Leadership & Involvement Center (LIC)

How do I register?

Step 1:

Complete the online registration form here.

Step 2:

After completing this registration form, you will be prompted to purchase your ticket through University Centers.

The registration fee is $5. If your registration is being covered by a Student Organization or Department/Office, please indicate that on the registration form.

If you have any questions, please email us at LIC@uwlax.edu. 

9:30-10:00am Check-In   

10:00-10:15am Welcome  

10:15-11:00am Keynote: A Conversation with UWL Chancellor, Dr. James Beeby

11:00-11:45am Breakout Session A 

11:45am-1:00pm Lunch and Student Leader Panel

1:00-1:45pm Breakout Session B

1:45-2:30pm Breakout Session C

2:30-3:00pm Closing   

Breakout Session A (choose one)

Empowerment Through Purpose: Navigating Your Leadership Journey Together

Let's explore purpose using affirmations and questions to guide your leadership journey. We'll use the "Find Your Purpose" deck by Jess Sanders to spark empowering small group conversations. Each card features a quote, question, and affirmation to help you find your unique sense of purpose and step into leadership roles with confidence. This collaborative workshop supports communication skill development, provides a safe space to share perspectives, and fosters a sense of belonging and community. 

Speaker: Sarah Hines, Career Development Coordinator

Leading with Gratitude: Finding Your Why and Building Belonging

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a powerful leadership tool. When you lead with gratitude, you become more grounded and confident, strengthen relationships, and foster a deep sense of belonging within your team.  Join Rec Sports Fitness Coordinator Nick Berg as he shares his journey of discovering his "why," centering students, and creating a culture of gratitude and belonging. He’ll be joined by Lucy Suek, Rec Sports Student Coordinator and UWL’s 2023-24 Student Employee of the Year, who will offer insights from a student perspective. This interactive workshop will give you the opportunity to reflect on your own leadership journey, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore practical ways to apply gratitude-driven leadership in your career. 

Speakers: Nick Berg, REC Sports Fitness Coordinator & Lucy Suek, REC Sports Student Coordinator 

Exploring Radical Candor to Give and Receive Feedback

Giving and receiving feedback is an essential part of effective leadership. This session will introduce Radical Candor - a process of giving feedback emphasizes high levels of care and challenges us to be our best selves. Participants will reflect on effective feedback and not-so-effective feedback and some of the common feedback traps that muddy our vision and relationships with others. 

Speaker: Dr. Andrew Ives, ACCESS Center Director 

Breakout Session B (choose one)

The 5 Stars of Self-Care

Burning out? Self-care is at the center of success and can help prepare us to take on leadership roles. Join staff from UWL's Wellness & Health Advocacy to explore five essential pillars of practicing self-care and complete activities to build your self-care skills! 

Speakers: Issy Beach, Student Wellness Coordinator & Brooke Axelson, Lead Peer Health Advocate 

LGBTQ+ Activism: Past, Present, and Future

Join us as we examine the past, present, and future of LGBTQ+ activism. We will begin by examining the current climate of anti-trans legislation and its effects on the LGBTQ+ community. Next, we will tour LGBTQ+ history, highlighting notable events. Lastly, we will supply you with ways to be an activist and tactics to examine media. 

Speakers: Pride Center Peer Educators Ozzy Glazer, Lyd Voss, and Logan Edmonds

Breakout Session C (choose one)

Reducing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Through Ethical Leadership  

Ethical leadership is vital in preventing and addressing fraud within organizations. Leaders set “the tone at the top” for organizational culture and values, and their actions, behaviors, and decisions play a crucial role in shaping ethical practices. On the flip side, when leaders engage in unethical behavior or fail to uphold ethical standards, it can create an environment where fraud is more likely to occur. Employees may feel pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, or they may see unethical behavior as acceptable if their leaders are involved in it. 
  
Ethical leadership plays a critical role in preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within organizations. A leader who practices ethics with integrity, transparency, and accountability fosters a culture where these issues are less likely to occur. Attending the seminar “Reducing Waste, Fraud and Abuse Through Ethical Leadership” will provide attendees an opportunity to learn about ethical leadership and apply their understanding with interactive group simulations. 
  
