LEADERSHIP CABINET

The UNO Leadership Cabinet has served the University of New Orleans for over 20 years and has provided leadership opportunities for all students on campus regardless of their leadership experience.  The Leadership Cabinet was started as a leadership initiative within the Division of Student Affairs over 20 years ago and funded through Student Government since the Cabinet’s inception as service to the students.  The Leadership Cabinet’s structure has the flexibility to adjust accordingly to meet the needs of the campus at that particular time.  Ten years ago, the Cabinet was made up of student leaders, faculty, and staff in rotating term positions.  The Cabinet has primarily consisted of student leaders who go through an application process and are selected to be on the Leadership Retreat Staff.  Once a student serves on the Retreat Staff, they may be considered for the Leadership Cabinet. 

(Link to Leadership Cabinet applications)

UNO LEADERSHIP RETREAT

The UNO Leadership Retreat embodies the relational leadership model that fosters self development and empowerment in a collaborative manner with others who want to make a difference through their leadership abilities.  For the past twenty years, students have come together for a weekend of leadership development and self-discovery.  The skills learned and friendships gained from this weekend not only help students to become better individual leaders, but in turn, most of these leaders turn around and make a difference UNO campus through their involvement in organizations .

The Leadership Retreat is a weekend experience.  Students board buses Friday afternoon and return to campus Sunday afternoon.  For over fifteen years, the Leadership Retreat was conducted at the University of Southern Mississippi in Gulfport, Mississippi, but the conference center closed in 2003, forcing the Leadership Cabinet to find a new retreat site that met the needs of the leadership program. We finally found a new site after researching innumerable sites via internet and personally visiting over 10 conference sites within Mississippi and Louisiana.  The new site is a wonderful facility in Woodworth, Louisiana that meets conference space, sleeping and meal accommodations, as well as provides a recreational atmosphere conducive to program needs.

The 2006 and 2007 Leadership Retreats were the largest retreat in ten years with over 60 participants.  The weekend consists of large group and small group leadership sessions that teach leadership styles, team building, and include a plethora of leadership skill development opportunities.  The new conference center also has certified personnel to conduct the ropes course. 

(Link to Leadership Retreat Registration Form)

X-TREME LEADERSHIP WEEKEND

Outdoor teambuilding is a valuable part of experiential leadership.  Twenty five students will be able to sign up to participate this spring leadership weekend opportunity.  The weekend will consist of a high ropes course and leadership sessions.

(Link to Leadership X-Treme Leadership Weekend Registration Form)

LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION CEREMONY

LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION CEREMONY PACKET

The Leadership Cabinet produces the annual Leadership Ceremony at the end of the spring semester.  This special night recognizes student leaders who have made a difference on the UNO campus.  The night consists of an address from the Chancellor, the Dean of Student Affairs, and other special guests. Other highlights of the evening include the presentation of the student recognition awards, organization of the year, advisor of the year, the Burks Award and recognition of individuals selected for the national Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities.  There are usually between 300 in attendance at Leadership Ceremony including family and friends. Organizations submit pictures and the Leadership Cabinet produces a PowerPoint Slide show to music that captures a year in review of organization events.  The event is followed by a reception. 

Student Leader Recognition
Organizations and departments on campus may submit a form and select up to three individuals to be recognized.  Their name is also printed in the program and they come on stage to receive a certificate presented to them by the Chancellor. 

Organization and Advisor of the Year
Organizations self nominate themselves by filling out the packet and write a summary explaining why they think they should be Organization of the Year.  Organizations nominate their advisors and also write a summary regarding their advisor.  Members of Leadership Cabinet as well as administrators from Student Affairs review these nomination forms and select the winners.  The decision is confidential until announced at the ceremony.  In past years, plaques were awarded. 

Burks Award
This is the most prestigious student leadership award a student can receive at the University of New Orleans.  The award is named after Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Edgar E. Burks, who passed away in 1984.  Students are nominated for this award and a Student Affairs committee selects the winner. In past years, the winner received a check for $200 from Student Affairs and a plaque.  

Who’s Who Among Student In American Universities

Individuals selected as a national Who’s Who receives the official certificate sent from Who’s Who.  A university committee selects students based on scholastic achievement and contribution to their university.  The students are presented their awards at the UNO Leadership Recognition Ceremony.

L.E.A.D. Workshops

The Leadership Education And Development (LEAD) Workshops are designed for Student Organizational Officers and for students who would like to hold a leadership position within an organization. This series is an excellent way for student organizations to train their next leaders.

Goals of the leadership workshops

1. To connect the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities
2. To improve your leadership competence and enhance future leadership potential
3. To develop practical applications and increase your understanding of leadership
4. To enhance your abilities as a student organizational officer or leader

Benefits of attending a leadership workshop

1. Develop your image as a successful leader
2. Build alliances with University faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders
3. Gain insight and skill to assume a leadership role on campus or in your career

(Link to the Fall LEAD Workshop Series)

EMERGING LEADERS
Watch for more information about this developing leadership opportunity.

OMNICRON DELTA KAPPA LEADERSHIP HONOR SOCIETY
ODK® is the national leadership honor society that recognizes the great works of college students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni on college campuses nationwide in the areas of scholarship, leadership and community service. 

ODK was the first college honor society of a national scope to give recognition and honor for meritorious leadership and service in extracurricular activities and to encourage development of campus citizenship.  This organization recognizes achievement in the following areas: scholarship; athletics; campus/ community service, social/religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; creative and performing arts.

The ODK Idea is three-fold:
First, to recognize those who have attained a high standard of efficiency in collegiate activities and to inspire others to strive for conspicuous attainments along similar lines;

Second, to bring together the most representative students in all phases of collegiate life and thus to create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate interest;

Third, to bring together members of the faculty and student body of the institution as well as other Omicron Delta Kappa members on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness.

ODK Involvement Includes:
-Forums on campus, community, and national issues.
-Leadership workshops for students and faculty
-Awards and recognition of student/faculty leadership.
-Service Projects

2007-2008 ODK Induction Ceremonies:
Fall 2007:   Robin Barnes, Justin Cottrell, Jessica Tingstrom, Xue Qin Wang
Samantha Bazile - Faculty Secretary, Pam Rault - Faculty Advisor

Spring 2008:  Cory Dumesnil, Joseph Esposito, Charicki Evans, Arianne Gallaty, Brett Hornsby, Rachel Husser, Jessica LeJune, Georgios Mazarakis, Jessica Morgan, Jessie Nunes, Reid Owens, Christopher Saybe, Jimmy Wylie

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