University / College Students and the Duke

For many of our Ontario participants, completing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award is something that you start and often finish during high school. However our post-secondary participant numbers are on the rise, and we want to see this continue.

Completing the Award during a post secondary education is a different challenge then completing the Award during high school. This is new territory for you, just as it is for us!

- Is the Award different after high school?

- University / College Duke Clubs in Ontario

- Up coming University / College Conferences

- 2007 Millennium Excellence Award

- 2007 TD Canada Trust Scholarship Recipients

University / Colleges Conference March, 2005 at Bark Lake

Why is the Award Challenge different after high school?

The Award challenge has not fundamentally changed, but your approach may need to be re-adjusted. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is designed to be a personal challenge regardless of life-stage. During high school, many components or the Award can be completed through involvement in extra curricular activities. At a post-secondary level this is still true, however for many students finding time for extra curricular activities is more of a challenge then it was in high school.

At the post secondary level, many people start to focus more strongly on building their resume. As you chose activities to complete sections of your Award, you can choose to gear those activities towards expanding your resume. Chose activities that are relevant to your personal goals. Below are some suggestions for a new spin on the same Award:

Award Assessors - In simple terms, an assessor is someone who is more skilled and can mentor you through the chosen activity. In a post secondary situation, you will likely have many friends/colleagues that can fill that role for you. Face it... whether you like it or not YOU are an adult!

Service - Volunteer experience is a great addition to your resume. Usually at Universities / Colleges there are several service clubs already started. Find one that suits your interests. Often there are opportunities to get involved with grass roots groups, advocacy groups, or other special interest groups. Remember, as soon as your volunteer experience benefits you more then it benefits the community, you should count it as a skill. (see Skills section)

Adventurous Journey - Many schools have an outdoor club where you could meet people with similar interests and a desire to get off campus and in the woods. If you are lucky, you might even find someone with equipment. Remember that when you are completing your Silver and Gold levels, there are MANY options when it comes to choosing a journey... your journey does not have to be a straight forward camping expedition. (see Adventurous Journey section)

Skill - Professors are often looking for volunteers and are happy to mentor you in your area of interest. In addition to developing skills, participation should lead to further contact with experienced people and help establish personal relationships with adults within the community.

Physical Recreation - If you're favourite way to get some exercise is to hit the gym with a friend, write it down! Remember, physical activity helps lower stress levels and you will probably need some of that during your educational career!

University / College Duke Clubs

Clubs are being created at many universities and colleges across Ontario. These clubs are a result of hard work by Award participants or Award holders. Each university / college scenario is different. These clubs are not only for those completing their Award, but also for Award Holders. This is an opportunity to arrange events as a group, get some well founded advice for Award Veterans, and meet others with similar interests.

Find a group at YOUR school

- U of T Duke of Ed Newsletter

If there is no Duke club at your school, it's up to YOU to start one (coming soon)