Frequently Asked Questions


PRIOR TO THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
LIVING, SLEEPING, MEALS
CONTACTING HOME
THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE PROGRAM





PRIOR TO THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

How can I apply?
Complete the application found on the site and mail it in.

Where does The Leadership Experience take place?
The Leadership Experience takes place on the beautiful suburban campus of Villanova University, approximately 12 miles outside of Philadelphia. More information about this prestigious university can be found at www.villanova.edu.

Which airport should I fly into for The Leadership Experience?
The Philadelphia airport is located approximately 30 minutes from the campus of Villanova University. The staff does coordinate limo/shuttle services for students. Please contact us at 484-880-1458 or email bethmooney@learningtolead.org to arrange transportation to the campus. The transportation costs to and from the airport are approximately $50 per student each way.

What should I bring/pack?
Linen service which consists of sheets, blanket, towels and a pillow are included in the tuition. The residence halls are air-conditioned. There is no cable hook up or phone in the rooms. Participants are responsible for bringing their own toiletries and since the restrooms are common and shared many bring a bucket or a way to transport their items to and from the restrooms.

Since we do spend time outdoors, we suggest bringing sun tan lotion and bringing some athletic, cool and comfortable clothing. The attire for the week is comfortable and casual. Past participants could be seen wearing khaki shorts, golf shirts, t-shirts, etc.

In addition, to the three unlimited meals, students may wish to bring money for drinks, snacks from the various university eateries and/or vending machines.

Medication
Some participants will need to bring medication. We ask that you denote the need to bring medication on the application form and denote as well how you would like the medication administered and located.

Can I bring my cell phone?
Cell phone usage is permitted during free time. However, during organized activities and programming, cell phone must be on silent and usage is allowed only for emergencies.

What are the Check In/Check Out Times and Procedures?
Check in for The Leadership Experience Resident Participants is from 4:00pm – 6:00pm on Sunday, July 13th. NO EARLIER CHECK IN WILL BE PERMITTED. Check in for Day Participants will be at 8:45am on Monday, July 14th. Participants will be notified in May for exact check in locations and directions. Check out for The Leadership Experience for resident participants will take place from 3:00pm – 4:00pm on Friday, July 18th.





LIVING, SLEEPING, MEALS

Where will I stay?
All overnight participants will reside in University residence halls. The residence halls are air conditioned and accessed only through a security card. Each room involves a traditional set up with two twin beds, dresser and desk. Wings are organized by gender. There is a shared restroom on each floor with several showers.

Supervision/Assistance: who will assist us if we need help during the night?
There will be several resident leaders who will reside on the halls with the students. These leaders are University trained Resident Assistants and have been educated for the position. In case of emergency or if a participant is in need of assistance these individuals will be available throughout the night. Overnight staff to student ratio is typically 13:1.

Meals
Overnight students are provided three all-you-care-to-eat meals each day. Day time participants are provided lunch. All meals take place in the Dougherty Dining Hall where students have many options including several hot meal options, pizza, deli bar, salad bar, vegetation dishes, dessert bar including ice cream and unlimited beverages. In addition to the meals, students may choose to bring cash to purchase snacks outside of the meal time at the various universities eateries and/or vending machines.

In case of Emergency
If a participant is in need of medical care, the Bryn Mawr Hospital is approximately one and half miles away. In addition there is an urgent care facility approximately two miles away depending on the illness and the needs of the students. In addition, the University has a 24 emergency medical response team. The application requests medical insurance information to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Campus Security
Residence Halls can only be accessed through a keycard which each participant will receive. In addition, campus security patrols the campus 24 hours a day.

Room Keys and Wild Card Policies
Students are responsible for their room key and wildcard which grant them access to the buildings and serve as their meal cards. Students will be charged a $65.00 lost room key fee and a $15.00 lost wildcard fee. Upon check in students are provided with a Villanova lanyard as a source to hold both items. Students are encouraged to wear the lanyard at all times to ensure that both are not lost!

Policies on Inappropriate Behavior, Smoking and Substance Abuse
The Leadership Experience includes ONLY students that are excited to learn more about themselves, set goals, make a difference and be inspired. Demonstration of inappropriate behavior, use of cigarettes, drugs and alcohol are absolutely not permitted. A student will be removed immediately from the program and parents/guardians will need to immediately arrange for transportation from the Villanova University campus.

Is laundry service available?
There are some washing machines and dryers in the residence halls. Students will need to bring quarters for the service and purchase or bring detergent.

What time do I go to sleep?
Our days are busy and you will need all the energy you can find and therefore we request that students are in their rooms by 10:00pm and lights out at 10:30pm.





CONTACTING HOME

Will I have internet access?
There are very limited places on campus that you can have internet access but participants should know that it is limited and there is not much time available for checking email, etc.

Cell Phones
Cell phone usage is permitted during free time. However, during organized activities and programming, cell phone must be on silent and usage is allowed only for emergencies.





THE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

What is the week like?
It is probably something like you have never experienced before. Many describe it as one of the most inspirational weeks of their lives.

The week is complete with hands on activities, some classroom sessions and workshops designed to create awareness on what leadership is, how to use it and how it can help you reach your goals. Please visit the Day in the Life page to gain a better understanding of this highly interactive and fun week!

Students come from both the United States and other countries for this one week. The program is open to students in High School.

Many students are already leaders and use the program to improve their leadership skills. Others come without a formalized leadership role and leave with many ideas on how to get involved. Both groups of participants experience a great week!