·
Program kickoff (09/25/11). This was the first session of the year. This session served as an introduction to the program, reviewing the program’s mission and vision statements. We also discussed the definition of leadership, and how it has evolved over years. Additionally, we had a discussion around the traits and qualities of truly effective leaders. The facilitator was the moderator for this discussion.
· Citizen Leadership (10/16/11). For this session we solicited the help of Dr. Tim Pierson to discuss what it means to model citizen leadership as a Longwood University student and athlete. Dr. Pierson worked with the students discussing some of the different tenets of leadership, and how to be a citizen leader both on and off the field. He employed the use of a group activity where students were divided into groups and asked to come up with different characteristics of leadership, and then discuss commonalities between groups. Finally he combined the thoughts from all the groups, and settled on a definition for “citizen leaders.”
· Leading with Self Discipline & Effective Time Management (11/06/11). Jen Rentschler, Associate Director of Leadership & Student Engagement, presented on this topic. Jen used a PowerPoint presentation to talk discuss tips and strategies for effective time management. As a student and an athlete, most student-athletes don’t have much free time, so Jen worked with them on how to prioritize those things that are most important. Jen also went over author, Steve Covey’s Time Management Matrix -- a very important tool, utilized by many successful people, to structure and prioritize their responsibilities.
· Leading in a team (11/20/11). Athletic Director, Troy Austin facilitated this discussion. Troy spoke primarily on the effective communication and middle management skills. He challenged the student-athlete’s to identify their own personal strengths and weaknesses as team members and as communicators. Troy also engaged the students by acting out various role play scenarios geared towards highlighting the different means of communicating with peers, coaches, and other authority figures.
· Role of Diversity (02/12/12). Dr. Jamie Riley, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Riley presented on the topics of diversity and inclusion. The presentation began by defining the two themes. Then he discussed the different facets of diversity and what the NCAA says about diversity and its role in collegiate athletics. Riley concluded his presentation explaining microagressions and the responsibilities that we have as leaders combating and fighting for inclusivity.
· Ethical Leadership (03/04/12). Michelle Meadows (Associate Athletic Director) spoke with the group regarding the topic of ethical leadership. After explaining the definition of ethics, Meadows administered a values inventory for each of the students to complete. This exercise allowed the students to identify their own personal values, team values, and school values. All of these values play an important role in developing one's personal ethics. We discussed the steps involved in the ethical decision making process and some of the challenges faced as ethical leaders. Meadows concluded by guiding the group through several team scenarios. This provided an opportunity for the students to apply the concepts they had learned.
