Programs & Trainings

Leadership Weekend Adventures

Each quarter the RLI organizes an overnight intensive leadership adventure that is highly interactive and engaging. The adventures often provide students an opportunity to break away from campus, meet new people, connect with an RLI Student Mentor and practice numerous leadership skills. Students can also meet leadership certificate requirements by participating in the overnight adventures. Each overnight is unique and has a special twist, Fall quarter the overnight involves a ropes course and is held at a local camp site, Winter quarter is our leadership challenge on campus and Spring focuses on a more in depth look at leadership practices and experiences and is also held at a local camp site.

The Weekend Adventures are completely free, and food & transportation are always provided. Space is limited to 50 people. All camp sites used have lodges with heat, cots, and indoor bathrooms with showers. The Weekend Adventures are open to all RIT students and are facilitated by the RIT Leadership Institute Faculty Team and Student Advisory Board.

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Life in the REAL WORLD Series & Etiquette Dinner

This program is designed for upper-class students at RIT that are getting ready to graduate and enter the "real world". It focuses on topics that will prepare students to successfully transition into their career and professional life. All sessions are facilitated by business leaders, including RIT Alumnae and Trustees. Some of the topics include: Financial Planning, Networking Strategies, Skills for success in the workplace-what employers are looking for, and Job Benefits. This is a four week series with a bonus session on Business Dinner Etiquette - with a great free meal provided! Each participant will also be given a free book on tips for personal success.

This Series is offered in Winter Quarter and is limited to 50 upper-class students, with preference given to 4th and 5th years. Sign up at lead@rit.edu in January 2008. Real World workshops may also be offered at the Leadership Conference in April.

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Paychex Corporate Leadership Experience

Paychex, Inc. is a very successful company based in Rochester, although they have satellite offices all over the world. The former CEO and founder of Paychex, Mr. Thomas Golisano is so committed to leadership that he created a department at Paychex that solely focuses on the leadership development of employees at Paychex. These staff members, who coach Paychex employees on a wide variety of leadership skills, organize a one day conference for all Rochester Area Colleges. Topics include: leadership styles, teamwork and communication skills and networking and job interviewing tips.

Space is limited to 65, and students must be nominated by a faculty or staff member for this special opportunity. The experience is free of cost, transportation and breakfast and lunch are provided. This event usually takes place in Winter quarter.

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Public Speaking Series

This is a very interactive three week series designed to teach students how to make effective presentations. Students will learn presentation theory, have an opportunity to practice public speaking each week and then will be given the opportunity to make a 5 minutes speech and receive feedback at the last session.

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Annual Student Leadership & Mentoring Advancement Conference - Connectology

This conference takes place at RIT in Spring Quarter and is open to all RIT students. There are many tracks offered, including Personal Success Skills, Leading Others and Mentoring. There is always a dynamic key note speaker. Session facilitators are comprised of alumnae, business leaders and RIT faculty and staff. Breakfast and lunch are provided. The cost is free. Space is limited to 300 students. Conference brochures & registration will be available in Feb 2008. This is a great way for students to earn one of our leadership certificates.

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City School Service Learning Leadership Project

One of the best ways for students to practice and learn more about leadership is to teach it to others. The RLI & CSC has partnered with East High School in the City of Rochester to develop a year long leadership program for juniors and seniors at East High. One Friday a month, RIT students and staff will teach leadership skills and facilitate skill building activities for the East High Students. This is a great opportunity for RIT students to give back to the community and to develop their own skills at the same time! Program begins in October.

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Women’s Lunch and Leadership Series

This series offers a program once a month at the noon hour that focuses on a different leadership topic for women. It is a great opportunity for students at RIT to network with successful women and learn from their experiences.

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Leadership Rochester Civic Engagement Program

If you are interested in a greater leadership challenge and developing your skills further you should check out The Leadership Rochester Civic Engagement Program. The RIT Leadership Institute sponsors and pays the fees for five RIT students to participate in the year long program that enables RIT students to meet other area college students, learn about community issues and develop leadership skills. More detailed information can be found at www.leadershiprochester.org

Contact Molly McGowan at 475-6171 if you are interested.

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Closing Dinner and Awards Ceremony

This informal dinner is held on campus in May, and is an opportunity for students to celebrate their success, be recognized for completing a leadership certificate or serving on the RLI Student Advisory Board and enjoy a good meal with friends from the RLI & CSC.

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Specialized Trainings and coaching on leadership skills for RIT student groups, faculty and staff.

The RIT Leadership Institute is very willing to provide training and offer workshops on a variety of leadership topics to any RIT student group, class or department, as schedules permit. Our staff is also willing to meet with student groups to assist in retreat planning or to offer coaching on leadership issues. Some of the training topics we offer but are not limited to include:

  • Leadership Styles and Theories
  • Teamwork and Group Dynamics
  • Communication Skills
  • Cultural Competence
  • Motivation
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Goal Setting
  • Retreat Planning
  • Personality Assessments, Self Awareness Exercises, Work Styles
  • Running Effective Meetings
  • Ethical Decision Making
  • Creating Change

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