The 3rd annual Undergraduate Leadership Conference looks to increase student participation.
This full day conference, held on Feb. 9, is an opportunity for students to learn a variety of leadership skills through workshops and a speaker.
“If students are serious about professional development this would be ridiculous to turn down,” said Student Senate President Blaise Holden.
This year’s theme is “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” based on the popular Doctor Seuss book. This theme was chosen to reflect how much students are capable of with the skills taught in the conference.
“A major goal is to strengthen leadership and give individual students skills,” said Holden.
Students who attend the conference will have ample time to network, hear a presentation by a keynote speaker and participate in three different skill-based leadership workshops.
Holden said the skills students learn are “things to build into everyday life.”
Featured workshop topics include developing a personal and professional network, grant writing, developing and empowering culturally conscious leaders, using student leadership experience, to propel careers, interpersonal resolution, social networking and more. Holden and chairperson for the Activities and Cultural Events Board Kate Schiewe are hosting their own workshop about leadership opportunities on campus.
“This event showcases the development of leaders at Pacific,” said Holden.
But this year’s conference is unique from the last two years. This year’s keynote speaker is Eliachi Kimaro, who created the acclaimed movie A Lot Like You. A movie screening of A Lot Like You will be held Feb. 8, the night before the conference. Holden said they were lucky enough to have Kimaro attend the screening.
“She shows how to lead by example versus leading by perspective,” said Holden.
The movie is intended to illustrate her leadership abilities and the chance to discuss the film with her after the showing is a special opportunity.
“This is going to be more straight forward substance,” said Holden.
This conference will also be different than in 2012 because Student Senate is bringing back an etiquette dinner. The dinner was a part of the 2011 conference, but this year is optional for students attending the conference.
The business casual instructional dinner will be led by the Director of External Relations from Pacific’s College of Optometry Jeanne Oliver.
“She has a passion for etiquette,” said Holden.
The Student Senate is encouraging student involved in a variety of activities. All clubs have been encouraged to send young members. The senate reached out to the Housing office, Outback and clubs to push for students to attend. Through this push for attendance, the majority of resident assistants are attending.
“We are trying to utilize this event as best as possible,” said Holden who emphasized this is an, “opportunity to harness skills and connect with other leaders.”
The leadership conference is an annual tradition which was started by Casey Yamashita and Kelsey Kaku. Holden said he has seen the effect the conference has on upcoming leaders and believes it’ll continue into its fourth year and on.
“We want quality and value,” said Holden. “We want students to leave the conference saying ‘I feel like I’ve been brought up a couple notches.’” Registration is mandatory for the 2013 Undergraduate Leadership Conference. Visit surveymonkey.com/s/PULC2013 to register.
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