We welcome your participation in these
Center for Responsible Leadership Sponsored Events
Michigan Issues Forums
Reforming Education for a Healthier Michiigan
A healthy meal will be provided
Behind the Scenes: Labor Unions vs. Right to Work
Dr. Sylvia Earle
Developing Leaders, Changing Lives
Purpose and Mission
The Center for Responsible Leadership provides innovative co-curricular programming and service opportunities for all students in support of Alma College's mission to prepare graduates who think critically, serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly as stewards of the world they bequeath to future generations.
Leadership at Alma College
Leadership opportunities are central to the Alma College experience. On the field, through the Greek system, in the classroom, within student organizations and through participation in service learning, Alma College students hone their leadership skills. The Center for Responsible Leadership enhances these existing opportunities and creates new possibilities so that all Alma students may develop the knowledge, skills and commitments critical for future global leaders.
Six Guiding Principles
- All Alma College students have the potential to be leaders in various contexts during their lives.
- The Center for Responsible Leadership enriches the academic experiences of students by supporting their pesonal leadership development.
- Leading well requires knowledge and skills best gained through the direct application of leadership instruction.
- The nurturing of ethical values is as important to leadership development as acquiring knowledge and skills.
- Leading well reqires adapting to and enabling change as well as taking action for the long-term well being of one's workplace and community.
- Leading responsibly means thinking critically, leading purposefully, and serving generously for the common good.
Providing Leadership and Service Opportunities For All Alma College Students
The Center for Responsible Leadership provides a network of opportunities available to all students. These opportunities include:
- The Robert D. Swanson Responsible Leadership Speaker Series (nominations welcome)
- Presidential Forums (book discussions)
- Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows' Program
- Sponsored and Co-Sponsored Speakers
- Leadership Seminars and Workshops offered by CRL Fellows, Alma College Staff and Guests
- Alternative Break Service Experiences
- Internships in non-profit agencies
Leadership Fellows' Program
The Center for Responsible Leadership Fellows' Program offers students exceptional opportunities for in-depth leadership training and development. Students apply for the program in January of each year. New Fellows will be selected to join the program each February. The 2006 class of Leadership Fellows completed their LeaderShape Institute at Ghost Ranch Conference Center and will be participated in an International Leadership Institute at Wroxton College in England in August of 2007. In June of this year, the 2007 class of Leadership Fellows completed their LeaderShape training at Ghost Ranch Conference Center in New Mexico or in a summer national session at the Allerton Conference Center in Illinois.
All CRL Fellows will engage in:
- The LeaderShape Institute at Ghost Ranch Conference Center in New Mexico or LeaderShape's national sessions at Allerton Conference Center in Illinois
- Projects offered to the campus community and others
- Special events involving the Robert D. Swanson Responsible Leadership Speaker Series
- Guest speaker sessions and workshops highlighting leadership development
- Sessions dedicated to developing and sharing leadership goals and visions
- The Michigan Issues Forum which explores a compelling and controversial issue of concern to the citizens of the state of Michigan
Additional opportunities for CRL Fellows include:
Successful completion of the Leadership Fellows' Program results in the designation of Center for Responsible Leadership Fellow on the student's graduation transcript.
Supporting the Efforts of Alma College
- Special Chapel programming
- Leadership training support for student organizations
- Academic Service Learning Program
- AmeriCorp*Vista Volunteer Coordinator
- Pre-term guest speaker
- Project support for faculty, staff and students
- Grant development consultations for faculty and students in aligned programs
The High School Leadership Institute
The Alma College's High School Leadership Institute , sponsored by The Dow Chemical Company, provides high school juniors (Class of 2009) an opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities. Held on campus, the High School Leadership Institute provides an immersion into the study and practice of leadership. Through workshops, case analysis and recreation, students build confidence and abilities during the summer residential Institute. The dates for 2008 are July 7-11.
The Center for Responsible Leadership is funded with special gifts and grants.
