OSL Leadership Academy

Co-directors: Dippi Sharma and Diego Vazquez

The OSL Leadership Academy helps students build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to lead both on campus and beyond. Through workshops, hands-on learning, community engagement, and mentorship, students develop practical leadership abilities that can be applied in any organization or career.

Students can pursue one of three certificate tracks: Life Skills, Practicing Leadership, Organizational Leadership

Each academic term, the Office of Student Life hosts a Leadership Academy orientation for interested students. Attend an orientation session or visit the OSL office to learn more and apply.

At the OSL Leadership Academy, you¡¯ll gain practical leadership and communication skills; hands-on learning experiences; mentorship from faculty, staff, and student leaders; and opportunities to connect with other student leaders across campus.

Emerge

Co-leaders: Maggie Stanley and Kaliah Knox

Emerge is ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø's leadership development program for first-year and new students. Through interactive sessions and small peer groups, participants build leadership skills, discover their strengths, and connect with campus life.

Over eight weeks, students develop skills in self-awareness and personal leadership, communication and collaboration, teamwork and relationship building, and community engagement.

Accelerate Leadership Program

Co-leaders: Gerard Cabrera Espinach and Andres Gordillo Ramirez

The Accelerate Leadership Program is designed for student-athletes who have completed at least one year of college. Participants are nominated by their coaches, and interested students should speak with their coach to express their interest.

Over the course of the program, participants explore leadership through the lens of athletics, developing the skills, mindset, and personal qualities needed to build cohesive teams and achieve peak performance.

Held during the first five weeks of Winter Term, the program includes weekly leadership sessions, interactive learning experiences, opportunities to strengthen teamwork and communication, and practical strategies for leading on and off the field.

Elevate

Co-leaders: Alex Ramirez and Ryan DeLand

Elevate is a leadership program designed for students in Greek life. Over the course of the four-week program, students explore key leadership topics, including identifying and supporting peers facing mental health challenges, conflict resolution, personal leadership styles, and how to build inclusive spaces.

Participate

Co-leaders: Megan Sveda and Ditishree Verma

Participate is a leadership program that gives students the opportunity to engage in hands-on community service. Each month, the program organizes 2-3 service projects for students to get involved with. Past partners have included the MLK Center, Impact Life, the Rock Island School District, and Ness Cafe, among others.

Student Organization Engagement

Co-leaders: Kiki Essilfie and Ahmad Mahmood Habib

The goal of the Student Organization Engagement is to support student organization leaders and advisors to enhance student involvement and seek opportunities to strengthen community. We accomplish this goal by offering programs and activities for students by connecting them with organizations that match their interests within the ÖйúÌå²ÊÍø community.

Campus Closet

Leader: Amelie Najas Jervis

The Augie Campus Closet is an initiative aimed at providing free clothing to students in need. Like Campus Cupboard, this resource is located on the first floor of the Brunner Theatre Center near the bookstore and Gus's Snack Bar (follow the mailboxes).