Leadership Development
Leadership education and development are central components of the Student Engagement Office’s work. This work provides opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and competencies required for effective leadership in a range of settings and contexts.
Student Organization Leader Training
The Student Organization Leader Training offered every spring and many falls, serves new incoming student organization Presidents and Treasurers. Participants gain expertise in budgeting, event planning and conflict resolution, among many other topics. The training equips org leaders to handle their responsibilities while also maintaining healthier work-life balance.
Aspiring Leader Retreat
Five students participated in the inaugural Aspiring Leader Retreat (ALR) in the Spring 25 Semester. The ALR is an exploratory and experiential program geared towards students new to leadership or hoping to assume leadership roles in the future. The retreat offers activities emphasizing skill building, goal-setting, self-reflection, cultural competency, and growth.
New Leader Seminar
The New Leader Seminar, also introduced in Spring 25, is a multi-week program focused on learning and applying practical leadership skills in real-life scenarios. Students gain practical skills like event planning, budgeting, and teamwork, which not only enhance their college experience but also prepare them for future careers. 17 students began the program, and while feedback was strong, it soon became apparent that the always busy spring semester was not the best time for this intensive experience. It will next be offered in the Fall 25 semester.
Highlight: Employment Opportunities
The Student Engagement Office offers a number of high-impact student employment opportunities. More than just a campus job, these positions offer extensive opportunities for student growth and development. The Student Organization Coordinator (SOC) position is one example. SOCs are provided ongoing in-depth training and develop skills that are not only applicable to their job but also widely transferable to life and work beyond Middlebury. The SOC role is, by design, features both a high degree of autonomy and close mentorship by staff. Advising. The SEO team believes this high level of both expectations and support provide profound learning and growth opportunities, and our student seem to agree! Every one of this year’s 8 SOCs were returners from previous years. 4 returned for the second year, 2 for their third, and 2 for their fourth year!