NSU becomes member of the Lead Initiative

(Tahlequah, Okla.)-- The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) selected Northeastern State University to be a member of the 2015-2016 NASPA Lead Initiative on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (Lead Initiative).

NSU now joins 80 otherinstitutions, which include public and private colleges and universities,dedicated to promoting principles ofcivic learning and democratic engagement activitiesas a core function of the division of student affairs.

According to a description of the initiative by NAPSA, these selected institutions alsocollect and report data on the efficacy of campus efforts and create strategies in collaboration with students that help solve community problems through collective action.

Helen Lahrman, coordinator Greek Life at NSU, said she wasproud of the university and all its efforts to institutionalize civic engagement for students, community and campus.

We have come a long ways in two years when we first applied and still have a ways to go, but progress is being made in this field.

She saidthe Lead Initiative offers unique professional development opportunities, targeted resources, networking and recognition for its Lead Institutions.

Dr. Jerrid Freeman, interim vice president student affairs, said this membership will help NSU grow as an institution.

This new initiative is very impressive and exciting. Not only does it identify all our current efforts and programming, but it will also challenge us to become even stronger and better. Our students and staff are certainly making a positive impact in their own lives and others.

NSU will participate in monthly cohort conferencecalls discussing various topics and best practices with leaders in this field across the country, as well as monthly publications and an annual conference.

Lahrman definedcivic engagement at NSU as an individuals commitment to engage in a shared responsibility to take care of the communities in which we live.

This is achieved throughthe study, reflection and action necessary to take personal and social responsibility in ourindividual fields of interest as well as in the communities in which we live and serve.

It is contributing to a larger community; is caring about the rest of the world; isawareness of social, political, and economic issues within the U.S. and globally; is advocating for acause; is active in contributing to community, Lahrman explained.

Students will be involved in a variety of ways, through voter engagement, days of service, the RiverHawk Food Pantry, and in the classroom.

NASPA was established in 1918, and is the leading voice for student administration, and promotes the advancement of the student affairs profession. There are 13,000 members in 50 states, 25 countries and eight US territories.

Published: 2015-08-26 09:03:18.547000