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 Winter Leadership Conference 2003: Leadership In Action ... Just Do It! Winter Leadership Conference pictures are up and can be viewed under our Leadership in Action section. This year's leadership conference took on a much different feel than previous conferences sponsored by the Student Affairs Division. Utilizing a few nationally recognized leadership models (i.e. Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and LeaderShape, Inc.), this year's conference focused on simulated experiences that challenged students' perspectives around leadership values rather than traditional presentations and educational sessions. The five values identified for this year's conference experience included Integrity, Inclusiveness, Community, Making a Difference, and Change for the Common Good. At the conference, students were actively engaged in a variety of large group immersion exercises and small team meetings that required them to act and reflect on these values. Additionally, participants were educated on The Four Agreements by Don Miguel's Ruiz - Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don't Make Assumptions, Always Do Your Best, and Don't Take Things Personally. At the conclusion of the conference, students developed both a personal and team leadership oath. Additionally, each participant received a conference t-shirt, certificate of participation, and a special gift from SLI - a copy of The Four Agreements. Although we anticipated some challenges associated with our risk-taking, conference planners (students and student affairs educators) felt strongly that this type of immersion and student-centered focus would greatly impact the personal development and community commitment of conference participants. Based on our evaluations, the conference planning committee was right on target! A special thank you must go out to all of the departments that helped out with this year's leadership conference: Student Life, Residential Education, University Ministry, Campus Recreation, Student Centers Administration, Multi-Cultural Student Affairs, and Barat's Residential Education & Student Activities. One hundred and twenty-one student leaders participated in the conference this year. |
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