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Leader/Scholar Program
Overview
The Leader/Scholar Program (LSP) is designed to address the specific needs and interests of first-year students entering the University. Laying a foundation for success, it offers academic, leadership, and career programs and seminars beneficial for personal and community development.
The program encourages students to get out of their rooms and become active members of campus. In order to make the most of their time at UF, students in this small, diverse, supportive community are introduced to many of campus’ untapped and underutilized resources and opportunities. By taking advantage of these opportunities, residents will gain an edge on their college careers over other students.
Residents can also earn LSP credits toward a Leader/Scholar Certification at the end of the year. However, it is not the piece of paper that matters in the end, but the different experiences needed to earn the certificate that truly benefit the student as they begin their journey as a leader and scholar at the University of Florida.
Program Goals
- Assist incoming first-year students in making a smooth transition to the University community.
- Provide high quality residential programs in an effort to enhance new students' academic success and retention at the University.
- Provide additional opportunities for informal out-of-class interactions between new students and faculty.
- Provide professional and paraprofessional staff to address the specific needs of first year students.
- Develop a strong sense of unity and support where students feel comfortable interacting with each other and the University community.
Various Leader/Scholar Event Photos
Academic Courses
Residents are able to take an optional class.
- Choices in Leadership and Scholarship (EDA 4930) – 3 sections available each fall
This one-credit course is designed to help students get involved in college and develop a plan for success at UF. Topics include leadership, involvement in student organizations, study strategies for academic success, and career planning.
Other Academic Resources
- LSP Certification: Residents can complete the LSP Certification process by attending activities and programs sponsored by housing staff, getting involved in student organizations, completing community service, and completing the process to be a UF Traditions Keeper.
- Peer Mentor Office Hours: Peer Mentors in the Trusler Leader Scholar Program serve office hours during the afternoon and early evening hours throughout the week. They can assist residents by answering questions and referring students to available resources on campus.
- Academic advising: The Assistant Director of Housing for Residential Curriculum and Assessment is an academic advisor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The advisor is available on a walk-in basis to answer questions about majors within the CLAS and to offer resources for other general academic advising questions, particularly for exploratory students. Look for the advisor's hours posted in the Graham residence area. You will also know the advisor is in when you see the BLUE BANNER hanging from the Graham 2nd floor balcony indicating, “The Academic Advisor is IN Today!”
- Study space: There is a small conference room and a classroom in the Office of Student Learning and Engagement. Both are frequently available for individual or small group study during the day (8:30am-4:30pm) and on some evenings during Peer Mentor office hours. The Graham Gallery is also located on the second floor of the Graham Commons and is available for quiet study (data port available).
- Library resources: The conference room in the Office of Student Learning and Engagement is home to a small collection of books covering the following topics: reference; leadership; first year of college & college success; career choices; international student issues; student development & higher education.
- Other programs include fall exam week breakfasts and study breaks, study buddies, exam review sessions and on-site classes.
About Trusler Hall
Trusler Hall houses 192 first year students, 4 Resident Assistants, 4 Peer Mentors, and 1 Graduate Hall Director. Trusler is an air-conditioned hall in the West Campus Residence Area in the immediate vicinity of Graham and Simpson Halls, as well as the Honors Residential College at Hume Hall. Right outside the front door is a swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, a convenience store, and a Boar's Head Sub Shop & Grille. Nearby is the Reitz Union, the Gator Corner Dining Facility, the O’Connell Center, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and available freshman parking. For more information about the facility, click here.
How Do I Participate?
During your selection date and time, you will login to the myHousing Portal (located at my.housing.ufl.edu) to select a room. On the left side of the screen, you will select the Room Signup option. Simply indicate Leader Scholar Program at Trusler as your choice of Building, and then find an available room. See the room selection info page.
