Leadership Development
At the end of April, Student Support Services embarks on a weekend-long Leadership Camping Retreat to Camp Muskingum in Carrollton, OH. This retreat affords students an off-campus experience where they can focus on building meaningful relationships with other students and staff while developing a holistic understanding of what it means to be an effective leader. In between sessions, students are also able to take advantage of the great outdoors and participate in activities such as kayaking, canoeing, volleyball, and group campfires.
Student Support Services encourages students to enroll in “The Empowered Leader”, a professional development seminar around professional and leadership development. This course is designed to actively engage students and provide developmental coaching that cultivates professional competencies and sharpens leadership abilities. Through technical skill building exercises and intrusive feedback, students become equipped to meet the needs of potential future employers.
Each year, Kent State offers a peer leader training course that is designed to train students interested in becoming peer leaders. In partnership with the Office of Student Success Programs, we encourage our students to enroll in this 12-week, 1-credit course. While in the course, students develop a better understanding of Kent State policies and procedures; the roles and responsibilities of a peer leader; methods and strategies for college student success; and skills for effective communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and more! While a position is not guaranteed, students who complete the course are invited to apply for one of many different peer leader positions on campus including, but not limited to: Flashguides, resident assistants, learning assistants, tutors, peer mentors, SI leaders and tour guides.