Nestled at the heart of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is the University Union, a bustling hub of students and organizations. Amid this vibrant atmosphere, there’s a hidden gem- UU-217, the home of The Center for Leadership. It’s more than just an office; it’s a thriving community where the seeds of leadership are sown, watered, and encouraged to grow. As a Peer Leader at the Center, I can attest firsthand that this place is more than extraordinary; it’s a nurturing ground for students, a place for personal growth, and a dynamic force shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
What is The Center for Leadership?
So, what is the Center for Leadership all about? It’s a dynamic hub of opportunities led by students for students. As a freshman, I took The Center for Leadership’s Emerging Leaders Series and loved it so much I joined the Peer Leader team! I now work with a great group of individuals and work alongside them to lead the various certificate series. At the Center for Leadership, we offer diverse free leadership certifications that shine on your resume, spark conversations about leadership, and foster connections within our community. The Center’s unwavering support and sense of family make it genuinely exceptional. We’re not just a team; we’re a network of individuals always ready to extend a helping hand or lend a sympathetic ear. This is more than a job; it’s a dedicated community committed to nurturing leadership skills and personal growth.
The mission of the Center for Leadership is clear and powerful: it fosters socially responsible leadership development through high-impact practices, programs, and events that are innovative, inclusive, and educational.
Leadership Series and Certifications
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Center is its dedication to providing tailored leadership facilitations. Whether you’re a student, part of a student organization, or a faculty or staff member looking to support students’ growth, the Center is here to customize facilitations to meet your needs. The range of offerings is diverse, covering a broad spectrum of leadership topics. Our current leadership certificate series include:
– Emerging Leaders Series
– Social Change Leadership
– Global Leadership Series
– Positional Leadership Series
– Emotional Intelligence Series
You can learn more about The Center by visiting Cal Poly Now and our Home Page.
Diverse Topics and Evolving Content
The Center for Leadership continues beyond offering certifications and provides various presentations covering various leadership topics. Whether you’re delving into values-based leadership, emotionally intelligent leadership, or exploring teamwork, conflict management, and addressing microaggressions in interpersonal development, our offerings are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to lead effectively.
Requests for facilitations are highly encouraged, and we are committed to evolving our offerings to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college life. This means we provide a dynamic and responsive approach to leadership development that meets the changing needs of organizations and groups on campus. We offer Drop-In Facilitations covering topics such as Values & Ethics in Leadership, Personal Values in Leadership for Inclusive Leadership, Building Leaders From Within Through a DEI Lens, and True Colors, to name just a few.
Finding Balance in a Hectic World
What truly sets the Center for Leadership apart is the sense of community it cultivates. It’s more than just an office or a location; it’s a place where students rediscover themselves. Amid academic pressures and the whirlwind of college life, the Center is an anchor of sanity. It offers a respite from the relentless stress of coursework, reminding students of the importance of self-care. While leadership skills are unquestionably valuable, the Center for Leadership goes further by teaching the crucial lesson of balance.
Beyond leadership development, the Center for Leadership imparts something more profound. It’s about taking a step back from the relentless stress of academic work and discovering the importance of self-care. The Center teaches that balance is critical and that taking care of yourself is just as vital as any leadership skill. This holistic approach to personal development is a gift to Cal Poly students. Our doors are always open; come stop by to meet the team and chat!
Follow The Center for Leadership on Instagram: @learnbyleading
Email us at: leadership@calpoly.edu
Visit us in: UU-217