Key characteristics of an effective college student leader are defined: consistency in word and action; ownership of responsibility for actions and leadership position; development of healthy relationships with friends, coworkers, mentors, and mentees; and ethical decision making. It is argued that leadership is a full-time job and that student…

The use of focus groups to assess existing college student leadership efforts and as a step in developing better programs is examined. Procedures include assembling a planning team, identifying information needs, determining the composition of focus groups, soliciting and training volunteers, and using focus group results to design a program. (MSE)

Competent student leaders' actions derive from personal values, beliefs, skills, and goals. Leaders need to know themselves well and act consistently with regard to their value systems to earn followers' trust. Kennesaw State College (Georgia) combines the components and stages of student leadership in a framework for developing leadership…

One means of addressing the need for student leadership education is the weekend retreat. Putting together a successful retreat experience involves assessing the needs of the target group and evaluating resources available; developing ownership and advocacy for the retreat; establishing learning outcomes; designing the format; and implementing the…

Theories of cognitive, racial identity, affective, psychological, and moral development can be helpful in designing college student leadership training programs. Course design must take a variety of learning styles into consideration so as many students as possible can successfully understand the material and integrate it into their leadership…

This discussion of wellness for student leaders and student activities staff of higher education institutions offers guidance in identifying and reducing stressors. Specific recommendations include reducing expectations, relaxing, increasing physical fitness and activity, and adjusting eating habits. Individuals are encouraged to establish…

A discussion of college student leadership retreats looks at the factors that should be considered in planning a retreat. These include the physical environment of the site, establishment of norms and expectations for the group, and demographic and personal characteristics of the participants that are likely to affect group interaction. (MSE)

A discussion of techniques for developing leaders among two-year college students, designed for student activities professionals, looks at the special situation and characteristics of two-year college students and at research on the characteristics of effective student leaders. Eight programs and activities used for developing student leadership…

Offers suggestions for campus-activities programmers on how to minimize liability for problems with concerts and other student-planned campus events. Discussion covers prevention of monetary loss, breach of contract issues, and preventing personal injuries and property damage. Specific preventive actions and policies are discussed. (MSE)

Issues unique to community college campus activities programing are examined, including rapid turnover of student leaders, wide range of skill levels among leaders, diverse student needs, and lack of staff support. Some solutions are offered including close academic monitoring of leaders, orientation, leadership development training, involvement…

New concepts and developments in student leadership theory, research, and practice in higher education are discussed, focusing on such issues as a shifting of cultural and gender issues surrounding leadership, rapidly changing demographics, assessment of leadership development, and community building. (MSE)

Student leaders and students actively involved in campus activities are offered suggestions for managing stress and for promoting their own physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, cultural, emotional, and environmental well-being. Advice includes acknowledging stresses, understanding behavior patterns, and making appropriate changes. A wellness…

A survey of 96 past leaders of college Greek organizations (chapter presidents, Pan-Hellenic councils, Greek service organizations) at Western Illinois University investigated the impact of Greek leadership experience on work-related and personal life skills. Ninety-five percent felt their undergraduate Greek leadership position was extremely…