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Category: Experience Matters

Exchange ideas, build your resume, and increase your confidence at the K-State Strengths Conference

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

A view of a classroom shows many students seated in grouped desks engaging in conversation.

On Friday, April 4, college students from about six Universities across the Midwest will gather for the second K-State Strengths for Students Conference. The first and only conference of its kind, the event is developed with students, by students and for students. Workshops throughout the day are led by students and are designed to help attendees develop and apply their CliftonStrengths and exchange ideas for Strengths integration in classes and student organizations.

The energy, passion, and motivation to collaborate at such a unique event aren’t the only thing the students – some from rival universities, even! – have in common. Their goals include deepening their understanding of their own Strengths to increase well-being, polishing their resumes, and learning how to advocate for themselves personally and professionally. Attendees also will exchange strategies and take new ideas back to their own campus communities to increase student engagement. The opportunities for growth and development, in their selves and for the greater good, are endless.

The K-State Strengths team invites students to attend the 2025 K-State Strengths for Students Conference:
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, April 4
Leadership Studies building

Registration is $20 per person and includes lunch. More details and registration are available on this website. Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee – see the registration form. Add the event to your calendar for event reminders and updates: Facebook | University calendar | OrgCentral Continue reading “Exchange ideas, build your resume, and increase your confidence at the K-State Strengths Conference” →

Connect with K-Staters this semester

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

Graphic image with pictures of groups of people from 'Cats Connect sessions

 

Did you know?

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, declared loneliness a major health crisis, urging Americans to strengthen connections and community with one another*.

‘Cats Connect can help! ‘Cats Connect is designed to bring K-Staters together and strengthen the community through meaningful conversations. It’s an opportunity to meet and connect with others while building a sense of belonging at K-State. Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to participate in-person or on Zoom.

Sign up for a ‘Cats Connect group beginning the week of Feb. 10, to build and strengthen your connections!

As a Health Promoting University, K-State is dedicated to supporting the holistic health and well-being of each student, faculty, and staff member. One aspect of well-being includes social health, which is the ability to form meaningful relationships that provide support, guidance and encouragement.

‘Cats Connect has worked to improve mental health and social well-being by connecting more than 1,000 K-Staters! Building relationships can help protect against stress, anxiety and depression. Positive relationships also increase student satisfaction and retention, as well as faculty/staff engagement.

What you’ll do
Groups of 4–7 Wildcats meet once a week for an hour over five weeks, forming friendships beyond their usual social circles. During each meeting, everyone will have the opportunity to respond to a series of fun and thought-provoking questions and engage in a small connection project.

Groups will be built based on availability. Participants can select in-person (on the Manhattan campus) or virtual meetings (via Zoom). There are two spring 2025 sessions to choose from:

  • Session 1: Meets weekly beginning the week of Feb. 10, through the week of March 10.
  • Session 2: Meets weekly beginning the week of March 31, through the week of April 28.

Register for Session 1 by Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Continue reading “Connect with K-Staters this semester” →

Staley School seeking LEAD 212 Class Leaders for fall ’25

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

The Staley School of Leadership is seeking applicants to serve as LEAD 212 Class Leaders during the fall 2025 semester. LEAD 212 Class Leaders are students who help teach LEAD 212: Introduction to Leadership Concepts. This peer leader role is an excellent opportunity to enhance facilitation skills, develop personally and professionally, and enrich the learning experience for students in LEAD 212.

Applications are due Wednesday, Feb. 12.

These students serve as a bridge between students and instructors – they are motivated to help students learn the academic discipline of leadership and connect to the K-State campus community. LEAD 212 Class Leaders will work six to nine hours per week at $12 per hour during the semester.

LEAD 212 Class Leaders are asked to:

  • Facilitate small group discussions
  • Lead active-learning exercises
  • Create a learning community with their students
  • Perform administrative functions (such as grading, attendance, etc).

Class Leaders have a rich history at K-State of impacting students’ well-being by creating a community of belonging, supporting students during their transition to college, and opening their eyes to the benefits of applied learning experiences through projects within the community.

For questions email Mike Finnegan at mikefinn@ksu.edu.

K-State Strengths Coaches needed for 2025-26

Posted on by Staley School of Leadership

K-State Strengths, housed within the Staley School of Leadership, is seeking Strengths Peer Coaches for the 2025-26 academic year. Student Peer Coaches work one-on-one with Kansas State University students to support them in the development of their CliftonStrengths toward personal and academic success.

Peer Coaches help students dive deeper into their Strengths, find connections between their Strengths and everyday activities, work through challenges, and develop ways to increase their engagement and well-being.

Applications are due Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“My work as a peer coach is not exclusive to coaching sessions. I am constantly developing active listening skills, communication, and empathy. Because of this experience, I am able to support my friends better, delegate tasks in group work more effectively, and contribute to leadership roles I hold with more awareness of how we work together,” said Erin Jackson, senior in secondary education with a minor in leadership studies, and a Strengths Peer Coach.

Erin Jackson, pictured in orange at the Wildcat Dialogues event in the fall, is a Strengths Peer Coach.

“I have especially grown in my communication skills. I feel that my time as a peer coach has helped me to express my own talents and abilities, as well as equipping me to help others communicate theirs.”

For questions, please email strengths@ksu.edu. Join the Strengths Peer Coaching team in helping students at K-State apply their top five and thrive!