Stephen F. Austin State University

Leadership Programs

Lumberjack Leadership Academy

The Lumberjack Leadership Academy (LLA) is a year-long leadership development program that utilizes the Social Change Model of Leadership Development to integrate service learning and leadership strategies to assist students in developing the skills necessary to lead effectively. There is no cost to participate in this program.

The program contains the following elements:

Sign-up for the 2012-2013 LLA will begin in Fall 2012. Check back here for more information.

Omicron Delta Kappa

Omicron Delta Kappa is SFA's Leadership Honor Society. ODK recognizes top students who have achieved in one of five areas at SFA: student activities and organizations, athletics, fine arts, student media, and government. SFA's ODK Circle is a nationally recognized chapter. In 2007 and 2009, the SFA Circle received the Superior Circle Award, and in 2008 received the Presidential Award of Excellence. Only a handful of chapters are recognized with these awards each year throughout the country. ODK served as one of two host circles for the 2010 ODK National Leadership Summit and Convention.

The application process for Spring 2012 is now open - if you are a junior, senior or graduate student with a 3.0 GPA or higher, please visit ODK's website to learn how to apply for membership. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3.

Activities

Each year, ODK sponsors a wide variety of programs that seek to develop students as campus leaders and draw attention to important issues. Some of the programs and events ODK coordinates include Dresses for Dreams, Leadership Conference, the Kermit Project, and the Student Leadership Awards Banquet. Members serve on a number of ODK committees throughout the year that are responsible for planning and putting on these events, offering our members great experience with event planning and leadership development.

Applications

Juniors, seniors and graduate students with leadership experience in one of the five areas and a minimum 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply each fall and spring semester. Applications are available online through ODK's website as well as in the Involvement Center. Applications are generally due about one month into the semester. Interested students should note that ODK's requirements for membership and activity schedule may preclude distance learners from participating in the organization.

Preliminary Membership

ODK uses an interview process to determine its preliminary members from the applicants each semester. Prelims attend both general body meetings as well as preliminary meetings. The highlight of this process is the Prelim Project, which is a new project developed and executed by each semester's preliminary members. Prelims accumulate points by participating in ODK's committees, meetings and events, and these points are used as part of the evaluation process for deciding who will be offered full membership.

Membership

ODK inducts its new membership class at the end of each semester with a formal ceremony, followed by a reception for current and new members and their families and guests.

More information

SFA's ODK Circle maintains its own website, www.sfaodk.org, which offers much more information about its events and activities, as well as numerous electronic forms for membership and award nominations.

Freshman Leadership Academy

Freshman Leadership Academy is intended to prepare our incoming students for one day taking on leadership roles at SFA. This is a special section of the SFA 101 freshman seminar course that helps prepare participants for success at SFA and prepares them to become the future student leaders of this university. Graduates from our program include an Interfraternity Council President, Orientation Leaders, Jack Camp Counselors and even our own Student Body President. By enrolling in our class you will open the door to leading others at SFA much earlier than your peers. Topics for the class include:

There are two sections of this course, taught by Dr. Adam Peck, Dean of Student Affairs, and Hollie Smith, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Programs. Each section also has a student instructor, who offers great advice and insight into how to get involved at SFA.The class is a for-credit course. You will need to apply for the program and be accepted before registering for the class.

The application process is now closed for the 2011-2012 FLA courses. The application process will begin in Summer 2012 for the Fall 2012 class.