OMWC partners with Student Affairs to prepare undergraduate leaders

studentsThe Ole Miss Women’s Council and the University of Mississippi Division of Student Affairs offered a two-day leadership workshop for sophomore students called PULSE or Preparing Undergraduate Leaders — A Student Experience.

The workshop took place on Jan. 18-19 at the Robert C. Khayat Law Center, with a service day Jan. 20.

“The Women’s Council developed a leadership program several years ago for our scholars, which was greatly received,” said Nora Capwell, Women’s Council program coordinator. “The Women’s Council wanted to offer this program to more students across campus; therefore, we joined together with the [Division] of Student Affairs to expand this opportunity.”

The Division of Student Affairs was reorganized July 1 and was charged to include leadership in key areas including student government and Greek Affairs; volunteer services and multicultural affairs; and student organizations and leadership development.

“Our campus is excellent at developing leaders, but we’re doing it in lots of different pockets, and we’re doing it for lots of different, specific audiences,” said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, UM vice chancellor for student affairs.

The PULSE program exposes sophomore students to various concepts of leadership that will assist them in becoming more aware of themselves and the realization that leadership is an expression of self and a means of serving, inspiring and empowering others.

“The sophomore population is a key component that is often overlooked,” said Coulter Ward, UM assistant dean of students. “It is a transitional period from being a freshman to an upperclassman and we think a prime demographic to get thinking how they can develop as leaders on our campus.”

“The PULSE program focuses on helping students understand their own and others’ behavior, their leadership style and how best to work with others to be effective leaders,”  said Mary Ann Frugé, Women’s Council chair.

“This program is important because it provides students with the opportunity to gain greater understanding of themselves and others as leaders,” she said.

Sophomore Emily Richmond participated in PULSE and said she acquired leadership skills that she can use to become more involved, both with the university and with organizations around the Oxford community.

“I believe it is extremely important to learn leadership skills early, which will lead me to success in my career and personal life,” she said.