New Student Leadership Institute at CU has its inaugural conference

By Adrial Lanka Lobelo '02

Cornellians representing a multitude of student-run organizations on campus converged on Willard Straight Hall this past Saturday, Sept. 8, for the inaugural Student Leadership Institute at Cornell conference.

Brian McAree, vice president for student affairs and campus life at Ithaca College, delivered the keynote speech to some of the most influential young Cornellians on campus. McAree's involvement in student and campus life spans more than 20 years. He has held student services positions at Rider College, the University of Delaware and West Liberty State College prior to his arrival at Ithaca College. In his speech, McAree encouraged students to ask themselves why they chose to lead.

"Leadership is an honor, and along with that comes responsibility," said McAree. McAree also stressed the need for leaders never to ignore how they are remembered by their peers, their organization's members and the greater community.

Student leaders then gathered in groups to tackle reality-based crises in an action lab. The scenarios allowed students to share their strategies involving conflict resolution, time management, delegation, ethical decision-making and negotiation. Several panel discussions were later held on topics ranging from organizing late-night entertainment alternatives to planning large-scale events.

The conference ended with a series of interactive workshops led by veteran student leaders and Student Activities office staff members.

"I'm jealous of the freshmen who were able to attend this conference," said Dessy Gruncharova, a senior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations and vice president of publicity for the International Students Programming Board. "I wish this was available to me during my first year at Cornell."

SLIC, as the new institute also is called, is the brainchild of the Student Activities office. Catherine Holmes, associate dean of students, explained that similar workshops were held in the past, but that participation was weak. By sponsoring an all-day conference through SLIC, the Student Activities office is able to offer a distinct program appealing to a wide cross-section of Cornell's more than 350 student-run organizations.

"We had a great diversification of students representing over 100 organizations, which included program boards, class councils and performance troupes," said Joe Scaffido, assistant dean of students for student activities. "We covered the whole spectrum."

Sarah Killian, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and vice president of programming for the Public Relations Student Society of America, is grateful for the organizational guidance provided by SLIC.

"Because of SLIC, our organization now can function more effectively and efficiently," Killian said. "There were helpful suggestions on potential places where meetings can be held and on how to organize different types of events."