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CMU’s Leadership Institute facing the axe, SSBAG response: Reduction ‘likely will occur’

By Maryellen Tighe on March 1, 2010 6:30 am in University / 83 comments

 

One Central Michigan University staple may shut its doors, according to a Senior Staff Budget Advisory Group recommendation and response released late last week.

The Leadership Institute may close its doors or significantly reduce in size after the next round of budget reductions. A reduction suggestion proposing its close was published Friday along with all the other suggestions generated to the group.

The SSBAG recommendation was: “From a Leader Advancement Scholar — The two directors of the institute have nice offices than most faculty, and the few programs that the institute puts on have done very little for me. It is not part of the curriculum, it should be one thing considered for downsizing or removal.”

The SSBAG response: “This likely will occur as a result of the recent retirement of the director and the call for budget reductions.”

The Leadership Institute is designed to equip CMU students to be leaders through a series of annual conferences, said Dan Gaken, interim director of the Leadership Institute.

“As the job market gets more and more competitive, students are going to be asked to demonstrate leadership skills and we have a responsibility to offer programs to grow those skills,” he said. “Students feel as if they are better equipped to be a leader after the program.”

Student interest in the Leadership Advancement Scholarship has increased over the last year, to 2,000 applicants from 1,200.

Rochester Hills sophomore Kelley Kosuda received the scholarship and said the institute was one of the key reasons she choose CMU.

“If the Leadership Institute closes, I would be devastated,” she said. “This is a program and an institution that people come here for.”

Small savings

Expenses for the Leadership Institute total $161,497, including $111,682 for staff salaries, for the 2009-10 academic year.

The Leadership Institute only receives funding for its staff members, not for the programs they produce, Gaken said. It issues an annual report to the Student Government Association treasurer to ask for funds.

Students decide which of the programs they would like to see funded and allocate money to the Leadership Institute.

With the retirement of the former director, Dykstra Heinze, in early January, and Gaken filling in as the interim, the institute is already running on a smaller staff.

“This is truly one of the premier leadership programs in the country,” he said. “We get tremendous results because, at this campus, we have a student body that believes in leadership.”

Samantha Baker said the Leadership Institute is about more than resumes, experience and friendship.

“I wouldn’t have chosen CMU without the Leadership Institute,” the Kalamazoo senior said. “There’s hundreds of opportunities to get involved. Being involved in the Leadership Institute helped me narrow down my path.”

Other suggestions

The SSBAG published all the budget suggestions it received on its Web site Friday.

Kathy Wilbur, vice president of government relations and public affairs, said the SSBAG did something similar about six years ago when facing budget cuts.

“In some of those cases, they were ideas that were already in process. Some had, in fact already been implemented; I just think people didn’t understand that,” she said. “Some were ideas that we did not think had a benefit, so we didn’t go further with those. We wanted to make sure that we responded to everybody who took the time to share their ideas.”

Wilbur said the SSBAG has other ideas for budget cuts, but more work needs to happen.

“I didn’t think there was enough, so SSBAG’s work continues and they will come back with other recommendations,” she said. “ What we did receive, I thought, was valuable and worthwhile, so I accepted those.”

 

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  • Ashley

    It is obvious that the ONE student who suggested this is not involved because they CHOSE not to be involved and I can guarantee that they are NOT a leader on campus. If they had participated in all of the opportunities the scholarship has to offer they would NEVER have written down the Leadership Institute as a suggested cut. In addition, it is ridiculous to mention office sizes! Talk about grasping for straws due to their lack of initiate to be involved! As if any director on campus has an office smaller than any faculty member. The money spent to run the Leadership Institute is nothing compared to what so many other offices receive on campus, and the leaders produced far outweigh the SMALL cost to the overall CMU budget. I suggest that the one Leadership Scholar who made these comments actually begin participating fully in the program and become the leader they were chosen to be in the first place!

  • John

    If the program is not part of the curriculum you didnt need to accept the scholarship and choose to participate. Maybe you should give the money back since you are not being forced to accept it and become a leader. I see this as a great way to save some money and help save a great program!

