The Office of Student Activities considers leadership development an important and exciting part of every student's experience at Whittier College. Strong leadership skills not only enhance campus activities, but also provide students with valuable tools for both career and personal development. Student Activities is committed to strengthening student leadership through the following three formal programs:

P.O.E.T. (Providing Opportunities for Excellence through Leadership)

The Office of Student Activities sponsors POET Leadership, a weekly series of interactive workshops and discussions that assist students in the development of leadership skills. Facilitated by faculty, administrators, and outside speakers, topics include leadership styles, budgeting, motivation, program planning, goal setting, and much more. Additionally, there is a community service component included in the series. Students are nominated by faculty and staff and attend POET Leadership once a week during the Spring Semester. Students who complete POET Leadership are recognized at the Spring Honors Convocation. See a Sample POET Leadership Syllabus.

First Class Leadership Series
First Class is a leadership series specifically designed for first-year students in becoming acquainted to leadership at Whittier. It is held once a week during the January Interim. Students are nominated by faculty and staff. Topics for First Class have included leadership self-assessments, diversity, ethics, goal setting, discussion with established student leaders and alumni, and creating a leadership definition. See a sample First Class Workshop Series Outline.

Fall Leadership Conference
All students who are interested in improving their leadership skills are able to attend the annual one-day leadership conference held during a weekend in the fall semester. Sessions are designed to help students improve their individual skills, as well as contribute to their current organization. Topics have included program planning, conflict resolution, communication, handling stress, and motivation. See a sample Conference Schedule.

For more information on any of the above programs, please contact the Office of Student Activities. Additionally, Student Activities is committed to helping students develop their leadership skills in more informal ways such as involvement in student government or clubs or holding positions student publications and societies.