Leadership Programs

The Power of Student Leadership

Leadership Programs consist of student oriented leadership opportunities designed to enable students to lead in a variety of settings. To get involved a student must simply be interested in growing in his or her abilities to lead. We provide a variety of different leadership programs designed to connect with a variety of students. We are committed to the University mission of developing future leaders for our community, state, nation and world by providing leadership programming for all students. Our leadership programs provide guiding pillars that allow all students the opportunity to grow and develop as leaders.

Students move through the programs, building on competencies and theories that are embedded within the various programs. By the time a student leaves WT, they are equipped with the leadership skills necessary to be successful members of their homes, workplaces and communities.

For more information, call the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at 806-651-2313.

Student Leadership Relay

The Student Leadership Relay (SLR) at West Texas A&M University is designed to build on the leadership experience of all WT students. Our institution provides several opportunities for leadership development, teaching our students valuable lessons they can utilize in their academics and co-curricular activities, and beyond graduation. Through the Leadership Relay, the leadership journey of our students is centered around four core objectives. Each year as students continue building on each objective, they will begin to recognize their leadership potential, connecting those skills throughout their leadership experiences, both on and off campus, and gain an understanding of who they are as leaders.

The Student Leadership Relay is a university-wide leadership track that allows students to build on their leadership potential at the start of their first year. Each year, students are allowed the opportunity to participate in leadership experiences, and these experiences are a step towards completing the SLR. Students who complete the Student Leadership Relay each year will be awarded a Leadership Baton, and after completing their fourth year, students will be awarded a Leadership Medallion to be worn at graduation.

To register for the Student Leadership Relay, please contact Katelyn Lechwar in the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership JBK 103 at 806-651-2313, or email klechwar@wtamu.edu

The following programs are just a portion of the programs included in the SLR:

SLR Programs

5-Point Programs

10-Point Programs

15-Point Programs

Campus Activities Board (CAB)

The Campus Activities Board (CAB) is a student-led organization that creates, organizes, and implements a wide variety of social and educational events and activities for the student body across campus. As an Event Director of the Campus Activities Board, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional skills through event planning and building learning outcomes for fellow students. But more so, you will help create a sense of belonging here at WT, as well as finding your own. The 4 committees of CAB are:

1. Large Events

2. Leadership and Learning Opportunities

3. Marketing

4. Collaboration and International Students

After selecting your preferred committee, you will serve hands on with the planning and execution of the events and activities, such as Mudfest, Trunk or Treat, and more!

To join, contact Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at wtosel@wtamu.edu or Sabrina Pugh | 806-651-5320 | spugh@wtamu.edu

Emerging Student Leaders Academy

ESLA is for all students desiring to develop their leadership skills. Students will embark upon a leadership journey that will not only help guide their personal life, but their academic, and professional life too! This series encourages the development of ideas and beliefs on leadership around the world.

ESLA meets once a week in the Fall Semester for a 10-week program. Students must attend 6 out of the 10 meetings to receive SLR credit.

Contact Student Leadership Consultant Katelyn Lechwar for more information. klechwar@wtamu

Leaders Beyond Limitations

LBL is a series designed to bring in the leaders who have gone before you. For 6 weeks, a speaker is brought in to teach on differing topics of leadership. These speakers range from well-loved professors on campus to the University President! This is a great opportunity to learn from their leadership models.

LBL meets once a week in the Spring Semester. Students must attend 4 out of the 6 meetings to receive SLR credit.

Contact Student Leadership Consultant Katelyn Lechwar for more information. klechwar@wtamu

Interfraternity Council

The Interfraternity Council promotes brotherhood among the various chapters at WT; provides an avenue for communication and problem solving; serves as a resource for all men’s social fraternities; and promotes Greek life in the campus and community.

IFC executive officer positions are President, Vice President, Chief Justice, Secretary, Treasure and Recruitment Chair. Each chapter is entitled to at least one executive officer. As an IFC executive officer, you will begin your service in the Spring semester and serve a one-year term. You must be nominated and voted on by a majority vote.

To qualify:

Must be of active status within a fraternity
Must be currently registered and maintain at least 12 semester hours (do not have to be a full-time student)
Must have earned at least 30 semester hours at WT by the end of semester seeking office
Must have a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA and not been on scholastic probation for the most recently completed term prior to semester of election
Not be or have been on disciplinary probation
Own fraternity not on any suspension from the University or IFC

Those seeking office of the President must have held a prior office on the IFC or within their chapter. All qualifications will be verified by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.

Panhellenic

The purpose of Panhellenic is to develop an individual’s potential through leadership opportunities and serve as the governing board of NPC chapters on campus. Panhellenic consists of four executive officers, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and each position has their own responsibilities.