  • LeaderChip

    If you cut the Leadership Institute here on campus…you will see a downfall of numerous organizations here on campus, whether it be size of the RSO or the quality of the business operations. For a LAS student to suggest this is disheartening and truly makes me irrate. YOU make the experience you get through the Leadership Institute, it is NOT designed to baby you. You don’t want to be involved with it? Fine…don’t be….but do not ruin this wonderful resource for every student, and for this university. If anything, the Leadership Institute gave you $8,000 towards your education, which, with these comments makes me question just how good your education is. How about this: CM Life, help save the University money by going to all electronic and no paper copies. If the Leadership Institute gets cut I will refuse to donate money as an alumni to this university.

  • Eric

    The Leadership Institute was my reason for choosing Central Michigan University over Grand Valley and Western. The programs offered are extremely beneficial and have not only helped be become a better leader on campus, but also helped me get two internships. Without my experience with the Leadership Institute I most likely wouldn’t have obtained these two positions. Both of the companies were extremely impressed that CMU had a Leadership program! I don’t think most of campus realizes how many programs and events are sponsored by the Leadership Institute. Not to mention the number of hours committed to community service, and leadership roles that Leadership Advancement Scholars have taken on this campus.
    The student who has suggested the cuts is clearly ungrateful and has chosen to not take advantage of the services offered by the program. I wish them well in their future endeavors, but find it very disappointing that they cannot give credit to a program that has given back so much.

    My hope is to see the Leadership Institute on campus next year!

  • K

    Leadership is too intangible to be taught on its own. It needs to be taught within the context of an individual’s field. Departments should be teaching leadership as it applies to their students. This would be a great way to save money.
    Also, everyone knows the LI is just a huge clique, just sayin.

  • Kyle

    I could not agree more with the previous comments, the notion that the leadership insitute should be cut due to budgets seems to be an idea submitted with haste and not much thought put into it.
    As stated by the article the budget consists of salaries of the staff, and for how much the staff at the Leadership Institute does it should be double that. Should ANY student, not just a scholarship recipient, approach Dan (or in the past Dyke) they would go above and beyond to help that student with whatever they needed. Whether it be putting on a program for an RSO, Greek Life, or even writing a letter of recommendation within five minutes it was done with 110% effort and a genuine smile, not because they had to or it was their job, but because they want YOU to succeed.
    As for the programs put on by the Institute, they are done out of passion for helping others excell. The facilitators for the programs are unpaid volunteers and the participants are able to enhance their skills in a highly developed workshop for free.
    We all realize the job market is highly competitve these days and what you learn from the experience provided by those in the Leadership Institute cannot be taught in any classroom or put a price tag on. They’re an invaluable and indispensible asset to CMU’s campus and if you take that away you take away what makes CMU so special to so many.

  • ChipLeader

    Departments hardly teach the courses they need to teach as professors see research much more worthy of time. I wouldn’t let any of
    my professors even attempt to teach me about leadership. It would be like an English professor attempting to teach me physics.

  • Angela Hernandez

    The CMU Leadership Institute provides incredible value for this university. It would truly be a great disservice to the students, faculty and CMU community if it were to close.

  • K

    @ChipLeader
    I actually agree with you, but you are bringing up an entirely different issue. My point is that you can’t just tell someone “This is what you do to be a good leader.” It has to be relevant, I really don’t think Leadership can stand on it’s own as a curriculum, and that maybe departments should be putting more emphasis on how leadership will help students in their field.
    Maybe the LI could be used as a way to provide leadership instruction to profs/depts instead of to students.

  • Timmy Foster

    Gah, how terrible! (LeaderChip… that’s funny, huh? [see above]) CMU’s Leadership Institute is SO valuable to our university and to the development of our students. I know for myself and many of our campus leaders it is the reason we chose to come the CMU over other major universities. It allows students the chance to discover themselves, not only as a leader, but as a person. Many LI alumni have found successful and meaningful careers because of their co-curricular development within the Leadership Institute. This would be absolutely detrimental to our university.

  • CMUleader

    The Leadership Institute is an amazing department that should NOT be cut. The departments and programs that keep getting looked at to get cut are the ones that people actually like on CMU’s campus. There are so many people that only come to CMU because of the scholarship they get through LAS. Also many people that are in LAS or participate in programs like Alpha, Connections, or Leadershape become involved in so many different things on campus because of those programs. I have been able to get involved with a variety of organizations on campus along with networking with so many people that I wouldn’t have been able to do with out the LI. I think the university should really look into what programs people actually enjoy on this campus and what the students are interested in before going and cutting things. A variety of programs should get some cuts opposed to entire programs getting cut. If the LI gets cut or there are major programs within the LI cut, there will most likely be a major decline in student involvement on the campus.

