Abstract:
This study was undertaken to determine references of conference participants regarding involvement in student leadership organizations. Registration forms for the 2003-2005 student leadership conferences at one state university were used to profile the demographic makeup, levels of participation, and preferences associated with involvement in student leadership organizations, as well as perceptions of the importance of and self confidence in leadership skills. Factor analysis grouped the preferences from this survey into five themes: networking, recreational learning, academic interest, scholarship, and meeting times. Some preferences, such as educational activities and field trips were spread across these categories, providing natural bridges between themes around which to plan program activities. This study had several implications that are immediately applicable to program planners. Preferences associated with individual variables (such as recreational events or educational activities) could help define those variables operationally, assisting in the development of a plan to optimize program impact. Purposefully applying an awareness of commonalities and differences within and between these themes could make planning and implementation more efficient and effective. An awareness of different expectations held by different demographic groups could help with both recruitment and retention in leadership programs.
Keywords:
student leader, student organizations
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