Ball State students are leaders both in and out of the classroom. From leadership organizations, seminars, and even academic course credit, you’ll have lots of opportunities to develop your leadership skills.
Excellence in Leadership
The Excellence in Leadership (EIL) program
will help you explore your leadership attributes and leadership styles. The program utilizes workshops, keynote speakers, and experiential activities to help emerging leaders develop a strong skill set. The program is also available for course credit!
Leadership Studies Minor
The leadership studies minor is designed for students who wish to incorporate their leadership experiences into an academic curriculum. Our interdisciplinary course offerings prepare students for leadership in any field. Our classes are dynamic and discussion oriented.
Cardinal Leadership and Service Seminar
Incoming freshmen who want to be campus leaders can attend an intensive, three-day seminar. During Cardinal Leadership and Service Seminar (CLASS) , you’ll explore ideas of service, citizenship, leadership, and success. Returning students are also welcomed to apply to be a CLASS mentor.
Keynote Speakers
Every semester our office brings nationally celebrated speakers
to campus. Students who participate in our student organizations often get the opportunity to interact personally with a diverse range of guest lecturers.
Scholarships
The Office of Student Life offers scholarships to emerging and established student leaders. The Hiatt/Wickham Scholarship is available to students who participate in the EIL program . Incoming first year students with strong grade point averages (GPAs) are invited to apply for the Parents Advisory Council Scholarship . Current students who are in good academic standing are eligible for the Undergraduate Leadership Scholarship .
Activity Fairs
Each semester, we offer you the chance to meet our student organizations. The Fall Activity Fair is held every year during Welcome Week and includes representatives from many of our more than 350 student organizations. The Spring Activity Fair is held in January.
Spring Leadership Conference
Each spring, we select a leadership topic that is widely appealing and applicable. Last year, more than 100 people attended our Emotional Intelligence
workshop. Other topics have included The Leadership Challenge and a retreat based on the LeaderShape curriculum.
Student Organization Presidents Retreat
This retreat
is open to all student organization presidents. You will have an opportunity to connect with other presidents, discuss your unique challenges, and learn how to better lead your organization.