Women’s Leadership and Student Engagement
The department of Women's Leadership and Student Engagement (WLSE)offers many opportunities for leadership skill-building and development in order to prepare students as leaders in their communities and careers. The university-wide Mount Leads initiative provides students with a comprehensive understanding of leadership that enables them to develop as leaders while at the Mount and make meaning of those experiences and connections to their lives after college.
The Student Government Association (SGA) and the Student Activities Council (SAC) are housed in the WLSE office. SGA is designed to promote and advocate for the needs of traditional undergraduate students. Elected and appointed SGA officers form one collective governing association that serves as the voice of the student body and work to make student-centered change in collaboration with university officials. The Student Activities Council (SAC) is an event planning student council made up of students who consider themselves the “Keepers of the Athenian Spirit.”
Information regarding student clubs and organizations can also be found in this office. Resources and services are available for all recognized MSMU clubs/organizations. In addition, first- and second-year students may also apply at the beginning of each year to be part of the nationally recognized Leadership Scholar Program. Students in this program have opportunities to develop their leadership potential by taking courses and participating in group service projects and other developmental experiences.
WLSE also provides various civic and community engagement opportunities. Through the Community Student Ambassador Program, Mount students provide college information and leadership education to local schools and community partners. Various service opportunities are offered including the Alternative Spring Break program that bring students into our community to serve while also learning about current policy issues. MSMU Votes provides democratic and civic engagement opportunities to empower students as active citizens. In addition, WLSE selects students each year to participate in Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) seminars in Washington, D.C. Students are able to meet and network with women leaders from a variety of fields in our Nation’s Capital. Applications are available beginning in September.
Orientation for new students is also coordinated through this office. Current students can apply to be summer Orientation Leaders. O-Leaders act as guides to new students during the orientation program by answering questions and introducing them to college life.
In collaboration with the History and Political Science department, WLSE also offers the Women’s Studies and Leadership Minor.
The following courses in Leadership are taught by department staff: