Nearly 200 Student Leaders Are Back on Campus This Week for Leadership Training

August 18, 2015
A group of student leaders during 2015 leadership orientation.

Nearly 200 student leaders are back on campus this week for leadership training. These sophomores, juniors, and seniors include Resident Assistants (RAs), First-Year Mentors (FYMs), Academic Peer Tutors (APTs), Slater International Student Leaders (ISLs), Athlete Mentors (AMPs), College Government Cabinet (CG), and House Presidents (HPs).

Each morning this week, professional staff will meet with student leaders in the residence halls. “We do a great deal of team-building and joint training, and also train in position-specific sessions designed to focus on the expectations and skills of each individual student leader role,” said Lori Tenser, dean of the first-year class.

Monday’s keynote presentation featured Carol Bate, associate dean of students, who led students through a discussion and reflection about leadership skills and traits. Student leaders will also receive training on such topics as alcohol and substance abuse, how to engage in constructive dialogue, health and wellness, and campus safety. 

Of course, Tenser said, “we also build some fun into the week.” The student leaders will enjoy an afternoon of "fun in the sun" on the event lawn and Lake Waban.

The theme of this year's Orientation program is “Brighter Together.” The theme helps to frame the programs that are included in Orientation week, and inspires students to be creative and thoughtful in the planning process. Student leaders are also engaging in activities this week based on the theme, including decorating cookies shaped like light bulbs with Lori Davidson, Claflin bakery manager.

Claire Verbeck '16 and Sheridan Rogers '17 are this year’s student orientation coordinators. Annie Wang '17 is the orientation technology coordinator.

“The entire planning process has been rewarding in ways I never could have imagined, and we've had the opportunity to hone real-world skills that I'd never before been able to practice,” Verbeck said. “It's especially exciting because I've been through Orientation each year since I came to Wellesley, and now we have the chance to include our own visions in its execution.”

Tenser said, “We rely on these remarkable student leaders to welcome new students and their families to campus next week, and to ease the transition into the College environment. They are truly a foundation of our campus community.”