Leadership Leap Preps First-Time Students for Campus Life
The summer months between high school graduation and the first day of college coursework can be a difficult waiting period for many first-time students.
To help lessen anxiety and prepare students for success, the College of Saint Mary Student Development Team partnered with Enrollment Services in June to host “Leadership Leap”—a pre-freshman experience.
“The goal of Leadership Leap is to connect and engage first-year students in an exciting format to help them understand college life and make new friends in a stress-free and comfortable environment,” said Caelee Lehman, director of student leadership and organizations. “Many students walk away from the weekend having found roommates for the fall semester.”
The schedule included a variety of social activities and opportunities to learn more about College of Saint Mary and the surrounding area. In addition to fun and games, students took a walking tour of Aksarben Village and completed a service project at the Open Door Mission.
Although not specifically for first-generation students (students who are the first in their family to attend college), Leadership Leap is especially helpful to those who are new to the college experience.
“The road to a college diploma can be a difficult journey for first-generation students and their families,” said Lehman, “We’re committed to helping these young women and their families get off to a great start.”
