Center for Leadership and Involvement helps engage students

University of Wisconsin–Madison students have a well-deserved reputation for leadership and involvement in everything from student organizations, volunteerism, study abroad and research to intramural sports and on-campus jobs.

The university’s Center for Leadership and Involvement (CfLI) has been helping students plug in to all of those areas that are central to the Wisconsin Experience, the idea that learning takes place far beyond the bounds of a classroom.

CfLI, formerly known as the Student Organizations Office, changed its name and philosophy on April 1 to encompass the total scope of student activity on campus, which ranges far beyond student organizations.

“We aspire to serve as a hub for students interested in getting involved and developing their leadership skills,” says interim director Eric Knueve, who says the center will be more active in reaching out to students. “We will not provide all of the services, but we hope to assist in connecting to other campus programs and services.”

The office will continue to advise and manage the affairs of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), but is relying on technology and peer-advising to assist RSOs, allowing professional staff to focus more time on the pillars of leadership and involvement.

The office also manages the following leadership activities: Adventure Learning Programs, Student Leadership Program, Leadership Certificate, and Leadership and Involvement Record, programs that Knueve hopes will grow.

“The implementation of this office comes as a result of many people over the last few years,” says Knueve. “We especially want to thank our former director, Yvonne Fangmeyer, and former assistant director and interim director Renee Alfano for the countless hours they have put into making this center a reality. We are anxious to look at new ways of doing student services and that will involve everyone’s input and help.”