Ultimately, ethical leadership isn't just about preventing negative behaviors—it’s about cultivating a positive culture that values integrity and responsibility at all levels of the organization. How can students and young professionals use their leadership skills to help set an ethical “tone at the top”? Join us on Saturday, February 22nd to find out! UWL Accountancy faculty Erin Dingrando, CPA and Noel Wilbur, CPA will be leading the discussion on ethical leadership and providing students with tools to identify and promote high ethical standards and the use of ethical leadership in decision making. 

Speakers: Accountancy Faculty Noel Wilber and Erin Dingrando

Leading with a People First Mindset

Gain early conceptual and practical understanding into the people-centered approach to leadership. Learn to consider the emotional, mental and spiritual needs of all those that you lead and how to make a strong connection.  This approach will inspire you and them to be the best versions of self in all environments. 

Speaker: Keenan Shelton, Director of Training & Leadership and 1997 UWL Alumnus 

What is the dress code?

There is not a dress code for the Student Leadership Summit. We encourage you to dress comfortable. A coat rack will be available. 

What do I need to bring?

We will provide pens and any supplies you may need for the workshops. Feel free to bring a water bottle. 

I don't attend UWL, can I still register?

Absolutely! Any college student is invited to register and attend. On the registration form, please indicate what university/college you attend. 

My Student Organization or Department/Office would like to cover the cost for some students, how can we do that?

That is great! Please email Amanda Krafft at akrafft@uwlax and we can set that up. 

I registered but can no longer attend. What should I do? 

Please email the LIC at LIC@uwlax.edu so we can make a note. The registration fee is non-refundable. 

Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10am-3pm

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your leadership journey, the UWL Student Leadership Summit provides a supportive environment to explore your potential, expand your network, and gain valuable insights from campus and community leaders. Connect with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on innovative solutions to real-world challenges. At the UWL Student Leadership Summit, we believe that leadership is not just a destination, but a continuous journey. Our goal is to empower you with the skills, confidence, and vision to become a catalyst for positive changes in your community and beyond.  

Eagle LEAD

EagleLEAD (Leadership, Engagement, and Discussion) is speaker and discussion series where each month we focus on a different leadership skill.

Join us every third Tuesday of the month from 12-1pm! Lunch is provided and all students, faculty, and staff are welcome. 

2024-2025 Schedule

• Leading With Our Values (Values Based Leadership) - September 17th
• October 15th
• November 19th
• February 18th 
• April 15th

Check out our Spring 2021 Speaker Series on the COVE's YouTube Page! 

CliftonStrengths for Students helps students discover their natural talents: then teaches them how to develop their talents into strengths.

If your Student Organization, department, or team are interested in hosting a StrengthsQuest session, please complete this form on MyOrgs. 

This 90 minute session is made up of two parts: A 30 minute assessment and a 45-60 minute presentation to help you understand your themes.

Your top 5 themes can help you answer that popular interview question: "What are your top 3 strengths?"  This assessment is a great opportunity for students to learn about themselves as they prepare for interviews and are working on a resume.  

Any questions, please stop by the COVE or email the LIC@uwlax.edu.  

The National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS) at UW-La Crosse

The NSLS is the largest leadership honor society in the United States. Our local Chapter at UW-La Crosse was started in Fall 2021 and is part of the national organization with 800+ chapters and over 2 millions members. 

Students are selected based on exemplary academic achievement and leadership potential. As of 2023, we have over 1,000 members who have access to: 

• More than $400,000 in scholarships
• An exclusive NSLS job board
• A personalized letter of recommendation

The NSLS leadership program teaches the interpersonal skills that employers seek to give you an edge in the job market. Your experience with NSLS can be life-changing. If you become a member, some of the other benefits are: 

• Learn from exceptional leaders during exclusive Speaker Broadcasts
• Meet new friends and make lifelong connections (on-campus and virtually)
• Overcome challenges with success coaches shortcutting your way to success
• Gain access to exclusive networking events

Visit nsls.org to learn more about and accept your nomination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I have to do to become inducted? The Steps to Induction take approximately 9-10 hours over the course of the semester. 
• Is this recognized on campus? The NSLS is officially recognized at UWL and is led by Amanda Krafft, Program Coordinator for Civic Engagement and Leadership.
• Does it cost anything to join? New members pay a one-time $95 fee upon accepting their nomination. 