Each chapter nominates one active member. This member will be interviewed by officers they will be replacing. Executive officers begin their service in the Spring semester and serve a one-year term.

To qualify:

Must be of active status and in good standing with a fraternity
Must be currently registered and maintain at least 12 semester hours, unless last term prior to graduation
Participated in formal recruitment as an active member in their chapter
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA before entering office and maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA during term
Not be or have been on disciplinary probation
Not in any other position and able to fulfill time requirement

National Society of Leadership and Success

The National Society of Leadership and Success is an international leadership training and honors society.

At West Texas A&M University, NSLS is made up of students striving to rise up as leaders. As a member of NSLS, you’ll receive many benefits including high-quality leadership training, networking opportunities, scholarships, job database and more.

Membership to this program is subject to GPA requirements.

After your first semester at WT you will receive an invitation to join NSLS if you meet the requirements, including a 3.0 GPA. Once you fill out your online application and pay the one-time registration fee, you are considered a pre-inducted member of the society. Upon induction, you will be granted approval for this program in BuffLink.

wtamu.edu/nsls | Chance Haugen | 806 -651-2050 | chaugen@wtamu.edu

Student Government

Student Government Association is one of the most active student organizations on campus. By evaluating issues that affect the student body, SGA works closely with faculty and staff to ensure an academically challenging University while providing many opportunities for fun.

There are three branches of Student Government: executive, legislative and judicial. Each branch represents the student body in a different way, while providing checks and balances on the other branches.

As a member of SGA, you have the opportunity to better yourself professionally, while improving campus life. SGA meets on Mondays at 4:30. If you are interested in joining SGA, visit the advisor in JBK 104A or the SGA Executive Team in JBK 104. Freshman elections are at the beginning of the Fall semester and returning senator elections take place in the Spring. Students are able to fill open vacancies throughout the year.

wtamu.edu/studentgovernment | @WTAMUsga | Filiberto Avila | 806-651-2050 | favila@wtamu.edu

Transfer Ambassadors

The Transfer Ambassador program provides support and resources for other transfer students at WTAMU; establishes Ambassadors as campus leaders; and is an integral component of the Transfer Services team.

As a transfer ambassador, you’ll personally welcome newly admitted transfer students to the University. You’ll answer questions; remind them of important information and events; share ways to get involved; and help them navigate their first semester to ensure a smooth transition to WT.

You’ll also help with Transfer Student Orientation, Transfer Welcome events and community college visits. You will often be the voice of transfer students on our campus through meetings with staff, administration and student groups.

To join the Transfer Ambassadors and Services team, you’ll need to be familiar with the transfer student process and experience at WT. A minimum 2.0 GPA; good academic and disciplinary standing; and the ability to attend all events is also required. The application, interview and selection process occurs mid-March of the Spring semester.

20-Point Programs

Peer Leader, Orientation Programs

Orientation at West Texas A&M University is committed to facilitating a foundation for student success and strives to create a sense of belonging for all students to promote leadership, academic excellence and personal growth.

The WT Student Orientation Programs welcome and introduce prospective and entering students and their families to the University’s student-centered learning community. These programs help new students make the transition from their previous environment to our diverse academic, intellectual and social culture.

As a peer leader, you’ll be charged with the mission of guiding first-year students to success. This year long commitment includes New Student Orientation, Buff Branding, Transfer Student Orientation and serving as part of the larger Student Engagement and Leadership Team.

In supporting this mission, you’ll help them connect with what motivates them; outline skills necessary to be successful in college and beyond; build relationships with faculty and students; and more.

Applications open September 1 on Handshake and close October 31. You will need to provide a resume and cover letter with your application.

wtamu.edu/nso | @ wtamuorientation | Tommy King | 806-651-2977 | rking@wtamu.edu

Community Advisor Program

A Community Advisor is a student leader who lives on campus and acts as a resource for the students on their floor, wing or unit of their residence hall.

CAs focus on enhancing the quality of life in the residence halls by fostering community, providing academic support and being attentive to safety and security of residents. RAs serve as a mentor, friend, role model and community leader.

As a CA, you’ll be more than just a friendly presence – you’ll be the crucial link in creating an environment in which students develop independence and learn to live cooperatively with others.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring the residence hall is conducive to academic, personal and social growth. You’ll develop social, educational and cultural activities for your residents utilizing our Residential Education model and enforce and educate students on University policies and regulations within the residence halls.

You’ll be responsible for a living area with approximately 30-50 residents. Plus, you’ll participate in job training and orientation throughout the year that will help develop your leadership and interpersonal skills to use beyond graduation.

