CSLI
CSLI expands community engagement and leadership development opportunities
Feb 28, 2020, by Staff Writer
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Traditional student activities at Bryant have expanded greatly thanks to the hard work of a dedicated team and under the leadership of Associate Director of the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement Andy Jacques.

Framing the mission of the office under four pillars – Community Engagement, Leadership Development, Student Organizations/Greek Life, and Campus Events and Programs – the current service and program offerings provide new experiential and developmental opportunities for students who choose to get involved. Here is just a sampling of ways the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement adds value to your student’s Bryant experience:

  • Bryant received its first ever AmeriCorps VISTA Grant this year. Maria Hendrickson of VISTA develops partnerships with nonprofits and encourages students to volunteer at the local level, empowering students as well as the surrounding communities;
  • The LACE (Leadership and Community Engagement) Fellowship Program enhances a student’s leadership abilities. This pilot program provides a $500 stipend to students who complete 100 hours of service and training, including a portion of work at a nonprofit organization. The focus of the program links leadership experience to community engagement to encourage Bryant students to be positive change agents wherever they find themselves leading (now and in the future).

The first Leadership Summit at Bryant brought student leaders from the majority of student organizations together for training, networking, and support from administrators. The Summit is just one of several leadership events the CSLI provides to students on a regular basis. Other topics throughout the year might include:

  • new leader training
  • goal setting
  • leadership, service, and diversity
  • constitution building
  • conflict management
  • leadership transfer
  • leadership and gender
  • leadership in times of crisis
  • digital leadership
  • leadership incentive program

In addition to the growth of leadership development and community engagement opportunities, CSLI continues to manage a robust set of traditional student activity offerings. This includes more than 100 student organizations focused on things such as academic areas of study, recreation, community engagement, personal identities/cultures/religions, professional development, the arts, and media. In addition, Bryant hosts a thriving fraternity and sorority community that focuses on the principles of leadership, scholarship, and service. Finally, with regular weekend and nighttime offerings, there is always something to do, whether it is a large concert or special weekend, a consistent offering like bingo or yoga, a trip off campus to catch a show or game, or an enriching lecture or campus training.

The growth of new pillars like leadership development and community engagement, and expansion of areas like student organizations and campus programs promote inclusive opportunities that foster personal and professional development, innovation, and global thinking. The time has never been better for students to have a truly comprehensive experience that links on-campus collaborative learning environments and social development with off-campus real-world connections and active citizenship. Encourage your student to explore the many opportunities offered by the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement.

CSLI is located in the Eakin Leadership Suite (3rd floor of the Fisher Student Center). Additional details can be found on the CSLI Instagram account or by visiting engaged.bryant.edu.

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