Leadership Retreat helps students gain experience and network

The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield hosted its annual 3-day leadership retreat before the start of the Fall 2010 semester.

The retreat was designed to train student leaders and provide them with a greater understanding of campus resources, encourage collaboration, recognize work and achievement and instill a sense of pride.

"The most important thing I think I’ve learned is communication. I’ve been involved in several organizations throughout last year and the year before," said Rashonda Williams, a UIS student leader.

Students who serve as resident assistants, club presidents or supervisors are encouraged to sign up for the event. Student Affairs welcomed a record 92 students during the 2010 retreat, which was held August 14-16.

"I really learned there are a lot of different types of leadership styles. There's a lot of different types of personalities that can be good leaders that can really add to a group or organization," said John Tienken, a sophomore at UIS.

Students participated in a variety of team building activities, learned about their personalities and had fun with events such as cosmic bowling.

“I thought this was a very good retreat. I learned a lot,” said Williams.

Student leaders finished the week by helping assist with move in/welcome week activities.