The Co-Curricular Portfolio is a program designed to advance student success at West Chester University. The Co-Curricular Portfolio provides a framework in which students can document their out-of-classroom activities to compliment their academic experience and career goals. The Portfolio also gives students an opportunity to reflect on their co-curricular accomplishments and personal growth and development. Finally, the Co-Curricular Portfolio is designed to compliment a student’s transcript and resume when applying for professional positions and entrance into graduate school. The Co-Curricular Portfolio, a project originated by the Division of Student Affairs Student Leadership Project Team, was further developed and implemented by the Student Success Co-Curricular Portfolio Work Group, appointed in March, 2002.

Download the Entry Form: Resources

S.A.I.L. stands for Students Actively Involved in Leadership. It is a non-credit, leadership development program open exclusively to West Chester University students and is sponsored by State Farm. SAIL is based on West Chester University's conceptual framework that the University, community, and society need leaders with knowledge, skills, and integrity. The development of these qualities and skills are an imperative part of the University's mission to provide a memorable and successful college experience. Once a student completes the SAIL program, they are designated Certified Student Leader.

What are the goals of S.A.I.L?

1. To build a foundation for leadership on the West Chester University campus.
2. To promote interaction, idea-sharing, and communication among student leaders.
3. To encourage involvement in co-curricular activities that enhances leadership development and the academic experience at West Chester.
4. To create opportunities for individuals to gain confidence in their own abilities and develop the skills, ethics, and vision necessary to help organizations and the community to grow and achieve their respective goals.

Students who complete SAIL are recognized as a Certified Student Leader, but the program does not end there. CSLs may undergo continual training to present programs on leadership topics to other groups on campus.

See the SAIL calendar: Resources
Download SAIL documents: Resources
Visit the SAIL website: Sail Website

The Executive Leadership Series originally began as the President's Leadership but is now open to all Executive officers of student organizations and is sponsored by State Farm. After registering for the program, the ELS will consist of monthly meetings that provide specific, measured guidance to Executive leaders. Those who complete the ELS are awarded at the spring award ceremony.

The Annual Spring Leadership Experience is sponsored by State Farm. Since 1985, the Division of Student Affairs and student organizations, particularly SGA, have promoted and held the annual leadership conference featuring nationally recognized keynote speakers and breakout sessions to provide students with leadership development information. This experience is geared towards new and seasoned leaders.

The Organization Spotlight of the Month is an ongoing process where student organizations are recognized for their contribution to the campus. A different organization is chosen each month to appear in various places and mediums on campus, such as the e-newsletter and bulletin board in Sykes Student Union. Organizations must be nominated for the spotlight.

To Nominate: Click Here

The Outstanding Student Leader Spotlight is an ongoing process where a student or students are recognized for their contribution to the campus. A different student(s) is chosen each month to appear in various places and mediums on campus, such as the e-newsletter and bulletin board in Sykes Student Union. Students must be nominated for the spotlight.

To Nominate: Click Here

The Taking the Challenge Series is sponsored by State Farm and is based off the best-selling book by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, entitled The Leadership Challenge. About 30 students will be eligible to participate each month in the series. The program is usually held on Fridays and includes dinner.

The Fish Philosophy Workshop provides an important message, language and action plan that generates the necessary skills and ideas to develop a team environment full of inspiration, creativity, innovation and service. The Fish Philosophy language helps improve team cultures by putting into action four simple practices - Be There, Play, Make Their Day and Choose Your Attitude! Fish is an invitation that enables students to care about each other and their commitments. It is an ongoing journey that spawns all communities around the world (just not at WCU). Fish is not a fad! It is a practice and a skill that evolves over time creating a positive environment and vibrant culture each time it is embraced. Here's to keeping the Fish alive!

The Annual Student Leadership Awards process is coordinated by the Student Leadership Project Team. The awards recognize students and organizations for their contributions to the campus. Categories of awards vary by year and often reflect a variety of interests, including community service, most improvements, student leaders, advisors, collaboration, and programming. Scholarships and other awards may also be presented at the ceremony that is held annually in the spring.

Go to: Awards

LEAD organizes leadership programs, helps new organizations form, empowers current organizations to succeed, and maintains this website. Leadership Consultants who work for the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement are available to help student organizations with questions they might have. At least one Leadership Consultant is assigned to each student organization at West Chester University. LEAD has a Leadership Resource Center office in Sykes 218 which includes brochures, flyers, information packets, books, media, and other materials available to new or seasoned student groups.

