Student Leadership & Involvement

New to campus and want to get more involved? Want the opportunity to showcase your organization and recruit new members? The Annual Fall Involvement Fair has become the place to be for students interested in joining clubs and organizations.  Organizations have the opportunity to positively showcase what they’re all about! Come check out the variety of student organizations, offices here to help you succeed and local businesses with lots of free stuff to give-away. This is a can't miss event for any student looking to get involved. 

For Fall Please explore the Fall Involvement Fair website 

Participation:  Any WCU Student can participate

The EXPLORE Leadership series is offered in partnership with Residence Life & Housing Services that is offered in both the fall and spring semesters. 

Participation:  Any WCU Student can participate

The Ruby Jones conference formally knon as the The Multicultural/Diversity Student Leadership Conference Funded in part by State Farm, this leadership opportunity is in its eleventh year.   This is an annual conference where the emphasis is placed on providing programs specifically for all students to help them understand leadership from their perspective and how to work together in our ever-growing multicultural world. Additionally, it provides all students at West Chester University with an opportunity to broaden their definition of leadership and to participate in an event that celebrates diversity and difference in a spirit of inclusiveness.

Occurs annually in the Fall Semester. 

Participation:  Any WCU Student can participate

CAPC approved the Leadership Minor in 2015.  Incorporated into the Honors College as it’s “home”, this inter-disciplinary minor provides any WCU student with the ability to participate in leadership themed courses, as well as, allowing them to use existing courses in their respective majors to complete the requirements.

1. Graduates will have an ability to reflect upon their own skills and limitations as leaders, evidenced by performance in working with groups. 
2. Study the ethical dimensions of leadership- Foster ethicaldecision-making through critical analysis, problem solving, and discussions about integrity and character
3. Students will refine their communication skills and learn about group dynamics
4. Students will critically examine culture other than their own, and apply the knowledge gained in their personal and professional lives.
5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of key theories of organizational behavior and change, and to apply these theories in an organizational setting. Studies include an understanding of how organizations function, and how change can be affected within organizations and in society in general

Participation:  Any WCU Student can participate

This course is designed to explore strategies leaders employ as they seek the establishment of peace. Case studies are drawn from Nobel Peace laureates. The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement partners and supports this course. Students must be enrolled in the course to be a part of this series. 

Participation:  Only those students enrolled in this course may participate.

Leadership Consultants provide assistance to other departments, organizations, staff, programs, or events at West Chester University. Hired from among the undergraduate student body, Leadership Consultants serve as a resource for student organizations and their leadership.  LC’s facilitate leadership programs, mentor student organizations, and coordinate the details surrounding a variety of leadership activities from leadership conferences to leadership series. They serve as office ambassadors to the campus population and encourage involvement in leadership positions. 

Participation:  Any student who successfully completes the interview process

This program has been intentionally designed for team captains of our varsity athletic program. It provides advanced leadership training that helps to develop critical skills and insights that will be necessary for captains to be vocal leaders and enhance the overall experience of their teammates. Topics of sessions include What is Leadership, Conflict and Conflict Management, Leadership Styles, and What is your Legacy?  All participants will take the Leadership Practices Inventory which will identify leadership strengths and challenges.

Participation:  Open to any varsity athlete currently serving as a captain or someone who has been identified as a potential future captain.

The Horrocks Emerging Leaders Conference is a component of the Michael Horrocks Leadership Institute for Varsity Athletes.  The Institute is named after a former West Chester University quarterback and graduate who lost his life as one of the co-pilots of one of the planes that went into one of the twin towers on September 11, 2001.  It is in honor of him and his sacrifice that we sought and received permission to name this Institute after him.  The Horrocks Emerging Leaders Conference is one of the components of the overall Institute.  Student athletes are chosen by coaches & captains to participate in the institute.  This one day event is designed to provide leadership training and development to a select group of outstanding first years, sophomores and juniors who, as recognized leaders, will be taking on the mantle of leadership as future captains and team leaders. Upper class student-athletes may serve as peer mentors and discussion leaders during this event.  Special focus is on character building, ethical decision-making, and responsibility.

To learn more check out this video.

Participation:  This event is open for new Varsity Athletes. 

The Executive Board Training Retreat allows current executive board members of various clubs and organizations to participate in a leadership experience in a retreat-like setting focusing on leadership, involvement and self-development. Heading into its sixth year, this event continues to attract some of the most powerful student leaders on campus looking for opportunities for personal growth and networking.

Participation:  Only elected executive board members are able to participate – specifically, Presidents, Vice Presidents, Treasurers and Secretaries

The purpose of the Sports Club Leadership Series is to provide leadership training to executive board members of our various sports clubs.  As leaders of athletic teams, they have unique leadership issues that necessitate a separate leadership series that helps them understand the intricacies of leading both members and a team. In this inaugural year, Campus Recreation, Sports Club Council, and the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement sponsored three workshops that covered leadership development topics for emerging and current leaders in the WCU sports club community. Ultimate goal was to help them understand your role and function as a leader on your team to make your next season the best season yet!

Participation:  Executive board members of one of our recognized student sports clubs

Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa is as much an obligation and responsibility in leadership as it is a mark of highest distinction and honor. Membership is awarded to undergraduate junior and senior students; to graduate students; to faculty, staff, administration and alumni; and to persons qualifying for membership "honoris causa." Student membership is open only to individuals currently enrolled at institutions with active Omicron Delta Kappa Circles. Student membership candidates must rank in the upper 35 percent in scholarship of their school or college and must show leadership in at least one of five areas: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service, social and religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech, and the mass media; and creative and performing arts. An individual achieving distinction in his or her chosen profession or rendering outstanding service through leadership may be elected to honorary membership (honoris causa). We partner with the Honors College in supporting this honorary.  

Participation:  Only juniors, seniors and graduate students can apply.