    Great job to all the students and leaders that are stepping up and trying to do something about this!

  • Lauren

    It would be such a shame to see the Leadership Institute get cut from CMU’s budget. I think that people don’t realize the impact of the Leaderhip Institute at CMU, because leadership is not really something that you can measure quantitatively. But, if you look at the number of students who are involved in the L.I. and look at how many of those students are making a difference on campus by leading RSO’s and being involved in so many projects and events on campus, it is amazing. The L.I. helps CMU to stand out from other schools, and losing this defining attribute would be extremely sad.

  • Reality

    It’s just a clique. Anyone who is familiar with this group knows that. Don’t feed me any propaganda; I’ve had enough of that.

  • lollerskates

    HAHAHAHA look at all you SAE’s on here complaining about this crap. You guys worried that you won’t have your rush base anymore? Some of you are gonna be outta jobs? Lets face the fact. You don’t have to be a leader on campus to go through this and some of the best leaders have not gone through it. It’s good at developing Sheeple and future Sigma Alpha Epsilon frat boys.

  • CampusLeaders

    Those of you that say it is a clique are letting your lack of knowledge about the LI show. It is not just for the scholarship recepients. The LI gives every student on campus the opportunity to get involved and learn how to lead. If you aren’t taking advantage of that and see it as a clicque that is because you aren’t choosing to step up to the plate, get involved yourself and learn how to lead. Maybe you and the other uninformed should take advantage of IMPACT, Alpha, or Leadershape and learn something about the program before you speak. It might also be beneficial to the “LAS Scholar” who made the suggestion and obviously is NOT involved.

  • E

    When I went to pick schools CMU was an after thought. I never wanted to come here but when I heard about the LI, it intrigued me. I applied for the scholarship and was still skeptical. The people who work for, and volunteer for the LI and the Leadership Advancement Scholarship are the best ambassadors for this campus. You may not think so, but they make this school run. They work behind the scenes to help improve this school everyday. Students are always making the campus we live on a better place and the majority of those students are Scholars from that institute. As far as I am concerned if the LI goes so is my participation on campus, my donations to the school, and I will no longer be a Chippewa.

  • KF

    From a professional out in the field who is engaged in a “leadership” and mentoring role on a daily basis and who hires and trains leaders in many aspects, having a program out there like the LI is invaluable. Its true leaders are born and not made, however, there are many aspects of leadership that too many potential candidates lack these days. I see this increasingly in our young new graduates. I see so many graduates applying for entry level positions with great grades but no leadership or management type experience. This is something that as an employer you cannot teach. Even as a mentor and support role, I do not have the time to hand hold. You must already grasp some of these basic concepts to succeed. I see programs like this an important part of molding future employees (of any discipline) into responsible adults. Eliminating programs like these will only work to validate to our young people that programs like this, in and out of the campus setting are worthless and a waste of time. Communities will continue to be affected by poor leadership and direction – look at Detroit for example – unless we can help foster this early on. Detroit is on the right track now…but where are all our young vibrant future leaders?

  • Steve Lambert

    How about this for propoganda or should I say facts- Leadership Institute runs the Leadership Advancement Program-$8,000 over 4 years. Approximately 40 scholarships are awarded each year. That means 40 students come to CMU. Estimated money the program brings in to CMU $15,000 x 4 years= 60,000 x 40 students = $2,400,000!

    Now there are 4 sets of 40 students here for a total of approximately 160 students involved in the program every year.

    160 x 60,000 = $9,600,000!

    If the LI was cut, the University saves approximately $161,497 a year from the two staff members they lay off. However, it would then be losing $2,400,000 a year from the students of the scholarship plus all the money that past and future Leadership Advancement Scholars would donate as alumni. Every 4 years following the cut of the LI the University will have lost $9,600,000 in revenue…and save 645,988 on the LI salaries. That is a net LOSS of $8,954,012!

    Last time I checked the University is trying to save money. If the University is fiscally responsible as I believe it to be, then it will do well to keep the LI running.

    As an Orientation Mentor for CMU for 2 years I know the selling points of CMU. Stuff that makes Central Michigan University stand out compared to other schools in the region.

