SHIPMATES
PROGRAM GOALS:
1. Provide a supportive environment for new students.
2. Provide new students opportunities in which they can learn about the qualities and characteristics of effective leaders.
3. Promote Student Government and establish a strong base of internal leadership with SGA.
4. Create a foundation of future campus and community leaders.
5. Develop friendships beyond the classroom.
6. Enhance the total student experience at ECU.
What is Shipmates?
Shipmates is a year long leadership program designed specifically to assist first year students in discovering, designing, and delivering their leadership skills to benefit one of the three branches of the Student Government Association, or any other campus organization.
Who should participate?
First year students looking to enhance their leadership skills through a diverse curriculum of workshops and programs, focused on delivering the tools necessary to become effective student leaders.
Components of the Shipmates Program
Shipmates Retreat
This retreat is designed to introduce you to the Shipmates Program, as well as the Student Government Association at ECU. The retreat will consist of teambuilding exercises, lunch with past Shipmates participants, and a program overview. It is required that all Shipmates participants attend the retreat.
Workshops
Throughout the year, you will participate in a series of workshops and programs designed to enhance your abilities as a student leader, and to further acclimate yourself with the history and traditions here at ECU. Below is a list of a few of the different programs held throughout the year:
True Colors Workshop
One of the keys to becoming an effective leader, no matter what you do in life, is to learn what leadership qualities you currently possess, and to understand your own style of leadership. There are many different types of effective leaders, each possessing a specific set of skills that makes them who they are. Through the True Colors workshop you will discover what type of leader you are and how you can work effectively with others.
Being a Balanced Student Leader
Often times, student leaders become so focused and involved in their activities that they forget that they are here to be a student first, and a leader second. It is important for you as a student leader to understand when to say “no.” This program is focused on teaching you how to be a well-rounded individual, and being able to balance your time with school, extra-curricular involvements, as well as maintaining your personal life. This balance is essential to becoming an effective student leader, as well as keeping yourself mentally strong and morally straight throughout all of life’s endeavors.
ECU History and Traditions
Now that you have made the choice to join the “Pirate Nation,” it is only fitting that you be introduced to some of the history and traditions here at East Carolina University. In this program you will learn about the history of Student Government at ECU, develop a strong sense of “pirate pride,” obtain insight from a member of the Robert Wrights Society, and participate in a campus-wide scavenger hunt.
“A Bird’s Eye View”
As a student leader you will become acquainted with many of the administrators and faculty on campus. It is important for you to get to know these individuals and develop a good working relationship with them, while also understanding each administrator’s role within the university system. In this workshop you will participate in an open discussion with Dr. Marilyn Sheerer, the newly appointed Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The focus of discussion will be mainly set upon how administrators view student leadership throughout campus, and the impact good leaders can make.
Leadership in a Diverse Environment
Often times one of the most difficult issues to deal with as a student leader are issues pertaining to diversity. ECU prides itself as being a very diverse campus, representing many different people from many different walks-of-life. As a student leader you will often be working with a very diverse group of people, and many times seemingly difficult situations will arise when trying to work together. In this workshop you will participate in another open discussion with Corey King, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Experiences.
MentorProgram
One of the key parts in making the Shipmates Program a success is the role of a Shipmate’s mentor. Each Shipmate will be paired with an SGA Shipmates graduate as their mentor. This person will be your mentor for the year and will be a great resource to SGA and other campus involvement opportunities. There will be a number of planned activities throughout the year involving you and your mentors.
Community Service Project
As part of the Shipmates program you and your Shipmates Class will collectively plan and implement a service project during the spring semester. This will be your opportunity to give back to ECU and/or the Greenville Community through the leadership skills you have developed throughout the program.
Office Hours
To help you learn more about the everyday operations of SGA, each Shipmate will be required to work in the SGA office for 15 hours each semester (fall & spring). You will have the opportunity to interact with the SGA officers and office staff. During your office hours you will have the opportunity to work with SGA projects, as well as sitting on special committees and forums throughout the year. It is important to understand the ins and outs of SGA, so that you may be well prepared for being exemplary leaders in the future. Hours must be completed by the last day of classes each semester.
Involvement
During the 2007 – 2008 academic year, you are encouraged to get involved with at least one student organization, or serve on an SGA Senate Committee. Even if you decide that SGA is not for you, there are over 300 individual student organizations on campus to get involved with. Many of these organizations are newly founded, and are in need of solid leaders. A key to the Shipmates program is to ensure that each student leader puts their developed skills to good use for the betterment of the campus community.
Fee
Last but not least, each Shipmate will be required to pay a fee of $35 to secure their spot in the program. This money will help offset the cost of the program, while helping provide more interactive workshops to help you become a more effective student leader.
