Office of Student Leadership and Involvement

Student Leadership Programming

Leadership photo

The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement offers programming to support Oberlin students in their leadership development. Our leadership programming is based largely on the Social Change Model of Leadership Development (SCM) which states that:

  • Leadership is socially responsible; it affects change on behalf of others
  • Leadership is collaborative.
  • Leadership is a process, not a position.
  • Leadership is inclusive and accessible to all people.
  • Leadership is values-based.
  • Community involvement and service are powerful vehicles for leadership

You can learn more about our leadership curriculum through our leadership model.

Check out our programs below. If you have more questions about leadership programming, reach out to Director of Student Leadership, Jess Sonney, at jsonney@oberlin.edu.

Oberlin Student Leadership Programs

The Obie Leaders Emerging Leaders Certificate program is a leadership certificate program on leadership over time and at different levels- the individual, the interpersonal, and the societal. Students who complete all workshops and their leadership portfolio will receive a leadership certificate for use on their resumes and to help serve their leadership endeavors at Oberlin. Join a co-hort and become an Obie Leader!

Are you a student club or organization looking for leadership support? You can request a workshop for you and fellow club members through completing a Student Leadership Workshop Request.  Check out our list of available student workshops here. Workshops will also be hosted throughout the semester and made available to all interested Oberlin students. You can access our workshop calendar and RSVP for workshops through GOberlin!

If you don't see a workshop that interests you but are interested in more specific leadership support, complete the form and tell us about your needs! All requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the date of the workshop. 

Oberlin is proud to be the home of a chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a national leadership honor society with over 750 chapters across the United States. Starting in the spring of 2023, Oberlin students will be invited to join our chapter to gain leadership development opportunities, connect with networks around the country, and gain real-world leadership skills. Learn more about our chapter of the NSLS here. 

If you're interested in leadership and looking for a course in the second module, look no further than LEAD 220. Students in this course will take on the Student Leadership Challenge from Kouzes & Posner in a six week, 1 credit course. Learn to Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart and apply your leadership learning to your own lives. 

LEAD 220 is offered every semester in the second module on Wednesdays from 2:30-4:20 pm.