Pātaka Ora community kitchen, majority of volunteer roles on Priceless, the UniCrew store. 

  • The Diversity and Inclusion category recognises students who strive to build their understanding and capacity to prioritise diversity and inclusion in our communities. 

    Examples: Executive member of a cultural club or a club/association centred on an under-represented group, hosting a workshop or event on an aspect related to diversity and inclusion.

  • The Enterprise and Innovation category recognises students who take on opportunities to identify problems and engage in creative problem-solving to find solutions.

    Examples: Taking part in Audacious, involvement in a hack-a-thon. 

  • The Global Citizenship category recognises students who engage with activities that strive to understand and practise what it means to be a global citizen. 

    Examples: Presenting at a Global Citizenship Cafe at the Social Impact Studio, volunteer with English Language Partners, being a Kiwi Host.

  • The Student and Campus Engagement category recognises students who actively make a positive contribution to the wider student and campus community.

    Examples: Mentor, Class representative, Locals Leader, college sub-wardens, executive member of an OUSA student club or association. 

  • The Sustainability category recognises students who engage in activities that contribute to a more sustainable future. 

    Examples: Engaging with a local environmental organisation, roles with the Sustainability Office, involvement with a sustainability-focused club or group. 

  • The Wellbeing category recognises students who advocate for and promote positive physical, mental, and/or social wellbeing.

    Examples: Volunteering with Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust, Youthline phone counsellor. 

  • The Work-Related Activity category recognises the learning and development that students can gain from workplace-related activities. 

    Examples: Internships (non-credit bearing), part-time work, and job-shadowing.