Campus Life has announced plans to upgrade Leading Edge, a leadership program designed for students seeking to improve their skills as part of its ongoing mission to improve student involvement.
As a partnership between Campus Life and the Leading Streak student organization, Leading Edge has been in existence for the past three years. This year, the program is seeking to reach a changing demographic of students, according to a news release.
“Students come from all walks of life and all levels of involvement at the University to explore who they are as leaders and where they are going, at LSU and beyond,” said Rachel Spencer, assistant director of Campus Life for Leadership and adviser to the Leading Edge program.
The program will kick off in January 2013 with a leadership development retreat designed to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the students. Throughout the spring semester, students will participate in weekly meetings to improve their confidence and communication skills. In addition to meetings, members will work on several semester-long leadership projects to generate positive change within the University and the community.
A staff made up of 15 student coordinators and peer mentors works with more than 40 students to address leadership concepts and social change, the release said. This peer-led program strives to instill values in its members that can eventually lead to change in the world.
“It’s very beneficial. We need more leadership programs on campus. College isn’t just about getting an education but making you a better person,” said Ambria Washington, mass communication senior. “We need to make sure students are aware of leadership opportunities.”
To qualify for membership, students must be full-time and in good standing with the University. They must also be available for weekly meetings throughout the spring semester and express an interest in getting involved in an organization on campus.
Although membership in the program is strictly open to first-year or new transfer students, interested upperclassmen can apply to be peer mentors for the program, according to the Campus Life website.
The program accepts sophomores, juniors and seniors who are active in other student organizations.
Applications for Leading Edge can be found on the Campus Life website and are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
‘College isn’t just about getting an education but making you a better person.’
