The 20th Annual Robert D. Lynch Student Leadership Development Institute (SLDI) will be held on October 27-29, 2006 at the Blair County Convention Center, in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The theme for this year’s institute is “Investing in your future: Tips and strategies to prepare for the new millennium”.

The conference is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. (PBCOHE, INC.) designed to address topics essential to developing leadership skills for African-American, Latino-American, and other Black college students. This unique event gives students an opportunity to participate in workshops that examine cross-cultural communication, interpersonal relations, building inclusive environments, and fostering cultural awareness.

In additional to providing an opportunity for the development of future leaders, students who are active campus leaders have a forum to exchange ideas and to network with each other as well as the SLDI faculty and staff.

Student Requirements

The SLDI demands a concentrated effort from participants. Selected students should demonstrate motivation and interest in campus activities such as mentorship programs, student government, community service projects, or other student organizations. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who are maintaining good academic standing are especially encouraged to attend. Due to the transitional process required for student acclimation to the college/university environment, first year students are not encouraged to attend. Students may attend the regular SLDI a maximum of two times.

All groups must be accompanied by an Advisor or other University Official during the conference and for overnight supervision. It is important that Advisor/University Official(s) review the attendance and dress requirements with students and be available to them during the Institute.

Students attending the conference for a third year will be required to join the “Leadership in Action Team.” Responsibilities will include but not be limited to introducing presenters, distributing and collecting evaluation forms, helping the Staff when needed, and helping students to get to their designated workshops.

The Leadership in Action Team must model the professional skills and behavior the Institute strives to promote by strictly adhering to the dress code (no jeans, hats, do rags, boots, etc.) and present themselves in a courteous professional manner at all times.



SLDI STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS

In order to ensure that you will profit, enjoy and gain from this professional development program, it is requested that each participant follow these instructions:

Code of conduct

All students must accept responsibility for their behavior and actions during the conference at all times. It is expected that all students will attend all of their assigned sessions, be engaged in meaningful dialogue and actively seek the knowledge that will be shared by the conference presenters. Furthermore, all students will conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to their advisor, college/university and themselves. Possession and usage of alcohol, drugs and other illegal banned substances are strictly prohibited during the conference schedule and time. Failure to behave in a manner consistent with the measures outlined above will result in the immediately removal and dismissal of all individuals from the SLDI and the proper individuals at the respective college/university will be notified of the inappropriate conduct.

Dress Code

All participants should wear professional or casual business attire. No jeans, jogging suits, or shorts should be worn except for traveling. Appropriate dress is expected for conference sessions and evening dinners. Cell phones and pagers must be off and put away during conference times

PLEASE NOTE THIS RULE: STUDENTS AND ADVISORS ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF THEIR INSTITUTIONS AT ALL TIMES.

No Hats

NO HATS ARE ALLOWED INSIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER FOR CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS. The institute attempts to promote an atmosphere of professionalism and respect for each other and leaders MUST LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Track Assignments

Students must stay in their assigned tracks! Students must have their track badges with them at all times. Session/Workshop rooms have a specified number of seats for each section. This enables the Institute staff to remain on schedule giving the maximum time for their presentation.

Talent Show

There will be a special Talent Show on Saturday evening, October 22nd, and a Gospel Chorus organized for the program. Sign-up at the registration desk.

Sunday Morning

An Optional Ecumenical Worship Service will be held and a Workshop Session is offered at the same time.