University Unions & Student Activities

Leadership Tech (LT) Certificate Program

This co-curricular program fosters student leadership development through experiential learning and student involvement.  Each fall and spring semester the program convenes to allow students to engage in an extended learning experience through small peer and large group workshops and activities.

Emerging Leaders

First-year students work with upper class student leaders serving as group facilitators.  Content includes learning about self and the foundations of leadership.  Students participate in small group activities that connect to a common book, seminars, and share service learning goals.

Engaging Leaders

Upper class students with sophomore or greater standing join one of several small family groups each based around a theme.  These students work closely with graduate student-leaders and VT faculty serving as group facilitators.  Students participate in family group activities that connect to their topic area as well as larger group seminars and activities.  Each group works as a team to create service learning goals resulting in a community service project completed in the spring.

Leadership Tech participants regularly cooperate and collaborate with VT Service Learning and VT-ENGAGE programs.

General content includes exploration of personal values, a deeper understanding of leadership theory and foundations, and a focused exploration of several topic areas:

Environmental Sustainability. For those interested in creating more sustainable communities, including issues such as sustainable energy and agriculture, ecosystem protection and restoration, watershed management, and land use planning.

Social Justice. For those interested in social justice efforts, developing inclusive communities, and creating a more just and fair society. Field activities may include assistance at a variety of local and regional sites. 

Community Vitality. Targeted to those what want to work with businesses, agencies or nonprofit organizations addressing the social and economic challenges of communities.

Global Awareness. For those interested in global and international service and leadership as well as learning about and raising awareness of pertinent international issues.

Health and Wellness. For those interested in promoting the quality of life, health and well-being.

Peer Leadership Education. For those interested in peer leadership education for high school and/or college students. This may involve: visiting and mentoring at local schools or youth programs, presenting workshops on leadership and personal growth, assisting with campus leadership development or career service events.

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Leadership Seminar Series (LSS)

An on-going workshop and training series open to the university community at large. Topics vary to highlight a spectrum of leadership theories and practices. Students who attend seven or more seminars receive a certificate and recognition at the University Student Leadership Awards (USLAs) each spring.

Leadership Seminar Series 2007-2008

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Blue Ridge Summit

The Student Activities Department collaborates annually with Roanoke College and Radford University to present this leadership conference. Keynotes and educational sessions provide a day of full of personal exploration, knowledge acquisition and networking amongst peers.

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Summer Leadership Employment Program (SLEP)

Targeted at officers of Virginia Tech student organizations that comprise the Commission on Student Affairs, this leadership opportunity involves student leaders in a variety of meetings and activities held on campus and in the Blacksburg area. The students help to provide developmental support to ongoing programs while interacting with peers and university leaders. Student leaders engage in case studies, project implementation and serve as the a voice for the student body when faculty and staff need representation from students during summer sessions.

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University Awards

Virginia Tech Undergraduate Man and Woman of the Year

The recipients and finalists of the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Man and Woman of the Year Award exemplify the qualities and values important to a Virginia Tech education and captured in our motto, Ut Prosim, That I May Serve.  The award recognizes balanced achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service. The Undergraduate Man and Woman of the Year Award will be presented to the recipients by President Steger at the Founder’s Day Student Recognition Banquet held each April. 

“Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges” selection

“Who's Who Among Students” exists as one of a long-standing honors program.  For students – the outstanding campus leaders of the year – national recognition by the “Who's Who” program marks a pinnacle of scholastic achievement.

Selections to “Who's Who Among Students” is made each fall by a selection committee convened by The Department of Student Activities. The campus nominating committee, created to nominate the upper-classmen and graduate students eligible for the program, is composed of a variety of representatives from Virginia Tech which can include faculty, administration and members of the student body.

-2007 adapted and edited from http://www.whoswhoamongstudents.com/about.asp

University Student Leadership Awards (USLAs)

Each year, the Department of Student Activities coordinates the recognition of achievements made by our university’s students, student organizations, and advisors.  Students, faculty and staff nominate candidates to receive these prestigious awards.  The selection committee evaluates nominees for contributions to the University in areas related to leadership, service and involvement.

In addition to presenting the recipients of these awards, this event honors achievement of the:

  • Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges Awards
  • Virginia Tech Undergraduate Man and Woman of the Year Awards
  • Virginia Tech Graduate Man and Woman of the Year Awards
  • Order of the Gavel Inductees
  • Leadership Tech Certificate Recipients
  • Leadership Seminar Series Certificate Recipients

This year we will present 12 awards ranging from Outstanding New Member, to Outstanding Achievement by an Organization, to Adviser of the Year, to Hokie Spirit, to our newest award the Hokie Community award.  Nominate yourself, a friend, your program, your organization, your advisor or someone you know on campus who supports students outside the classroom.

The nomination criteria for each award is included in the nomination packet.

For more information, please contact Allison Dunn, Coordinator of Leadership Development at adunn@vt.edu or 231-8667.

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More Information

Student Activities