Leading the Institute
Leadership is in the Washburn University Leadership Institute.
The Leadership Institute believes that experience is one of the principles of leadership development, and many of the best experiential opportunities lie within the Institute. As a student-led initiative, the Institute has established a Directors Council and Project Teams to encourage leadership development through the Washburn Leadership Experience. Different levels of responsibility with these positions allow students to immediately participate and network within the Institute.
Directors Council
There are six Student Director positions that form the Directors Council of the Leadership Institute. Each position involves a number of responsibilities, which in turn gives students the ability to affect change in the Leadership Institute, on Washburn's campus and in the community. Student Directors meet monthly to assess completed projects, evaluate tasks in progress and discuss future plans to ensure the success of the Institute and its constituencies. They are also in charge of overseeing their area's Project Teams. Responsibilities for each area within the Institute are allocated to Student Directors based on strengths, interests and experiences.
Student Director of Recruitment & Transition
Student Director of Communications
Student Director of Programming
Student Director of K-12 Leadership Development
Student Director of Community & Alumni Partnerships
Student Director of Campus Connections
Project Teams
There are several Project Teams within the Student Director areas of the Leadership Institute. Project Teams engage student involvement as both Leaders and Members. These positions do not require as much time or responsibility as the Student Director positions, but they still give students the opportunity to affect change in the Leadership Institute, on Washburn's campus and in the community. Project Team Leaders meet with their Student Director monthly to assess completed projects, evaluate tasks in progress and discuss future plans for their area. These Leaders oversee Members of their Project Team and are responsible for developing and implementing project team strategies. Responsibilities for each project team within the Institute are allocated to Project Team Leaders and Members based on strengths, interests and experiences.
Recruitment & Transition Project Teams
- New student recruitment activities (Junior and Senior Days, Scholarship Interview Day and communications with new, current and transfer students)
- Institute transitioning activities (New Student Orientation and Welcome Week, Leadership Institute Orientation and the PALS Mentoring Program)
Communications Project Teams
- Online communication tools (Web site, social media sites, eNewsletters and e-mail communications)
- Strategic plans to promote the Institute and its vision across campus and in the community
- Leadership awards development (award names and descriptions, recipient qualifications, application process and recognition ceremony)
Programming Project Teams
- Social activities hosted by the Institute (banquets, celebrations and group events)
- Group volunteer activities for Institute students on campus or in the community
- Co-curricular activities for the campus community (speakers, workshops and conferences)
K-12 Leadership Development Project Teams
- Designing and producing leadership development programs for K-12 youth
- Facilitate interactive sessions for Topeka's LEAD (Latino Empowerment and Development) Program
Community & Alumni Partnerships Project Teams
- Alumni network and activity development
- Expansion of community partnerships
- External advisory council of alumni and community partners that assist the Institute
Campus Connections Project Teams
- Development of the Institute as a campus resource for identifying leadership opportunities
- Campus advisory council of faculty and administration that assist the Institute
- Partner relationship expansion across campus to promote diversity and inclusion
- Create WTE fulfillment programs for student leadership roles with campus and community partners
