Trevecca Nazarene University believes in the holistic development of students. Success is not determined solely on the academic merits of a student. Success is also measured through the spiritual, physical, and emotional maturation and development of the student. The desire is to graduate students that are successful in life in addition to their academic discipline. Developing the leadership potential in students is a key factor in this. There is a specific focus on leadership and service as indicated through the Trevecca Nazarene University mission statement. These qualities are evident from the moment a student sets foot on campus. All freshmen students are required to take the freshman seminar course with the intent of effectively transitioning them into the Trevecca culture. There are four foundational pieces to this assimilation:

1. Forming a Connection

   Students are divided into mentoring groups (know as Leap groups) of approximately 14-16. Each group is assigned a faculty/staff mentor and a peer mentor (upperclassman student). The goal is to build community within the groups and allow students to broaden their community as they become more comfortable throughout their first semester. All new students will have a faculty/staff person and peer mentor to aid them in this transition.

2. Developing Self-awareness

   Freshman students usually have limited life experience and self-awareness, yet feel the pressure to decide on a major. Students are given assessments such as the Strengths Quest and Myers Briggs Type Indicator. The premise behind this is that the better students know themselves, the better they will align themselves with an academic discipline that matches their interests, strengths, and personality.

3. Evaluating God’s Calling (vocation)

   Students are encouraged to pursue a vocation (calling) versus an occupation. Learners are encouraged to consider their God-given gifts and talents, convictions, and interests (aspects of a calling) versus merely seeking a job that will give the greatest monetary gain.

4. Understanding Leadership and Service

   We have selected a leadership curriculum for the freshman seminar course to remain congruent with the university mission. The leadership curriculum encourages character development and self-leadership. Additionally, the entire freshman class participates in community service efforts across the metro Nashville area.

 

For Information about the Adventure Leap Program, click here.