Student Leadership

Leadership opportunities at Iowa State University are intended to complement students’ academic experiences and prepare them for service beyond the University. Governance organizations, such as the Government of the Student Body (GSB) or the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), provide elected students with campus−leadership experience. Organizations such as the Inter−Residence Hall Association (IRHA), the Black Student Alliance (BSA), and the International Student Council (ISC) offer a “voice” on campus for individuals associated with these specific student groups. Greek organizations offer leadership opportunities in Collegiate Panhellenic Council, National Pan−Hellenic Council, and Interfraternity Council for the entire Greek system; individual chapters also provide leadership opportunities for student members.

A variety of leadership opportunities are available through the Student Activities Center, which promotes leadership based on the following guiding principles:

• Leadership involves character. The six pillars of character are: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

• Leadership is about being agents of change. Students should work to make a significant difference in our world.

• Leadership should be inclusive . . . valuing diverse voices, ideas and perspectives.

• Leadership is action, not position. Anyone can be involved in the process of leadership.

• Students should "lead as if no one is watching— with integrity, heart and courage”.

• Students should lead as if everyone is watching— respecting the opinions of all and encouraging members to strive for excellence.

Iowa State University has over 600 registered student groups and several honorary organizations, all of which offer leadership opportunities. Students can serve in elected or appointed positions or as members of various committees. These organizations reflect a wide range of interests, including politics, recreation, religion, music, and sports.

The residence hall system offers leadership opportunities in programming and decision−making to students through the Inter−Residence Hall Association (IRHA). The Order of the Rose and Chessman, Iowa State University's chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary, honors the top 1% of student leaders in the residence system and offers leadership positions on its executive board. Individual hall governments and apartment community governments (Frederiksen Court Community Council, Schilleter and University Village Community Council) and residence hall flooor sections also offer various leadership opportunities.

Paid leadership positions are available to Iowa State University students as well. Students can serve as campus tour guides, members of various media boards (The Daily Editorial Board, KURE campus radio executive board, etc.), learning community peer mentors, Destination ISU team leaders (a new student orientation assistant) and residence hall Community Advisors. Some members of other governing boards, such as the Government of the Student Body, are also compensated for their efforts.

Iowa State offers many leadership training opportunities for students. Programs are available for specific student populations, like first-year, high−ability students who can participate in Leadership ISU to learn and apply various leadership techniques. The Multicultural Leadership Summit focuses on issues of inclusion and helps participants develop action plans so that they can be change−agents on campus. The President’s Leadership Class, which emphasizes integrity and honesty, is offered annually to 30 high−achieving, first−year students; and individual student groups including Greek organizations also offer leadership development training. Iowa State University offers a variety of leadership programming for students, including formal and informal programming, student organizations, and academic programs. A coordinated leadership program has been initiated by the Division of Student Affairs. The “Leadership Journey” will bring all of those activities together into a consolidated program. The goal is to develop a campus-wide, comprehensive leadership development model. This model would include specific learning outcomes to guide all of the programs. During the Spring 2006 semester, the Leadership Journey Steering Committee will meet to develop a plan. These committee members will present to various constituent groups including the Government of the Student Body, the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, the Department of Residence, etc. The goal is to have a plan in place for Fall 2006.

Iowa State University has created a number of awards to recognize and honor student leadership efforts. The President's Leadership Initiative annually presents the following honors:

- Charles F. Frederiksen Leadership Award: This award is open to an Iowa State University student residing in university housing serving in a leadership role, who has demonstrated outstanding service to the university community. Recipients are selected on the basis of: contributions to on-campus student leadership; involvement in building community within university-owned housing; personal leadership ability; and scholarship.

- David W. and Ellen J. Raisbeck Leadership Award: Previous recipients of this award have been juniors (at the time the award was applied) who demonstrated financial need (as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid) and were leaders in the Greek Community.

-Gib and Nancy Stanek Leadership Award: Previous recipients of this award have been sophomores (at the time the award was applied) who demonstrated leadership through community service.

- Junior Leadership Award: Previous recipients have been juniors (at the time the award was applied).

- Sandra and Lynn Davis Leadership Award: Previous recipients have been seniors (at the time the award was applied) and have demonstrated leadership in the theater and the arts.

- Tze-Yen Teoh Sophomore Leadership Scholarship: The Tze-Yen Teoh Sophomore Leadership Award recognizes the leadership of an ISU sophomore within the university community. The recipient must be a sophomore (at the time the award is applied).

- Carnot H. Thomas and Lillian M. Thomas Leadership Award: This award, funded by Carnot H. Thomas in honor of his mother and father, is open to any Iowa State University undergraduate in good standing. The recipient must still be an undergraduate student at the time the award is applied (Fall 2006). Recipients are selected on the basis of a combination of financial need, academic achievement, and professional potential.

- W. Robert Parks and Ellen Sorge Parks Senior Scholarship: Previous recipients have been seniors (at the time the award was applied) and demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership, university involvement, and community service – as well as the promise of continued involvement with Iowa State as an alumnus or alumna.