Student Life & Services

Student Leadership Academy

Student Leadership Academy is designed to help you develop valuable skills your future employers are looking for: communication, motivation, goal setting and presentation skills. If you're looking to build your resume, meet new people and show that you have more than just a good grade point average, then Student Leadership Academy is for you. No previous leadership experience is necessary.

What You Gain

Free - no cost to participants.
Participate in seven or more sessions and receive a Certificate of Leadership.
Certificate earners will also receive a $20 Kent State Stark Bookstore certificate.
Enjoy lunch during the Wednesday noon sessions.
Certificate earners will enjoy a wrap-up Lunch with the Dean.

Earn a Certificate of Leadership

Not able to make all seven sessions in one semester? You can earn a Certificate of Leadership over two semesters. Take sessions in the fall and spring and as long as you total seven, you can still earn a certificate. This extended program is available for Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 sessions only.

Lunch with the Dean

Fall: If you're planning to earn a certificate in the fall semester, mark Friday, Nov. 30 on your calendar for Lunch with the Dean. The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. and will be held at The University Center. To attend the fall luncheon, you must complete 7 sessions during Fall 2012.

Spring: If you're planning to earn a certificate in the spring semester, mark Friday, March 22 on your calendar with Lunch with the Dean. The luncheon begins at 11:45 a.m. and will be held at The University Center. To attend the spring luncheon, you must complete 7 sessions in Spring 2013, or a combination of 7 sessions from Fall 2012 and Spring 2013.

Session Locations

This year, Student Leadership Academy will be held at both Kent State University at Stark and Stark State College. Pay careful attention to your session locations.

Got Questions?

Student Leadership Academy Orientation

Select One Date:

Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m. (optional Meet & Greet begins at 3:30 p.m.)
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College
Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 12 p.m. (optional Meet & Greet begins at 11:30 a.m.)
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark (repeat session)

Want to know what to expect during your Student Leadership Academy journey? Attend this session to find out about facilitators, session locations and more. Students that attend this session will receive a binder for their SLA materials. Arrive early to get to know the coordinators. 60 minutes.

Collaboration & The Unstoppable Team

Select One Date:

Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College
Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 12 p.m. (repeat session)
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark

Teamwork is a cooperative effort by members of a team to achieve a common goal. Experience a new awareness of how to meet that goal by performing an ‘out of the box’ exercise that will combine learning and fun! 60 minutes.

How to Set Goals You'll Actually Achieve

Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 3:30 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College

This workshop will review the process of setting “smart” goals and help you create a plan of action to be successful. 60 minutes.

Servant Leadership

Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 12 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark

A servant leader sacrifices his or her own needs for the needs of others and paints a picture of a better tomorrow. Learn the qualities of a servant leader, listen to our community partners about volunteer opportunities, and make a difference in our community by helping and inspiring others. Deadline to complete a service project is March 11. More details will be given during session. 60 minutes.

Résumé & Cover Letter Writing Workshop

Select One Date:

Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 3:30 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College
Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. (repeat session)
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark

This interactive workshop covers the résumé and cover letter writing process. Find out the do's and don'ts of effective professional correspondence. 90 minutes.

Financial Management

Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 12 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College
Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. (repeat session)
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark

Managing finances in college can be challenging. Attend this session for helpful ideas on how to take control of your finances. 60 minutes.

Practical Ideas for Making Better Decisions

Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College

Ok, quiz time. How many decisions does the average adult make each day? And the answer is…about 35,000. Now granted most of these are simple decisions such as where will I sit, should I park here, when do I eat (which is perhaps among the more important daily decisions we make) and approximately 34,997 more! But some are not simple, such as what I should study, whom I should date, is this worth the cost, where should I live, and….you fill in the blank. So here’s the deal – you make 35,000 decisions a day; how about spending an hour learning some practical ideas for making better decision. In fact, if you say “yes” right now, that’s one less future decision you have to make! Good choice! 60 minutes.

Etiquette Luncheon

Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 12 p.m.
The University Center | Kent State University at Stark

Many prospective employers are adding dining to interview components to assess the candidate's abilities in different social situations. This session will help you avoid some protocol pitfalls. 2 hours.

Communication in the Workplace

Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 3:30 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College

Employers consistently rank "strong communication skills" as the single most important skill set that a potential employee can bring to their organizations. This session will cover some of the common workplace communication issues and strategies for becoming an effective communicator in the workplace. 60 minutes.

Professional Interviewing & Job Fair Prep

Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 12 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark

Learn strategies to become a winning interviewee: job interview preparation, effective communication, interview etiquette, professional dress and handling difficult questions. In addition, this session will cover tips and strategies geared toward helping you navigate an in-person job fair. 60 minutes.

TIPS - Ten Strategies for Successful Public Speaking

Tuesday, March 5 at 3:30 p.m.
M101 Business & Entrepreneurial Studies Center | Stark State College

This session will provide students with ten strategies for successful public speaking and presentations. 60 minutes.

Stress & Time: You're More in Control than You Think!

Wednesday, March 6 at 12 p.m.
Main Hall Auditorium | Kent State University at Stark

Sometimes it feels like stress is coming from all directions! Learn how to better understand what you do have control over, what you don’t have full control over (and how to let that go), and how to manage different types of stress! 60 minutes.