Leadership Programs

BuffStrong Programs

We celebrate our students uniqueness by partnering with Gallup, Inc. to identify the individual talents of each student. By engaging students in challenging and meaningful ways, we help them develop their talents into strengths. 

wtamu.edu/buffstrong | @wtbuffstrong | Kimberly Cornelsen | 806-651-2313 | kcornelsen@wtamu.edu 

Leadership Summit

Leadership Summit is an annual event hosted by Rogers LEAD WT. Each year a different speaker is brought to campus to work with our campus community. Topics for the Summit can range from individual self-leadership to organizational leadership. 

The Summit is always a free event and is typically held on a Friday morning early in the Spring semester. Learn more at wtamu.edu/leadershipsummit. 

wtamu.edu/leadership | @WTLeadershipBoard | Kimberly Cornelsen | 806-651-4020 | kcornelsen@wtamu.edu 

Buff Leaders, Buff Branding

Do you love WT and want to make an impact in the lives of other students? Then becoming a Buff Leader is for you! 

Buff Leaders are current students who share their love of WT with incoming students at Buff Branding, WT’s extended orientation. Through small groups, activities and events, they help incoming students discover their own passions and more about WT. 

As a Buff Leader, you’ll participate in leadership training; gain valuable leadership experience; and have a blast while doing it!

To qualify, you must be a current student in good standing with the university (no scholastic or disciplinary probation). You’ll need to fill out an application with information about your involvement on and off campus and why you want to become a Buff Leader.

Applications open early in the Spring semester on Buff Link. 

wtamu.edu/buffbranding | @wtbuffbranding | Lexi Thomas | 806-651-2978 | lthomas@wtamu.edu 

Emerging Student Leaders Academy

Emerging Student Leaders Academy (ESLA) is for all students and is broken into TWO sections, part 1 and part 2. During part 1, you’ll embark upon a self-leadership journey that will help guide you in your academic, professional and personal life. You’ll be able to apply the leadership principles you learn to your organizations. 

Later in part 2 will build on the leadership principles learned from the earlier sessions. You’ll learn how to lead others by increasing your own self-awareness; focus your teams on a single vision; and learn to increase focus and productivity by saying “no.” 

Part 1 meets once a week from August through September. Part 2 meets October through November. 

Lunch is always provided. 

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

Buff Mentorship Program

As a Buff Mentor, you’ll offer a positive support network to first-year students to help ease their transition to college life. 

You will help them learn how to get involved on campus while making new friends; utilize University resources available to them; and explore new opportunities. 

You’ll be responsible for coordinating mentor meetings, study groups and social events with mentees and providing guidance through their time at WT. 

To qualify to be a Buff Mentor, you need to be a sophomore, junior, senior or Graduate WT student in good academic standing. Applications are available on our webpage year-round. 

wtamu.edu/americorps |@ wtbuffmentors | Laura Seals | 806-651-2951 | americorps@wtamu.edu 

Campus Visit Program

The Campus Visit program represents the University’s history, opportunities, benefits and services by hosting and welcoming visitors to campus. 

As a volunteer tour guide, you will serve as a representative and advocate to welcome prospective students and their families and establish a positive first impression of campus. 

You’ll provide each family with a personalized, student-centered experience on campus and ensure their interests are put first. Your goal will be to help each family understand the benefits and opportunities of a WTAMU experience. 

Tours occur at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and you will be scheduled to host at least one tour per week, as well as participate in special events including Presidential Tours, Fall Preview Days and Discover WT. There are two Campus Visit Assistant positions that are responsible for daily management of campus tour schedules and departmental meetings. These positions are not volunteer. 

Tour guides serve an essential and important role in recruitment for the Office of Admissions and make an impact in the welcoming of campus visitors. Tour guide applications will be available each Fall semester. 

wtamu.edu/visit | Office of Admissions | 806-651-2833 | visit@wtamu.edu 

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 

wtamu.edu/greeklife | @WTAMUPanhellenic | @WTPanhellenic | Chance Haugen | 806-651-2050 | chaugen@wtamu.edu 

Leadership Board

The Leadership Board facilitates the sharing and learning of leadership skills on campus. As a member, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your leadership skills through planning, implementing and evaluating the group’s leadership development programs. 

You’ll plan and coordinate events like Live2Lead and Leadership Ski Retreat. You’ll also manage the Student Leadership Relay program to help promote leadership skills on campus and beyond. 

To qualify, you must have an overall 2.5 GPA at the time of application and submit your application by the deadline. Members are selected based on a review of their application; interview with current board members and advisor; and a two-thirds vote of members present. 

Applications open in February and are due in April, with the interview process to follow. The new board will be set by late April to early May. 

wtamu.edu/leadership | @wtamuleadershipboard | Jess Merrell | 806-651-2313 | jmerrell@wtamu.edu 

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. 

wtamu.edu/transfer | @WTtransfer | @WT_transfer | Ashley Callaham | 806-651-5300 | acallaham@wtamu.edu 

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: 

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. 

wtamu.edu/lead | @rogersleadwt | @wtamu_rogersleadwt | Kimberly Cornelsen | 806-651-4021 | kcornelsen@wtamu.edu 

WT Spirit Squad

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 | Jess Jones | 806-651-2313 | jjones@wtamu.edu 

These experiences can differ upon a student’s degree plan and involvement across campus. Listed below are examples of Non-SLR Experiences. Though several examples are listed, please submit personal experiences that could be applicable in the Student Leadership Relay.

5 Points

• Skills That Pay Bills Series 
  • Customer Service and Professionalism 
  • Career and Self Development 
  • Teamwork
• Distinguished Lecture Series (leadership guided)

10 Points

• Plan and Execute a Service Project
• Peer Coaching Certification

15 Points

• Agricultural Ambassador
• Executive Officer of an Organization. Officer positions that count towards SLR are: 
  • President 
  • Vice President 
  • Secretary 
  • Treasurer

20 Points

• Member of a Judging Team
• Student Athlete

If you have any questions regarding consideration of a Non-SLR Experience please contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at 806-651-2313.