ENHANCING SKILLS AND MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS IN THE NEW YEAR
As a new semester begins, for students who wish to become more engaged with their campus community and widen their social network, the Office Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) which supports student organizations, promotes leadership development, and facilitates signature campus programs, can be a valuable resource.
According to Matt Hicks, Asst. Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership, “Our office is proud to support students and families from the first day they step on campus during orientation all the way through Commencement. Students who engage with SEAL programs develop into well-rounded individuals with tangible leadership skills and meaningful social connections. These skills and connections also prepare students for life after Friartown, help them to feel a sense of pride in themselves, and further assist them to become caring, service-minded leaders in their communities.”
Matt, who has been at PC for four years, reflected on his own undergraduate time and how he experienced first-hand that connecting with campus programs and resources enhanced his own learning experience well beyond college. He is especially passionate in supporting first-year students, “to ensure they feel welcome within our community and confident in their ability to succeed both in and outside of the classroom.”
Finally, he suggests that parents challenge their student to try new experiences. “Encourage them to attend a club meeting, go to an event in McPhail’s (even if their roommate isn’t going), participate in a leadership program. It is okay if your student doesn’t find their best friends, perfect club, or love PC right away. It may take time to find what makes PC feel like home, but students who keep looking always find the people/experiences that make them love being a Friar.”
Good advice for sure. To learn more about SEAL, check out the information below. I hope you will share it with your student, and maybe even give them a little nudge to explore those options they never considered. Also, remind them to read their “Morning Mail” email each day. Here they will find a list of all kinds of events including spiritual, academic, social, and athletic.
Jackie
What to Know about SEAL:
–SEAL offers over 150 student clubs and organizations that allow students to connect with those who share similar interests. Students can also start a new club at any time!
–SEAL provides coaching, programs, and formation experiences that guide students to develop leadership skills. Students who engage in our leadership curriculum develop communication skills, learn how to apply their personal values in decision making, establish communities of belonging, learn conflict resolution skills, become proficient in self-reflection, and adopt a mentality of centering the success of others.
–The leadership curriculum is intentionally designed to provide skill development for all students, without applications, interview process, or barriers to participation. If a student is having a challenging time finding their introduction into leadership, Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) is a great starting point.
New Initiative: The Emerging Leaders Program is a six-week leadership program where first-year students have the opportunity to connect with other freshmen, learn about campus resources, and reflect on how they want to develop as a leader here at PC and beyond.
–If your student is looking to get more involved on campus, is pursuing leadership opportunities, or would like to connect with other first-year students, we’d encourage them to be a part of the Emerging Leaders Program.
–Meetings will begin in mid-February. Interested students can email Molly Buckley, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, at mbuckl10@providence.edu to learn more.