    Unique things/Reasons students come:
    -No Athletic Fees
    -State of the art Education Building
    -Dining Services
    -D1 Football program
    -Prestigious nationally ranked wrestling team
    -Meteorology Major
    -Accredited Journalism Department-or it was a unique thing
    -Leadership Institute-only one in Michigan and one of few in the country
    -Leadership Minor (2nd largest minor on Campus) clearly its popular
    CMU promise-Used to be

    CM-Life should send out all of their reporters and find out why students come to CMU and then publish it, so both students and administration have the answers. That way we can focus on those things and promote them better instead of taking random suggestions for ways to cut things.

    I am personally responsible for recruiting 2 other students to CMU and I know that many people involved with the Leadership Institute are CMU’s biggest recruiters hands down. LAS students themselves go to their high schools to recruit students to come to CMU on their own time because they know how awesome CMU is and why it is a home for so many students.

    Instead of cutting a program that is responsible for all of those students coming to CMU a.ka. $’s into CMU’s budget I think we should really look into the reality of what a decision like this would have on the CMU students future, past, and present.

    Again CMU will lose millions of dollars if they decide to make this decision.

  • Steve Lambert

    As for lollerskates comment, SAE has nothing to do with this. As stated in my earlier post this decision will negatively affect CMU with millions of dollars at stake.

    Something as petty as your comment is truly characteristic of the understanding of the situation you have, which appears to be minimal.

    Oh we have 63 brothers only 10 are LAS, sorry to steal your thunder I just like to speak the truth.

    Steve Lambert

  • Cortney

    It would be a huge disadvantage for CMU to close the Leadership Institute. As a recent CMU graduate, I have found that the programs run by the LI have really helped me during the job search both in interviews, and in making my resume stand out against other applicants. The programs that I’ve participated in have helped me immensely in my professional life to find success after graduation. Not only that, but it helped me find success as a student. Without the LAS program and LI initiatives, I would have left CMU after my first semester. Additionally, my grade point average raised the more that I became involved on campus. The Leadership Institute also instills more pride in students. Without these programs, I doubt I would feel as much pride to be a Chippewa, or would feel the desire to be an active alumnus. The LI has helped me professionally, academically, and also personally. It has helped me forge amazing relationships, and it has helped me develop and grow as a person. My CMU experience would not have been nearly as wonderful without the Leadership Institute and the LAS program.

    Of course, as many people have made clear, there are ways to be successful and involved on campus without utilizing the Leadership Institute. However, I know that I personally would not have been as successful or involved on campus without it. I would find it devastating for these programs to be ceased, and I feel that all future CMU student leaders would be at a disadvantage without them.

  • Matt

    As A CMU and LAS alum, I find this article very disappointing. The Leadership Institute year in and year out produces some of the best and brightest leaders on our campus. The programming the leadership institute puts on is phenomenal and would be a large detriment to the CMU community as a whole if it is shut down.

    The skills that the Leadership Institute provided me are priceless. I am now in my last year of law school and have undertaken many legal and community related leadership roles that I would not have dreamed of undertaking if I had not participated in the Leadership Programming at CMU.

    I would like to personally blast the LAS student quoted in this article. The reason why you are disappointed in the program is probably because you have put very little into it. The people who work in the LI work very hard to make sure that all students, including LAS students are academically successful and real-world ready when it comes time for graduation.

    As an alumni and former student leader I would like to see money allocated to this program rather than $50k concerts and other unnecessary expenditures that CMU has taken on in the course of the last five years. Cutting out the Leadership Institute is cutting out something that has made CMU a distinct university in this nation: a breeding ground of strong leaders.

  • CMU_Alum

    Looking back at my time at CMU, few things stick out as vividly as the relationships that I was able to build with various people while participating in leadership development programs offered by the Leadership Institute, leadership roles I was able to take within this Office, and the connection this office creates for students and the campus community. By offering programs to ALL students on campus, the Leadership Institute not only develops leaders from the moment they enter campus (Leadership Safari facilitator participation, support, and consultation on leadership initiatives within the program), it also develops leaders for a dynamic workforce, ample opportunities to engage in small learning communities, and developing students to learn how to engage and lead others. Although the Leadership Institute will look different no matter if budget cuts are made or not (with the retirement of its Director, Dyke Heinze this past December) I feel as though the vision of Leonard Plachta, Michael Rao, and others must continue. I would urge President Ross and senior leadership to continue the tradition of the past and focus on the development of ALL students, at ALL stages of their developmental career during college and to look for alternative solutions to ‘facing the budget axe’. Although higher education financing within the State of Michigan will force difficult decisions, I am hopeful as a proud alum of both CMU and the Leadership Institutes many programs, that programs, offices, and divisions such as the Leadership Institute will be creatively managed to allow for continued success in the future.

