Leadership Connection

Leadership Connection is a stimulating, week long, off-site program that develops both the student organization and individual student leader. The purpose of Leadership Connection to provide opportunities that strengthen student organizations' intra-group and inter-group development. Areas of focus for the week include collaboration, service and community responsibility, ethical decision making, and addressing campus climate. Student leaders are able to create more efficient organizational practices and social justice consciousness within their organizations.

Program Dates: April 30 - May 4, 2012


Application deadline has passed.

Program Description

Program Vision and Goals

Leadership Connection provides opportunities that promote student organizations' intra-group and inter-group development. Areas of learning include:

  • How to build collaborative relationships within your own organization and between organizations
  • How social justice issues are directly or indirectly part of all organizational work
  • How to think critically and be innovative to promote change and create opportunities

Leadership Connection provides opportunities that promote student organizations' intra-group and inter-group development, community development, and individual growth. Focus areas for this program include: COMMITMENT, SELF AWARENESS, INCLUSION, SHARED PURPOSE, and COLLABORATION, all in a learning environment.

The program goals involve:

  • Encouraging student organization group development.
  • Creating an opportunity for student organizations to connect with one another.
  • Inspiring collaboration among groups.
  • Establishing a foundation upon which collaborative relationships will sustain throughout the academic year.
  • Providing resources and information about the university community, including alumni.
  • Engaging in activities that stimulate personal growth.

Program Format

Leadership Connection will be held at Camp Michigania, Monday, April 30 thru May 4, 2012. Transportation will be provided. Fifteen to twenty student organizations will be selected to participate, and each organization will be invited to send three to five representatives.

Participant Expectations

All representatives are expected to participate fully in the entire program. This includes:

  • Traveling and staying with the group for the entire duration of the program.
  • Taking an active role in activities and discussions as both learners and teachers.
  • Providing feedback and support to peers.
  • Maintaining an open mind to new ideas and opinions.
  • Striving to be comfortable receiving feedback.
  • Working to develop collaborative relationships that can be sustained upon returning to campus.

Selection Process

Organizational Application Guidelines

Leadership Connection is designed to benefit entire student organizations. For this reason, organization members should discuss and reach a consensus concerning their potential participation before applying.

Application Process

Organizations must submit a completed application in order to be considered for this program. Given the varying time lines of organizations changing leadership, we encourage the current representatives to make a decision about the benefits of this program to the next group. Once the new members are in place, they will have the responsibility to decide who from the group should participate.

NOTE: All applicant organizations will be required to have a $50 deposit (in SOAS) to complete the application.  The deposit will be returned upon the organization's participation in Leadership Connection. If your organization cannot make this deposit please contact the Center for Campus Involvement at uminvolvement@umich.edu.

A selection committee will be responsible for reviewing applications and selecting participating organizations. Committee members will represent diverse perspectives and a cross-representation of campus organizations.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Organization's purpose and goals
  • Organization's commitment to creating a stronger community, providing a service for others, and a continuously evolving their sense of purpose
  • Organization's ability to contribute to and benefit from participating in Leadership Connection
  • Clarity of application responses.

Individual Participant Selection

Organizations are encouraged to select members who will be able to act and speak on behalf of the organization. Members who are committed to the goals of the organization and supported by the members of the organization should participate to maximize program benefits. Organizations who do not have established staff advising will be assisted in identifying staff who can help with strategic planning at the retreat. 

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE HERE

Application Deadline:  Monday, April 2, 2012

Questions related to program logistics and/or the application process can be directed to: uminvolvement@umich.edu, 734- 763-5900.