As a result of this expansion the Center for Student Leadership and Service was created. The responsibility of the Center staff is to foster and maintain community partnerships and most importantly to ensure that student learning and development is at the forefront of all programming and/or activities. The Center for Student Leadership and Service is designed to promote student leadership and civic engagement by complementing the academic curriculum with practical application of classroom theory and methodology.

As a unit of Student Services, the Center for Student Leadership and Service contributes directly to the University’s Mission by implementing programs that will prepare students to assume roles of leadership and service in society. The ultimate purpose of the Center is to educate students so that they may become facilitators of social change.

To this end, the Center for Student Leadership and Service will engage students in an interactive and comprehensive curriculum designed to

• teach effective and ethical leadership skills; encourage civic engagement and social responsibility through meaningful service projects and reflection sessions;
• facilitate practical application of classroom theory through service-learning and community service; and
• introduce and train students in the best practices of nonprofit management and grass-roots organization.

The Center has been recognized locally and nationally for its community efforts. President Clinton's Administration recognized Campus Partners as a model mentoring program, The Corporation for Community and National Service awarded the Center two Learn and Serve grants to expand and enhance service-learning at Xavier and throughout the State of Louisiana. Campus Compact recognized Project R.I.S.E (Reducing Illiteracy Scars through Education) and OURstory as model volunteer literacy programs. Furthermore the Center’s staff receives numerous requests to present and share lessons learned at conferences across the country.

Contact the Staff