  • Chris S.

    As the parent of an LAS student I am in shock that a student who has benefited by receiving the scholarship money to attend CMU would suggest discontinuation of the very program that provided that scholarship money. My daughter is in her freshman year and is benefiting so much from being involved in the LAS program. She has grown so much in her confidence level and is involved in many volunteer opportunities on campus and in the community. With the loss of the Michigan Promise Scholarship this academic year, receiving the LAS scholarship was an ace in the hole in our daughter deciding to attend CMU. As is true in real life, it is what you make of it. Nothing is handed to you for free. Participation in the program is key to experiencing the full benefits of the importance of leadership. Some are meant to lead and some are meant to follow. Thank goodness for the CMU program that nurtures our future leaders.

  • M

    The Leadership Institute is a very valuable addition to CMU. It focuses on so much more than the Leader Advancement Scholars. There are countless other opportunities to get involved, and the Leadership Institute reaches out to all student leaders on campus to get involved. I personally am in the LAS program, but there are many programs I have participated in that showcased non-LAS scholars in leadership roles (an example: Alpha Leadership Experience facilitators).

    The Leadership Institute and fulfilling Leader Advancement Scholarship Protocol have helped me to become very involved on campus. They have also been a large factor in helping me to earn some significant scholarships while in college. Without the LI, I would not have been as involved, and would not have stood out to the scholarship committees. All of us who are paying for our college with no outside help can understand the value of a scholarship!

    I have always advocated for the Leadership Institute, and strongly believe that cutting the program would have a negative impact on CMU’s campus. I truly hope that the program will stay alive, to continue giving great experiences like mine to future students!

  • Kim Roberts

    The Leadership Institute is what makes CMU special. The guidance and support from the LI is something I could not have gotten anywhere else. The LI attracts high school students that are highly motivated and want to continue their drive for success at CMU. The LI guides students to becoming a leaders in college and beyond. This includes students that receive the scholarship or not. How many of us went to a LI event? I’d like to see the statistics on that.

    Yes, I think the LI should make budget cuts, as should all departments on campus. But to cut the program itself…it would hard to imagine this university without it.

    Peace

  • Nicole Dieterman

    The face of every university seems to be their football team, and for a change I was hoping our school would learn to value the students who work to better the lives of others and focus on teamwork and leadership. Our university is the one of the only ones to provide an opportunity for students to minor in leadership. We have an outstanding program that has helped many students from all different situations and backgrounds excel as individuals. It is beneficial for personal growth and also gives students attending central that take advantage of the program to have that unique strength and training that could set the apart from other job applicants.

    Whether you agree or disagree with the possibility of cutting this great program, the fact is that it is helpful to a ton of people. A few negative posts on here demonstrate that you are not interested in the future of the actual program, but rather about voicing your own stereotypes and assumptions.

    I think that cutting the leadership institute would take something away from our college. For the people who were interested in bettering themselves and taking part in the program or for others who have utilized its resources and staff we have all realized how much this program has done for us.

    For people who comment about the LI being a giant click, I think you are swayed by some personal conflict that might have occurred.
    I have been apart of the Leadership Program for all three years I have attended Central. I have not been the most outstanding participant, but I do what I can in between work and school. I have not been in the office every day, making friends and sharing inside jokes. I pop in every once in a while and say hello or ask for help & I have always received the help I was looking for.

    So if I am not feeling a “click” type of vibe and I still feel welcome and comfortable around the people in the LI, Im not sure why you cannot.
    And groups all over campus greek and non greek as for help and support from the institute, so Im not sure where some have conjured the SAE anger, but this is not the case. Every fraternity and sorority is welcome to ask for help, the leadership institute does not give out bids.