Any questions please email Amanda Krafft at akrafft@uwlax.edu

Chapter Members, check your NSLS dashboard calendar for events.

Are you looking to learn more about your leadership?  New leader for a student organization?  Below you will find some assessments that you can take to learn more about your leadership style.  

DISC Assessment- This free DISC personality test lets you determine your DISC type and personality profile quickly. Find out how the DISC factors, Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance predict your behavior towards others and the everyday things you do.

Big Five Personality Test - Take this free Personality Test and find out more about who you are and your strengths. This is valuable information for choosing a career. This personality quiz measures the Big Five personality traits that were developed over three or four decades by several independent scientific researchers.

Myers-Briggs Personality Assessment: 16 Personalities - Have you ever head someone describe themselves as an INTJ or an ESTP and wondered what those cryptic-sounding letters could mean? The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator is a self-report inventory designed to identify a person's personality type, strengths, and preferences. 

Enneagram Personality Test - A system of personality which describes people in terms of nine types, each with their own motivations, fears, and internal dynamics. The Enneagram is an emotionally focused system for understanding people - honing in on one's core emotional motivations and fears. Each of the nine personalities has its own driving force, which is centered around a particular emotion.

True Color Test - A personality test is completed to yield a description of an individual's distinct personality traits. In most instances, your personality will influence relationships with your family, friends, and classmates and contribute to your health and well-being.

Connect with volunteer opportunities

Ugetconnected is a free, online resource for local agencies to advertise volunteer opportunities. The site is brought to you by Great Rivers United Way, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College. We are working together to post volunteer opportunities in one central, online location. Community agencies create a profile on Ugetconnected to recruit volunteers, advertise events, and share information about their agency. As we market this site to the community, we hope it becomes THE online resource in our seven-county community to find volunteer and service opportunities!

We invite you to visit www.uwlax.edu/ugetconnected and use your UW-L student or employee log-in information to create your volunteer profile, respond to volunteer needs, and track your service hours!

Need help getting started? Please reference our helpful New Volunteer Guide.

CVSA's Logo

The Chancellor’s Volunteer Service Award is an award that is available for all UWL students to receive for the community service they complete during their time at UWL. Students are eligible for four levels of awards annually as well as a cumulative achievement award which are outlined below:

• Level 1: Bronze: 25-50 hours per academic year
• Level 2: Silver: 51-75 hours per academic year
• Level 3: Gold: 76-100 hours per academic year
• Level 4: Platinum: 101+ hours per academic year
• Eagle Achievement Award: Over 400 cumulative hours during their time at UWL awarded to graduating students

Hours must be completed during the academic year to count for one of the annual recognitions. However, hours completed during the summer can count towards the Eagle Achievement Award. 

Students will track their hours in UGetConnected and be recognized by the Chancellor in a ceremony in the Spring. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Leadership and Involvement Center by emailing them at LIC@uwlax.edu or calling 608-785-8866.

Signup here. 

UWL Day of Service - September 21, 2024

Join us to serve the community at various projects throughout the La Crosse area. 

Signup on UGetConnected!

Timeline of Our Day:

• 9-9:30am - Registration and light breakfast, UWL Student Union, Lower-Level E-Cafe
• 9:30-10am - Welcome and transition to sites
• 10am-1pm - Service at various projects/locations
• 1-2pm - Lunch and reflection conversations, UWL Student Union, Lower-Level E-Cafe

Saturday, November 2, 2024

More information in September

Make a Difference Day is a one-day national event held every fall that celebrates service in local communities. The Leadership & Involvement Center (LIC), along with representatives from Viterbo University and Western Technical College, coordinates service opportunities in the La Crosse area and encourages students to work together to accomplish service projects. Following the service project, students are invited to gather together to enjoy pizza and snacks at Viterbo University.

