LEAD Week

We're excited to welcome you to LEAD Week!

LEAD Week activities are held Sunday through Friday one week prior to the start of the school year! For academic year dates, please refer to the academic calendar.

Questions? Please email us at leadscholarsprogram@scu.edu 

LEAD Week Activities

All incoming LEAD Scholars are expected to participate in LEAD Week. This program is designed to help scholars make a smooth transition from high school into college life both academically and socially. It is an opportunity to learn about the expectations of college courses by participating in college level classes. In addition, scholars will learn about the social and academic resources on campus, and have a supportive network of faculty, staff, and peers that will extend beyond LEAD Week. 

To answer some of your LEAD Week and Campus Move-In questions, please review these LEAD Week FAQs. 

English 1, Critical Thinking and Writing

All first-year students will be introduced to the academics of Santa Clara University by beginning their English 1A (Critical Thinking and Writing 1) class early. Transfer students are also required to take ENGL 1A if they have not yet fulfilled their introductory English requirements. These students will continue with the same professor and cohort group through the fall quarter. Course work in the ENGL 1A class during LEAD Week will count towards the final grade in the fall quarter. It is mandatory that students attend all class sessions, participate in class, complete all essay assignments and daily readings. Scholars will continue into ENGL 2A in winter quarter with the same cohort and instructor.

LEAD Transfer Student Meetings

Transfer students who have completed their introductory English requirement will participate in a series of transfer student meetings to introduce them to SCU.

LEAD Week Elective

All participants will also take a one-week elective course of their choosing which may include Engineering, Ethnic Studies, Mathematics, Business, Chemistry, Biology, Theater, Humanities, Sociology, Public Health, Psychology, Neuroscience, or Religious Studies. These courses take place every day of LEAD Week. On your LEAD Week forms due in August, you will be asked to select one of these courses. Please use the following descriptions to select a course. These classes will not be graded and will not go on a student's permanent record. However, the courses are an integral part of LEAD Week, and it is mandatory that scholars attend all class sessions, participate in class discussions, and complete homework assignments and exams.

Community Building

LEAD Week is where you'll meet some of your first and closest friends! LEAD Scholars participate in community building activities led by peer mentors that introduce students each other, the LEAD community, campus resources and SCU academics. We will also host workshops and large group activities to learn more about campus, connect with each other and have fun!

LEAD Scholars Seminar

During the academic year, first year students will be enrolled in LEAD 1 and 2, college transition seminar courses which take place in fall and winter quarter. Transfer students will be enrolled in LEAD 101 which takes place in fall quarter. The seminar is a two-unit course that meets once a week. In the seminars we discuss important topics and sharing vital university information regarding college transition experiences, campus resources, leadership opportunities and vocation exploration.

LEAD Week Team

LEAD Week is successful due to the support and efforts of our LEAD Week team. Santa Clara University faculty from various departments will teach courses and help scholars understand the expectations of college-level coursework and faculty/student relationship. The faculty will go beyond the classroom experience, and share with scholars the need to create strong bonds with faculty, share important study tips, and serve as an additional resource to scholars.

ENGL 1 and LEAD Seminar courses also have Peer Educators who provide academic support those courses. Among other responsibilities they may provide tutoring, and lead and participate in class discussions. These students continue as peer educators through LEAD Week, and fall and winter quarters.

Peer Mentors are current Santa Clara University students who will facilitate peer mentor meetings throughout LEAD Week and new students' first year. Peer Mentors will share their experience as SCU students, providing important tips on how to navigate the SCU system, and answer questions for our incoming scholars. Peer Mentors will also coordinate fun activities and team building sessions.

We also have a Transfer Student Team of peer mentors and Seminar peer educators to support our new transfer students. 

The LEAD Scholars Program staff will support your educational path throughout your four years at Santa Clara University. The LEAD staff organizes all areas of the LEAD Scholars Program including LEAD Week and the LEAD Scholar Seminar courses.