    Leadership is used in every setting and every job. I cannot think of one situation where leadership does not play a role. And some people could care less about their leadership development, and that is their choice; however, other students who do take an interest in self development can really benefit from all this program has to offer. There is a ton to learn and I disagree with the comment that says its too narrow of subject to have a program built off of it. I took tons of classes that dealt with leadership skills, I have seen students put on amazing programs and learn how to work in a work setting with the proper attitude and strategies that helps everyone succeed.

    I chose CMU just because of the leadership program and have met the most amazing intelligent and helpful people, which have helped me grow into a better person. Cutting this program would make us like every other university and would ruin a unique chance for students to grow and learn.

    And this is a college, a school…somewhere we are supposed to be learning and developing & yet CMU focuses on how to improve the football stadium and cut out programs like leadership? Interesting.

  • K

    Actually the reason I can say LI is a clique is because I have participated in LI activities. See also: high school.
    Maybe you don’t realize it’s a clique because you are in it.

  • Erica

    It truly makes me sad to see the approach taken by CMLife in regards to this article. Of the over two hundred budgeting suggestions, they chose to single out one and only one.
    Why the Leadership Institute? Why would the suggestion of choice be in regards to one that sets our campus apart in so many ways? From campus appeal and leadership enrichment to one of the most highly sought after minors on the entire campus….which of these things deserves the kind of negative attention CMLife has chosen to give the LI?

    To the ungrateful LAS recipient, whose main problems with the LI are it’s furnishings and “few” programs, I simply suggest you give the LI back the $8,000 that you benefited nothing from. The sad part is that they saw potential in your leadership as an incoming freshman….and you still had the audacity to belittle their name for all of campus to see. Really?

  • Paco

    The LAS program is the sole reason I came to central…I was going to go out of state, but the leadership possibilities through the LI were just too good to turn down. Since then, the leadership institute has guided me through some of the most rewarding experiences in my life. By far my most influential aspect of my life, that has lead me to untold amounts of success here at CMU.

  • John

    K,

    If you are not LAS and participated in one of the leadership activities than it was not possible for you to have seen LAS as a clique because those activities were mainly attended by NON LAS students. IMPACT and ALPHA are not designed for LAS although some do participate. They are for the CMU student body at large. Simply because you did not feel comfortable at the event you say the LAS are a clique, when in fact they were not the primary audience. And yes, no one can deny the bond shared by each class. That is the point of bringing them in as a class, having them live together in Barnes and having them take classes together….so they bond and have each other to lean on and learn from.

  • Student

    The school does not need the Leadership Institute. This should be a privately-funded operation. While we’re at it:

    - Let’s merge the journalism and broadcast cinema arts departments into one department with print and broadcast concentrations.
    - Abolish resident hall directors and create complex directors.
    - Do-away with the diversity offices.
    - Outsource janitorial work.
    - Create a special parking permit that is substantially more expensive but allows you to park anywhere on campus.
    - Cut the on-campus programming and entertainment funds.
    - Stop paying student government officials; they should do it for free.
    - Downsize the school’s public relations/spin doctor office.
    - Stop the unionization of part-time faculty and graduate students.
    - Cease providing benefits for unmarried partners of employees.
    - Force employees to pay more of their benefits cost.
    - Cut the lobbyists.
    - Cut the number of sports offered by CMU.
    - Close all the computer labs and create one, maybe two, central labs for the whole campus.
    - Charge students 5 cents per page printed in computer labs and bill each month to student’s account.
    - Fine employees who leave their office lights on over holidays and after hours.
    - Charge each registered student organization a registration fee to exist on campus per semester.

  • Ashley

    I graduated from this program last year and the experiane I received was invaluabe. I came into the university as a student who wanted to lead but did not know how. This program provided leadership education to allow students to lead effectively while becoming involved. If one looks at the leadership around campus one would see that almost ever major leadership positing is filled by a student from th leadership institue. Additionally the institute provides programing to the community to school aged children to develop leadership skills. This institute is the reason that I am currently a pa student at Wayne state and the reason I not only hold three leadership positions within the college but also am starting an inner city clinic in Detroit. It was because of the skills and the education I received from the institute that I am sucessful. All I can say is that good leaders know how to lead and great leaders know how to follow. This is a concept that the board needs to examine as after researching the salaries that the coaches, president, and board receives there is money to cut. I can understand maybe a temporary cutback and funding to the program if there is no other way to get around this issue, but to do way with the program would leave the college at a disadvantage that is not realized.
    Ashley Wise
    Wayne State PA student

  • truth

    LAS is the largest and most annoying clique on campus. They do not do anything besides run around Barnes Hall acting like they are better than everyone at CMU. Perhaps if they were not in this program they would not be so full of themselves.

