September 23, 2003 :: Student Leadership Retreat to Help Foster Success Among Campus Leaders
Nearly 150 students currently serving in a variety of leadership roles on Oklahoma’s college campuses will gather at the Downtown Westin Hotel this Friday and Saturday for the third annual Oklahoma Student Leadership Retreat.
The two-day retreat is sponsored by the Oklahoma Student Government Association, Student Advisory Board and the Council on Student Affairs. This year’s theme is “Leadership in Challenging Times.”
Organizers say the event’s purpose is to provide participants with guidance on how to be successful student leaders at their respective college or university. Many of the students serve on student government associations that provide guidance to other students.
“At Oklahoma's public colleges and universities, student leaders play very responsible roles, inspiring other students and providing advice to the administration,” Chancellor Paul G. Risser said.
“Student leadership takes on even greater importance now with the economic downturn and the challenge of providing affordable high-quality education. This conference will enable student leaders to acquire greater skills, enabling them to provide even stronger leadership on their campuses.”
On Friday, former Miss America Jane Jayroe, who served as executive director for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department from 1999-2003, will provide the keynote address at 1:15 p.m.
Following the keynote address, participants will have an opportunity to attend several breakout sessions where they will learn how to:
- take an idea, create an action plan and watch an idea become a reality on their campuses or in their communities;
- successfully manage conflict when faced with difficult situations;
- plan issue-based campus dialogues;
- evaluate their campuses in regards to student civic engagement;
- publicize on-campus events; and
- get the most results from diminishing financial revenues.
During dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m., participants will learn the dos and don’ts of formal dining from noted expert Martha Aughe, etiquette and protocol consultant for “The Etiquette Source.”
Rep. Debbie Blackburn (D-Oklahoma City) will give the closing address during Saturday’s general session at 11:15 a.m.