The Office of Residential Living hires approximately 70 CAs. As compensation, you’ll receive a room, meal plan and monthly stipend.

To qualify, you should enjoy working in a community setting and fostering a living/learning community and must be able to commit to the position for a full academic year. Other qualifications include:

One full semester of college experience (post high-school)
Preferably be a resident at least one semester prior to being employed
Student in good standing at WTAMU (no conduct issues or holds)
Enrolled full time at least 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduate students
Possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA prior to applying, as well as the semester prior to being employed (3.0 GPA for graduate students)
Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA each semester employed (3.0 GPA for graduate students). If minimum GPA is not achieved, the Associate Director of Residential Living will determine if employment will continue the following semester. Should you be allowed to retain employment but receive less than a 2.5 GPA a second time, you will be terminated.
Due to time and length of commitment, CAs are not permitted to do clinicals, student teach, study abroad or have other high-commitment academic or non-academic experiences during their CA experience. If you have any questions, please ask prior to applying.
Attend mandatory CA training each semester (typically 2 weeks prior to the start of each semester). Missing any portion of training is not permitted, unless it conflicts with WTAMU academic courses (at which point, you are required to work with your supervisor to create an alternate training schedule).
Successfully clear a criminal background check

Additional employment is only permitted if it is on campus; no more than twenty hours per week and approved by the Area Coordinator.

Applications for the next Academic Year will be available early Spring with the interview and selection process to follow.

@wtresliving | Residential Living | 806-651-3000 | housing@wtamu.edu

Rogers LEAD WT

The Rogers Leadership Education And Development program, Rogers LEAD WT, challenges students to develop their leadership potential with a focused and engaging study of leadership theory and a meaningful internship and program activities. Plus, opportunities for practical application of skills through service.

By earning your Leadership Certificate as a Rogers LEAD WT scholar, you’ll be confident in your ability to lead; prepared for employment opportunities; eager to serve your communities and determined to make a difference in others’ lives.

Rogers Lead WT is a two-year program focused on three main areas:

1. Academic: Complete four 1-hour credit courses about leadership theory and eight additional credit hours of approved leadership coursework.

2. Student Service: Work as a team on a project that significantly benefits campus.

3. Real World Application: Complete an internship.

The program is tailored to your major and future plans to include experiences that will be meaningful for you, including etiquette dinner, networking events and public speaking opportunities.

Applications open October 1st and will be due in early spring. This program is for students of all majors.

WT Spirit Team

The West Texas A&M University Spirit Squad will aim to promote Buff spirit through engagement in various activities across campus. Squad members will support WT athletics and will serve as student leaders on and off campus. The Spirit Squad will lead the fans in supporting the teams at football, basketball, and volleyball games. They will serve as ambassadors not only at athletic events, but also at many different University and community functions.

Member duties:

Members must maintain good academic standing
Members must attend all required practices, athletic events, and special events
Members must adhere to the WT student code of conduct
Mumbers must display a professional and positive image that reflects the values and traditions of the University

Captain duties:

Captains must coordinate and communicate efforts with director, coaches, and members of the team
Captains must plan/organize team building activities
Captains must provide input on choreography
Captains must set a positive example for other members to follow
Captains must coordinate efforts with OSEL office, Maroon Platoon, athletics, etc.

wtamu.edu/spirit | Coach Annalisa Mayhew | 806-651-2377 | amayhew@wtamu.edu

Non-SLR Experiences

Watch this video to learn how to fill out the Student Leadership Relay during your time at WT.

Campus Activities Board

Do you want to join an organization involved with the leadership development of other students? The Campus Activities Board is looking for students to come alongside in creation and implementation of Leadership Programming on campus. To get involved, email Katelyn Lechwar at klechwar@wtamu.edu or contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at 806-651-2313 or wtosel@wtamu.edu

Emerging Student Leaders Academy

Students will dive into a self-leadership journey that will guide them in their academics, jobs, extracurriculars, and lives. Lunch is provided at every session.

Every Wednesday from 12:15-12:50 p.m. in JBK Eternal Flame(downstairs) Septemeber 11th - November 20th.

Leaders Beyond Limitations

Hear from professional staff and offices about improving leadership skills and how to work in teams. Open to individuals, and it is also highly encouraged that student organization officer teams come to participate as a group! This is a 6-week program with lunch provided at every session.

Every Thursday from 12:15pm-12:50pm in JBK Eternal Flame (downstairs) January 30th-March 6th.

The National Society of Leadership and Success

The National Society of Leadership and Success is an international leadership training and honors society. Membership to this program is subject to GPA requirements. The Society provides high-quality leadership training opportunities, networking opportunities, scholarships, a job database and much more.

Visit the National Society of Leadership Success website.