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Activities, Leadership Conference Highlight 2017 Leadership Week

Ferris State UniversityLeadership styles and options will be explored and detailed for the benefit of Ferris State University students Monday, March 20 through Thursday, March 23, as a schedule of events are offered in Leadership Week 2017.

The Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services has organized the schedule, according to CLACS Assistant Alex Reeds, a senior in the Psychology program from Gladwin. She said Lunch and Learn sessions will be valuable offerings requiring a reduced time commitment.

“Maybe a student can’t spend five hours taking part in a conference,” Reeds said. “We hope those who visit a Lunch and Learn receive valuable instruction to build their self-confidence, or organizational skills.”

Matt Jones, of the CLACS staff, will lead the Monday, March 20 session, where sushi will be served, and the book ‘Why Leaders Eat Last,’ by Simon Sinek will be examined, with his TED Talk shown. That event begins at 11 a.m., in the CLACS lobby.

On Tuesday, March 21, the Lunch and Learn will begin at 11 a.m., with pizza to eat and a review of Robert’s Rules of Order, which offer structure to registered student organizations, or the process of holding meetings in large companies. This session will also run from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the CLACS lobby.

There will also be student-led events, where those interested in leadership opportunities can hear from those actively involved with the process on campus.

“Members of Entertainment Unlimited will be available at our first open house session, Monday, March 20, from 6 to 7 p.m.” Reeds said. “There will be snacks available in room 217 of the University Center, along with activities and a chance to learn about EU’s programming efforts across the university.”

Tuesday, March 21, the open house will feature the Student Government Association, described by Reeds as “one of the largest student-run change agents on campus.” Their session in UC room 202B will begin at 5:45 p.m., with snacks and activities provided, along with meet-and-greet opportunities.

A Wellness Wednesday program will also be offered as part of Leadership Week.

“We will be in front of CLACS, beginning at 11 a.m. with the chance to win some fun prizes, if you can answer our trivia questions centered on famous leadership quotes,” Reeds said. “There will also be members of the student photography group, Photo Phocus, available to provide free headshots for students, to use in any situation where they may need their picture.”

The final event is Thursday, March 23, with The Leadership Conference 2017 in the University Center Ballroom. Reeds said they ask that participants dress in business professional clothing, for their event beginning at 4:30 p.m.

“Jess Ekstrom, the founder of Headbands of Hope, will give her talk ‘Small Plates,’ because she was able to take a simple concept and follow it through, to a successful result,” Reeds said. “Her experience supporting children dealing with cancer, by sending them a headband for each one she sells, is a great example of philanthropy and Ferris’ core value of Ethical Community.”

There will also be breakout sessions for participants, and an etiquette dinner, where tips on successful negotiation of a business meal, and trying new foods with grace will be emphasized. Reeds stressed that students wishing to participate in the conference should sign up for the free event using OrgSync.

More information, or requests for accommodation assistance during Leadership Week should be referred to the CLACS office.


PHOTO CAPTION: Ferris State University’s Leadership Week runs March 20-23 on main campus.