The Center for Student Leadership and Service houses American Humanics/Nonprofit Management, the First Year Experience Program, New Student Orientation, Service-learning, XU LEADS (Leadership Education and Developmental Skills) and Volunteer Services. The Center for Student Leadership and Service is designed to promote student leadership and civic engagement by complementing the academic curriculum with practical application of classroom theory and methodology. The Center for Student Leadership and Service contributes directly to the University Mission by implementing programs that will prepare students to assume roles of leadership and service in society. The ultimate purpose of the Center is to educate students so that they may become facilitators of social change.
American Humanics/Non-Profit Management is an innovative certification program in nonprofit management. Students electing to receive this certification must participate in community service, workshops, and a 300-hour internship. This nationally recognized program equips university students so that they will become skilled professionals and leaders in nonprofit organizations and agencies and are better prepared for graduate studies in nonprofit management.
First Year Experience Program (FYE) is a comprehensive program designed to provide a support system for entering freshmen through ongoing consultations and referrals, academic, cultural, recreational, and social programs throughout the year. First Year Experience Program Calendars are distributed at the beginning of each semester.
New Student Orientation serves to assist the University “new” students – entering freshmen, transfers and non-traditional students – in maximizing their potential and achieving personal and academic growth. Students are provided with a suitable referral source; a vital support system away from home; and a liaison with all areas of the University community. These efforts are facilitated by PEER DEANS, student volunteers who mentor and act as liaisons to new students on campus and assist in planning Orientation. The ultimate goal is to instill in new students the importance of taking advantage of all resources available to them and becoming well-rounded students.
Service-learning is a teaching and learning method that connects meaningful community service with academic learning, personal growth, community involvement, and civic responsibility. It is method by which students can learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences connected with an academic course. .
Through service learning, students not only have an opportunity to learn academic concepts and skills, they begin to understand the relevance of those concepts and skills in the real world, contribute to efforts that strengthen communities, and positively impact peoples’ lives by building capacity and addressing immediate and long-term issues identified by the local community. Coupling service with other teaching methods can transform a course, and deepen students’ understanding of course themes and achievement of course objectives.
There are opportunities for participation in service-learning throughout disciplines and university departments. Service-learning is a joint effort between Student Services and Academic Affairs
XU LEADS (Leadership Education and Developmental Skills)is designed to prepare students for leadership roles and responsibilities through the use of multiple techniques such as training workshops, community service, panel/discussion forums and retreats. Distinctive programs for the emergent leader and advanced leader develop skills in team building, ethics, conflict resolution, motivation, critical thinking, and positive regard for others. XU LEADS Calendars are distributed at the beginning of each semester.
Volunteer Services was established in 1988 to encourage student participation in volunteer and community service activities as a central concern of a Xavier education. Serving as both a resource center and volunteer placement office, the Center coordinates the activities of individuals and student groups wishing to volunteer, providing increased opportunities for leadership development, social awareness, personal growth and career exploration. Resources and services in this unit include: Community Service Calendar of Events, Campus-Based Service Programs, Promotional Campaigns for Annual Service Events and Group Projects, Agency Clearinghouse, and Information and Resource Library, as well as consultation and workshops. The Volunteer Center also supervises the student community service organization, MOBILIZATION AT XAVIER (M.A.X.), providing support and guidance for students initiating and participating in service projects on campus and in the local, national and international communities.
