Every leader starts somewhere
Leaders aren't born—they’re made. Wherever you are in your leadership development, these thoughtfully designed programs and events will support your goals and empower you to engage on campus and beyond.
The Office of Student Engagement's leadership programs are cocurricular, meaning the purpose is to add experiences, opportunities and another dimension to your life outside of the classroom at your pace. The ultimate goal is for you to develop leadership skills during your time at Western that you can transfer to your career and personal life.
My most valuable moment in Leaders Unplugged was that I learned to unleash some of my expectations. Sometimes I have preconceived expectations of how events will play out. I learned to quickly adjust and let go of my fears. That's what leadership is about.
![Students hiking on a trip.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u3800/2024/Unplugged%20trip.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=S7O5SEw3)
Network and grow through leadership events
Retreats:
Camp With Us:
Leaders Unplugged:
Escape rooms:
Inclusion initiatives:
More events to come:
![WSA president Alex Kaspersky at the podium.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/hero_12_5/public/images/u3800/2024/OSE%202024%20%2821%29.jpg?h=6cff12d6&itok=1GiTiOQy)
First-Year Seminar: Learn more about who you are as a leader
The First-Year Seminar leadership section, FYE 2100, focuses on developing tomorrow’s leaders and instilling the importance leadership plays in the college experience. Whether you’re accustomed to leading in some capacity or are just tapping into your potential, our course is designed for all students no matter the level.
We set out to show you the importance of cocurricular involvement as well as various approaches, philosophies and theories of leadership. You will participate in leadership skill-building activities and will have opportunities to build friendships and connections with other student leaders.
This course will also help you explore how leadership development impacts your overall development as a college student and will be co-facilitated by a staff member of the Office of Student Engagement and a current WMU student leader. If you’re a current student interested in being a co-facilitator, you can apply for a position through the Office of Student Transitions.
You can register for one of these sections during New Student Orientation when you meet with your academic advisor.
Other student resources
![Student performing at Malaysian Night in a Student Organization.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u5090/2024/OSE%202024%20%286%29%20resize.jpg)
Join a student organization
There is a place for you here at WMU. With hundreds of registered student organizations on campus, you can find a welcoming community of new friends who share your interests. And if by chance you’re unable to find an existing student group that matches what you’re looking for, you can create one yourself!
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2023/Rugby_1.jpg)
Get active with club sports
Whether you’re looking to play basketball, soccer or lacrosse; go skydiving; or even try out ballet, you'll find a variety of sports and recreational activities on campus right at your fingertips.