GLENVILLE, WV – Several Glenville State University Student Government Association members recently joined their peers from 12 other two- and four-year colleges and universities from around West Virginia at the 18th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC). The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the conference, students learned leadership skills, networked with other student body leaders, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities.
The event provided workshops on a variety of leadership topics and an opportunity for student leaders to exchange ideas and work together to find solutions to issues that are important to them and the students on their campuses. Much of this year’s discussions focused on effective communication skills and community and stakeholder engagement.
“The WVSLC is one of my favorite times of the year because it allows our Glenville State student leaders to step out of their comfort zones and collaborate with their colleagues on difficult issues that are facing student governments and higher education. Along with leadership training and collaboration, the student government leaders were able to leave the conference with connections and friendships that will last long after their SGA terms are over,” said Conner Ferguson, Director of Student Life.
The three-day conference was filled with dynamic sessions, workshops and round-table discussions. Students discussed a variety of topics, including the role of student government, how to engage with local, state and federal officials, increasing community involvement, and combating mental health issues on campus. Students were also able to socialize and trade ideas with peers from other colleges to network and facilitate ideas that they can share across campuses.
“The team and I were extremely blessed to be able to attend the conference and we also learned heaps of information and got some new ideas for programs. We now plan on incorporating some of those ideas into our upcoming term to help the students of Glenville State University,” said Jahzeiah Wade, GSU’s Student Government Association President.
During the conference, sessions were led by college faculty members, advisors, and students. Sessions gave participants the chance to interact one-on-one with other student government leaders and share ideas that they can bring back to their respective campus communities to utilize.
The WVSLC is co-sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, with Shepherd University assisting with the coordination of the event. This year the WVSLC was held at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center in Davis, West Virginia.
