Members of Leadership FMU and Omicron Delta Kappa have come together and are currently organizing the 2011 FMU Student Leadership Conference: The Blueprint for Success, which will be held Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in CEMC.
“The goal of the conference is to present information that enhances the lives of FMU students regarding leadership, life skills and career development,” FMU senior and conference director Amanda Morales said.
“The 2011 FMU Student Leadership Conference provides tomorrow’s leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the constantly evolving job market,” Morales went on to say. “At the same time, attendees are given potentially career-launching opportunities to network with respected members of a chosen profession and their peers.”
Students, faculty and organizations interested in leading sessions at the conference are all encouraged to submit proposal forms, which can be picked up and dropped off in the Office of Student Affairs, UC 205. Proposal forms are due by Friday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m.
During last year’s conference, sessions addressed such topics as planning one’s career path, getting the most out of the library, social safety, public speaking tips, how to handle stress and how to make the most out of FMU.
Anyone interested in attending this year’s conference may register for $5 until March 11; after that date the registration fee will increase to $7. The registration fee covers a conference t-shirt and bag with materials, continental breakfast and a full lunch, as well as entrance to the conference. Registration forms can be picked up in the Office of Student Affairs.
In order to make registering easier for students, conference organizers will hold registration days on Feb. 15 and March 8 under the breezeway and at The Grille. During these days students can submit their registration forms and pay their fees.
For those who do not register on one of these dates, fees must be paid to the “Student Leadership” account in the Cashier’s Office, located in the Stokes Administration Building. Once a student’s fees are paid, he or she will be given a receipt to attach to their registration form, which will then be taken to the Office of Student Affairs.
Cody Simpson, a sophomore majoring in business, is working on the Registration Committee. He said that he enjoyed the conference as an attendee last year, so he decided to get involved in helping plan it this year.
“I’m looking forward to organizing an event where all FMU students can come together for a combined learning experience,” Simpson said.
Sophomore Alyssa Hardy, a mass communication major, is working as the assistant director for the conference.
“I thought it would be a good challenge for me to tackle,” Hardy said.
She is working closely with Morales to organize and promote the event. Hardy and Morales have both been emailing and setting up meetings with student organizations and professors in order to spread the word about the conference. They have also created a Facebook page dedicated to the conference and displayed flyers around campus.
Hardy and Morales also decided to offer student organizations the opportunity to purchase an ad, which will be 1/8 of a page, in the conference program for a $10 fee. Those who do so, aside from being represented in the program, will be allowed to host a booth outside of the conference to promote their organization.
“We hope that everyone will attend this conference, as it is intended to enhance the overall experience of students both during college and after graduation by presenting pertinent information focused on leadership, life skills and educational career development,” Morales said.
Anyone with questions regarding the conference is encouraged to contact Morales (amorales7248@g.fmarion.edu) or Hardy (alyssahardy92@aol.com) with any questions or concerns.