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Leadership Programs

The ADVANCE!

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The University’s Fee-Funded Organizations are the most visible, complex and active student organizations on campus. These organizations are supported by and represent the entire student body and accordingly, the student leaders share a significant responsibility in the management of their groups.

These organizations include:

  • The Club Sports Council
  • The Daily Campus
  • Graduate Student Senate (G.S.S.)
  • The Nutmeg Yearbook
  • Connecticut Public Interest Research Group (P.I.R.G.)
  • Student Union Board of Governors (S.U.B.O.G.)
  • Undergraduate Student Government (U.S.G.)
  • UCTV
  • WHUS

From setting organizational goals, managing budgets and finances, leading people within their organization, and much more, the ADVANCE leadership training program focuses on providing the student leaders of these organizations with the skills and resources necessary to successfully lead.

Fall Retreat

The ADVANCE kicks-off each new academic year with an overnight Fall Retreat, where students have the unique opportunity to prepare for the upcoming academic year and help ensure the success of their organization.

The Fall Retreat provides these students with important information about relevant University policies and procedures, organizational management and leadership techniques, as well as the opportunity to meet and begin working with one another.

During the Fall Retreat, students attend workshops, participate in group activities, meet key university administrators, and explore the opportunities for inter-group collaboration.

Past session topics have included goal setting, member retention and commitment, promotional strategies, and financial management. Students have also participated in ropes course and team building activities.

The retreat is a fun and relaxed way to kick start a successful year for these organizations!

Mid-Year Reunion

The ADVANCE series continues in the spring semester with a Mid-Year Reunion in January. The Mid-Year Reunion is an opportunity for students to reflect on their achievements as individuals, the growth of each organization and to reconnect with their peers. The students participate in workshops focusing on such topics as diversity, sexual harassment, personal leadership development and professional development. Past speakers at the Mid-Year Reunion have included Pulitzer Prize winning writer Eileen McNamara.

Welcome and Recognition Luncheon

The ADVANCE series rounds out the year with a Welcome and Recognition Luncheon scheduled during the last few weeks of the academic year. This informal event allows the outgoing student leaders a chance to celebrate the year’s accomplishments with their peers and university administrators. The event is also a great time for new and returning students to meet one another and prepare to step into their leadership roles.

For more information on the Advance series, please contact Janella.Mildrexler@uconn.edu, email studentleadership@uconn.edu, or call the Student Activities Involvement and Leadership Office at (860)- 486-6588.