The service projects for Make a Difference Day are located on Ugetconnected. If you are interested in participating in this event as an individual or as a group, please visit Ugetconnected. After logging in with your UWL username and password, click on the “Make a Difference Day” tab. If you have questions or would like more information, please email us at LIC@uwlax.edu

Blood Drive Dates

October 1-2, 2024 from 11am - 5pm in 2110 Student Union

December 3, 2024 from 11am - 5pm in 2110 Student Union

February 19-20, 2024 from 11am-5pm in 2100 Student Union

The Leadership & Involvement Center, along with a co-sponsoring student organization, hosts a two-day blood drive with the American Red Cross. Typically, two blood drives are held each fall semester, and one is held each spring semester. To view dates and to sign-up for a time in advance, please visit the https://www.redcrossblohttps://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=eaglesbloodod.org/. 

If your student organization is interested in co-sponsoring a blood drive, please email us at LIC@uwlax.edu

Tracking Hours on UGetConnected

Starting August 30, 2024

Volunteering encompasses a diverse array of activities that individuals choose to participate in willingly, with the primary goal of benefiting the community at large. Monetary compensation is not the primary incentive for engaging in these activities.  

At UWL, students, faculty, and staff use UGetConnected to find volunteer opportunities and track hours. Belows are guidelines for tracking hours outside of needs posted on UGetConnected.  

Community Service Hours Guidelines: 

• As a volunteer, you help the community beyond UWL. We ask volunteers to not track hours on UGetConnected that focus on promoting a student organization and/or department/office, tutoring UWL students or serving as a TA, or assisting with UWL events that do not benefit the larger La Crosse Community.  

• Volunteers do not get paid for their work. Volunteerism means giving your time and effort for free to help in the community or assist a nonprofit organization. Sometimes, volunteers may receive a small stipend, like $100 for being on a nonprofit board for 2 years, but this stipend should not be the same as getting a regular wage or salary.  

• If you receive a stipend or are volunteering for a class requirement, please check those boxes when submitting your hours on UGetConnected.  

Student Organizations 

• Individuals are encouraged to log their hours on UGetConnected.  

• Individuals can log volunteer hours if completed as part of a student organization community service project.  

• Example: Participating in the Oktoberfest cleanup program, where organizations receive financial compensation to their organization.  

• Student Organizations are encouraged to create a user group. Please email ugetconnected@uwlax.edu to set up a User Group. As a user group leader, you can:  

• Review and export a list of volunteers in your user group 

• Add or remove members 

• Copy and share a join link 

• View your user group resume 

• Filter the user group to see the information you need 

The Leadership & Involvement Center (or appropriate reviewing entity) reserves the right to approve or deny submitted hours based on these guidelines and continued assessment of service hour guidelines. Hours are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may require additional context if hours submitted are perceived to fall outside of these guidelines. The Leadership & Involvement Center (or appropriate reviewing entity) also reserves the right to make changes to these guidelines, as informed by feedback and evolving best practices. 

Visit UWL volunteer website to find related websites geared toward volunteering and service on campus and in the community.

Volunteer Resources by Category

• Volunteering in Public Health
• Teaching Abroad
• Volunteering in Local Schools 
• Crisis Center Volunteering
• Social Workers and Volunteering
• Volunteering for Finance Professionals

Fall 2024 Involvement Fair

Wednesday, September 11 from 11am - 2pm on the Student Union Lawn

The Involvement Fair is a student organization fair that is held every second Wednesday of the semester. This is a great opportunity for UWL students to learn about the student organizations that are available on campus. This is also a great opportunity for student organizations to advertise themselves, recruit new student members, and share information about upcoming events. Every year, we have a turnout of over 100 student organizations and 1,000 students who come to learn more about being active and getting involved at UWL.

If your student organization is interested participating in Involvement Fair, please contact Kyle Hutson at khutson@uwlax.edu. 

Learn more on MyOrgs!

Wednesday, September 4 from 10am-1pm

Sample the City & Ugetconnected Volunteer Fair is an event in which Campus Activities Board and The Leadership & Involvement (LIC) team work together to bring La Crosse area businesses and volunteer opportunities to campus for students to get a glimpse of all there is to offer in the community, without stepping foot off campus! This is a great chance for students to try different food samples, learn about local businesses, get a sense of volunteer opportunities, and win prizes. 

If you are an agency looking to register for the event, please contact Amanda Krafft (akrafft@uwlax.edu).