Distinctions FAQ
What is the new “Distinctions” program at St. Lawrence?
Distinctions is an experience- and skill-based program for students to develop relevant professional skills, put them into practice, and receive guidance on how best to articulate and promote them in their post-college lives professional and/or academic lives.
What does Distinctions consist of?
Distinctions has three components:
- Skills trainings, workshops, and programs. These may be done through on-campus programs and events, as well as through off-campus or 3rd party providers such as LinkedIn Learning, etc.
- Experiences that demonstrate students using those skills in action/context. These can include research, volunteer work, selected campus employment, internships, summer jobs, and co-curricular activities.
- Reflection with university staff and faculty to receive guidance for, and review of, their final Distinction Plan. This includes a reflection document in which they identify Distinction skills, discuss how the Distinction influenced their academic and/or co-curricular experience at St. Lawrence University and explain how the Distinction contributes to clarity of purpose and/or their ability to pursue post-college plans.
What are my options for Distinctions?
The current list of Distinctions includes the following options:
- Technology
- Communication
- Grant-seeking
- Project Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership (administered by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership)
- Cultural Proficiency (administered by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion)
How do I get started on pursuing a Distinction?
Contact Geoff Falen at gfalen@stlawu.edu or make a Handshake appointment to explore your Distinctions interest!
Can I count work or activities done in my classes/for credit as part of my Distinction?
Distinctions is not intended to align with any particular major or directly include coursework. If there are specific technical or other skills gained as part of an academic class, students should demonstrate ongoing/additional engagement through further training/experience in their Distinctions proposal.
May I do more than one Distinction during my time at St. Lawrence? Can I “double-count” skills and/or experiences for more than one Distinction?
Theoretically, students may pursue more than one Distinction. However, the skills and experiences used for each Distinction may only be utilized for one Distinction.
How long does it take to earn a Distinction? I’m a junior/senior: can I count experiences or activities I have done prior to applying?
Distinctions are intended to be earned over time, with forethought and intention, and may take multiple semesters/summers. That said, students may make a case for appropriate inclusion of previous activities and training.
Do you have any specific examples for the kinds of activities and training that may be used for Distinctions?
Students are encouraged to explore a variety of experiences and training opportunities in their pursuit of a Distinction. See separate outline for more on Distinctions and examples of activities that may be used.