Learning to Lead
by John Buck, Assistant Dean of Students

"If you try, you will find it impossible to do one great thing. You can only do many small things with great love."
- Mother Teresa

For the past nine years, Webster University's Student Leadership Development Program (SLDP) has helped students foster the skills necessary to effectively lead within a global community.

The goals of the SLDP program are:
• To enhance student learning and personal development by providing leadership training and experiences which are fully compatible with the general education mission and goals of the undergraduate program.
• To provide diversity training so that students gain a full appreciation for cultural differences and the skills necessary to work in a multicultural setting.
• To assist students in assessing their leadership skills, abilities, and goals.
• To enhance campus life by establishing a pool of well-trained student leaders.
• To empower students to be productive citizens beyond the campus community.
• To provide training and development which will strengthen students' career opportunities.

Students can formalize their participation in the SLDP by pursuing the Leadership Certificate. The Certificate is completed at the student’s own pace and according to their individual interests. There are five components to the program:
• A three-credit, 16-week course on Leadership Development
• Attending a leadership development retreat
• Participating in a series of hour-long workshops
• A practical experience, such as being an orientation leader, resident assistant, or other prominent leadership role on campus
• 30 hours of community service over a two-year period
The requirements for the Leadership Certificate are based on a 5+2 system. That is, the student must complete all five basic components and then repeat two additional components of the original five.

The next event of the SLDP schedule is the Emerging Leaders retreat, slated for January 31-February 1, 2004. This overnight retreat focuses on leadership within a group context, and helps students gain an understanding of how closely leadership is connected to other people. Applications are available now through January 15 at the Student Affairs Office in the University Center.

Encourage your son or daughter to begin the journey of learning about the world of leadership!