Annual Fall Leadership Institute for students starts Monday here

More than 120 University of St. Thomas students will participate in a host of seminars and activities planned by the Campus and Residence Life Department for its annual Fall Leadership Institute on Aug. 29 to Sept. 1.

The institute provides the foundation for a continuing series of leadership programs that will be held throughout the year. All students are welcome to participate in the institute.

Of the 25 activities planned over the four-day event, here are the events that will be open to the entire campus community:

• An ecumenical service will be held from 11:15 a.m. to noon Monday, Aug. 29, on the lower quadrangle of the St. Paul campus. In case of rain, the service will be held in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium. Sponsored by Campus Life and Campus Ministry, the service will focus on the themes of leadership, community, diversity and faith, as well as the role that leaders play in their service to St. Thomas.
• “The Tommie,” a musical presentation by members of the Campus Life staff, will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium.
• “Wednesday Night Live,” featuring singing, dancing and skits performed by institute participants, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, in Scooter’s, lower level of Murray-Herrick Campus Center.
• “One Better World,” an interactive program that addresses how we all make a difference in a world of injustice, presented by Vernon Wall, a nationally known speaker, author and consultant in the areas of diversity, oppression and leadership styles, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in O’Shaughnessy Educational Center auditorium.

Other programs and seminars that are part of the institute include: “Low Ropes Teambuilding Challenges”; “Listening and Helping Skills”; “SafeZone Training”; “Administrative Navigation at UST”; “How to Make Social Change in a Responsible Manner”; “Crisis Interventions”; “Ethics and Personal Responsibility”; and “Responding to Sexual Harassment and Assault.” On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the students will spend the day working on service projects at locations around the Twin Cities.

While the institute’s programs are designed primarily for registered participants, they are open to anyone from St. Thomas. If you are interested in attending any of the events, contact Frank Blalark by e-mail or call Campus Life, (651) 962-6130.