Every leader starts somewhere
Leaders aren't born—they’re made (Vince Lombardi). Wherever you are in your leadership development, these thoughtfully designed programs and events will support your goals and empower you to engage on campus and beyond.
The Office of Student Engagement's leadership programs are cocurricular, meaning the purpose is to add experiences, opportunities, and another dimension to your life outside of the classroom at your pace. The ultimate goal is for you to develop leadership skills during your time at Western that you can transfer to your career and personal life.
Network and grow through leadership events
Conferences
The leadership conference takes place in the fall and is developed and facilitated by students for students. Conferences consist of a wide variety of activities that touch on the following topics: communication, problem-solving, risk-taking, team-building, and diversity.
Camp With Us:
This camping event is geared toward those who wish to learn new skills outdoors in a familiar and accessible environment. Participants learn the ins and outs of camping and beginner backpacking while making meaningful connections along the way. Camp With Us takes place at the Kalamazoo Nature.
Leaders Unplugged:
Some of the most popular experience-driven activities are the backpacking trips during fall break and spring break. Whether you're an experienced hiker or you have never slept in a tent, backpackers of any level are welcome to spend time with our experienced professionals and student staff to learn the leadership lessons the outdoors can teach us.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning in student activities combines leadership development and hands-on opportunities through programs like LeadCorp. Students engage in real-world projects, collaborate across campus, and build skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork that prepare them for success beyond graduation.
Inclusion initiatives:
More events to come:
First-Year Seminar: Learn more about who you are as a leader
The First-Year Seminar leadership section, FYE 2100, focuses on developing tomorrow’s leaders and instilling the importance leadership plays in the college experience. Whether you’re accustomed to leading in some capacity or are just tapping into your potential, our course is designed for all students no matter the level.
We set out to show you the importance of cocurricular involvement as well as various approaches, philosophies and theories of leadership. You will participate in leadership skill-building activities and will have opportunities to build friendships and connections with other student leaders.
This course will also help you explore how leadership development impacts your overall development as a college student and will be co-facilitated by a staff member of the Office of Student Engagement and a current WMU student leader. If you’re a current student interested in being a co-facilitator, you can apply for a position through the Office of Student Transitions.
You can register for one of these sections during New Student Orientation when you meet with your academic advisor.
Other student resources
Join a student organization
There is a place for you here at WMU. With hundreds of registered student organizations on campus, you can find a welcoming community of new friends who share your interests. And if by chance you’re unable to find an existing student group that matches what you’re looking for, you can create one yourself!
Get active with club sports
Whether you’re looking to play basketball, soccer or lacrosse; go skydiving; or even try out ballet, you'll find a variety of sports and recreational activities on campus right at your fingertips.