Student Engagement

Students at an awards banquet.

University Leadership Program and Events

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.

Office of Student Engagement
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5356 USA
(269) 387-2115

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.

Network and grow through leadership events

Retreats:

These full-day leadership retreats take place in the fall and spring and are developed and facilitated by students for students. Retreats consist of a wide variety of activities that touch on the following topics: communication, problem-solving, risk-taking, team-building and diversity.

Camp With Us:

This camping-on-campus event is geared toward those who wish to learn new skills outdoors in a familiar and accessible environment. Participants learn the ins and outs of camping and beginner backpacking while making meaningful connections along the way. Camp With Us takes place at the Gibbs House during the fall semester.

Leaders Unplugged:

Some of the most popular experience-driven activities are the backpacking trips in fall and spring. Whether you're an experienced hiker or you have never slept in a tent, backpackers of any level are welcome to spend a weekend with our experienced professionals and student staff to learn the leadership lessons the outdoors can teach us.

Escape rooms:

Gather a team of five friends or join any team in a variety of in-person escape rooms both on and off campus. You'll work together to solve puzzles to unlock the room in themed settings, including the annual Gibbs Haunted House Escape Room.

Inclusion initiatives:

Join other student leaders in learning about and advocating for inclusion and social justice in your communities through discussion-based workshops and experiential-learning opportunities.

More events to come:

This page will be updated as more annual events become available. If you are interested in learning more about these experiences, email our office.
Connect with us
WSA president Alex Kaspersky at the podium.

 

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.

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!

Explore student organizations  

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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. 

Explore club sports