WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University’s Student Leadership Centre is hosting a leadership program for incoming first-year students. The conference, Leadership Experience Action Progress (LEAP) runs August 7 to 9.

“LEAP inspires future leaders of the Laurier community to become actively involved and contribute to Laurier’s culture of leadership and co-curricular learning,” said Kathryn McIntosh, coordinator, Student Leadership Centre.

Run by senior student leaders, the conference will teach transitional, leadership, mediation and communication skills and allow students to explore their personal leadership styles.

Students will gain specific information about how to get involved with on-campus organizations such as the Wilfrid Laurier University Student’s Union (WLUSU), Athletics and Residence Life.

“Our mentors will also give students tools to tackle typical first-year challenges and help them to make the most of their first year at Laurier,” said McIntosh.

Laurier is known for its sense of community and high level of volunteerism. In the 2008 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), 68 per cent of Laurier students indicated that they had participated in community service or volunteer work, well above the 56 per cent Ontario average.