The Leadership Resource Center is located in Sykes 218. The office is staffed by Leadership Consultants who work for the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. The office includes brochures, flyers, information packets, books, media, and other materials available to new or seasoned student groups.

The Executive Leaders Retreat at Camp Saginaw is held in the fall. Its purpose is to teach Executive leaders how to improve their skills within an organization. It was also created to improve fellowship among participants and build stronger bonds between Executive Leaders.

Download Camp Saginaw documents: Resources

The PASSHE Women's Leadership Institute is held each summer. West Chester will send three exceptional women to the institute where they are required to return to their respective PASSHE campus and implement programs that will benefit women.

The Annual Fall Involvement Fair has become the place to be for students interested in joining clubs and organizations. Over 5,000 students walked through previous years' event and early registration is encouraged to ensure a reserved table. As well as having the opportunity to positively showcase the organization, there are games and prizes for the most creative display tables.

Download the Registration Form: Resources

The Leadership Newsletter is disseminated monthly to student leaders. It includes information about programming, student groups, and activities. The newsletter is coordinated by the Graduate Assistant for Leadership.

The Hazing Policy is distributed to educate all student groups with member processes at the beginning of each semester. Organizations are asked to provide a signature from each new member to ensure compliance with the policy. The policy is part of Having Prevention Week.

Download the Hazing Policy: Resources

The Spring Organizations Fair is an annual event of about 60 student organizations that provides people at West Chester University with an opportunity to become acquainted with a student group. It is encouraged that organizations apply early for a table at the fair because there is a limited amount of space.

The Certificate Program for Leadership and Civic Engagement is an initiative created by the Honors College. The certificate program is open to all students and is another opportunity for academically motivated students to engage in the study of leadership issues related to civic need and social action. Through curricular and co-curricular activities, students will sharpen their skill and practice in communication, leadership development, global awareness, recognition of diversity, and community service. Upon completion of the certificate requirements, students will receive certificate recognition on their official University transcript.

The Women's Leading Up Leadership/Mentoring Program is a program designed to aid the growing women leaders. Candidates are nominated for the position. The student women who are invited to join are assigned a mentor to meet with outside of the program to continue their growth. Three program meetings are held each semester to discuss problems and issues that women leaders have to deal with everyday. Most events have one to three speakers. The speakers share their personal experiences with the group followed by a small group discussion. This program helps to shape attitudes and ideas about women leaders.

Download Women's Leading Up documents: Resources

The Leadership Consultant Search Process is responsible for advertising open Leadership Consultant positions in the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. The process almost always begins in the spring semester to develop interest in the Leadership Consultant position for the next academic year. Applicants who are accepted will work as a Leadership Consultant out of the Leadership Resource Center in Sykes 218, where they will work with leadership programs and student organizations.

Download the Leadership Consultant application: Resources
Meet the crew: Leadership Consultants

The Multicultural Student Leadership Conference brings together leaders from various colleges. In the fall of 2007, the first Multicultural Student Leader Retreat was held in Wilmington, Delaware with Cheyney University. In the fall of 2009, the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and State Farm hosted the 3rd Annual Multicultural Students Leadership Conference. The theme for 2009 was "Leading With An Open Mind". The event is open to all students. There is a keynote speaker, schedule of leadership and skill-building workshops, lunch, raffles, and prizes. The event counts towards SAIL and can be added to the Co-Curricular portfolio.

Leadership Consultant Liaisons provide assistance to other departments, organizations, staff, programs, or events at West Chester University. The Leadership Consultant Liaisons are trained out of the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. The Liaison partnerships include, but are not limited to: Admissions/Leadership Education of staff, Media Advisory Board, New Student Programs, Religious Life Council, S.I.G.M.A., Sports Club Council/Recreation and Leisure Program, Union Advisory Board, World AIDS Day, Greek Life, and Wellness Fair.


Download the Leadership Consultant application: Resources
Meet the crew: Leadership Consultants

The Global Leadership Initiative began in 2008 to identify how West Chester University student organizations are taking the lead on global issues. Examples of issues may include improving the environment, recycling, and intercultural training among other topics. The initiative will create opportunities for student groups to take the lead in an area of improvement both locally and globally.

Rhino Living is a leadership program offered to students at WCU. Its creator Dave Magrogan "attributes much of his success to living a Rhino's life - jumping in full steam ahead and in a short period of time, accomplishing his set goals. Because of his success and his ability to motivate others, Dave enjoys training thousands of others in how to put into action his Rhino Living philosophy—including his 600 staff members. Do nothing small and make an audacious impact!" This excerpt was retrieved from Dave Magrogan's website rhinoliving.com.