  • Katie

    The CMU Leadership Institute provides incredible value for this university. It would truly be a great disservice to the students, faculty and CMU community if it were to close.

  • Christian

    The thought of the Li being closed is absolutely ridiculous! Central Michigan will lose some very great leaders as well as students. Being a member of the LAS program, I know that there are plenty of kids that came to Central JUST for this program. I know kids that were accepted to many other prestigious universities, and decided to come to central because of their leadership program, and because they felt the need to become a better leader. If for some reason the Li does get closed it would with out a doubt be one of the biggest mistakes that Central could possibly make. If the university is so concerned with saving money, why don’t they take a year off from giving professors that 3% raise they expect? If the profs don’t like this idea they can go else where to find a job, because the students should be number one in my opinion.

  • K

    No where in any of my comments did I say LAS was a clique. I’m talking about LI in general, meaning there are a lot of people who are not LAS students who are also part of it.
    I’m not saying everyone who is involved is bad, I have a lot of good friends who are LAS students/involved in LI, I’m just saying that maybe it’s a little ridiculous for the university to spend so much money on what has become basically a glorified clique.
    Maybe you are all getting so defensive because you are seeing how other members of the CMU community view you.

  • Phil

    In my time at CMU I lived in Barnes for 2 years, but wasn’t anywawy associated with LAS or the leadership institute. I’ve met countless people asssociated with the Leadershp Institute and they all are outstanding individuals. It would be a travesty to get rid of the leadership institute. Many of these students would have choseen other universities without the LI and our campus would be lacking in both Greek Life and RSO’s. Why would these things suffer? Because the students really are leaders. The contributions made to this campus by LAS students and the LI advisors is unmeasurable and would be a major loss to this campus if the LI were to be shut down.

  • Nicole

    My brother goes to Central Michigan and I know that this leadership program has not only made his experience wonderful but has helped him reach out to many other students and faculty. This has given him an amazing opportunity to expand on his leadership skills and build connections within the CMU community. Having leadership in a community is extremely valuable. This program is absolutely necessary for its unique ability to bring leaders together and provide them with opportunities to make positive impacts in the community.

  • John

    K,

    Two people on a comments page does not make up the CMU community….and definitely not defensive, just trying to clarify.

  • Taylor Paige Rushing

    I read Central Michigan Life this morning and I am sad to say that my heart felt heavy when reading the front page. As I read “Leadership Institute could face budget axe” I can not express in words how I felt. The Leadership Institute, I believe is what sets us apart from other universities. We are the only college in the state that has this program along with a minor in leadership. We as a university strive on leadership and volunteering. We are proud to present Leadership Safari, Leadership camp, The Alpha Leadership Experience, IMPACT workshop, and many more aspects of leadership to this university. I am a Leadership Advancement Scholar and would be devastated if the Leadership Institute were to expire. I would not only be devastated for my current LAS members and Leadership staff, but for the future generations of leaders that will come to CMU. There are so many great leaders that come directly out of that office, that it would not only tragic but a hindrance to this university if the Leadership institute were to ever be unable to fulfill its duties. This program gives students the tools to make strong decisions in life that are going to benefit them and CMU. The leadership minor is the largest on campus and is still growing drastically. Without our leadership offices I am afraid that this minor would no longer flourish. If you have ever met Dykstra Heines or Dan Gaken you would know why so many students have been guided to do great things on campus. The programs that these staff members have put together have been nothing short of inspirational and uplifting to younger leaders. They have helped me personally develop my leadership style and growth as not only a leader on campus but a better student and person. The values and goals of this program are strong. Staff members and student know that when you walk into that office you are safe and tht you have a purpose on campus. The staff will help guide you with anything you need and If they can not help, they will guide you to someone who can help. If you look at RSO’s on campus like Student Government association, OWLS, Program Board, On The Fly, Greek life, and many others, you will be surprised to see how many of these groups hold a great number of LAS scholars. We are making a difference on campus and we would like to continue to do so. I ask you as a leader, and as a student to help me keep this program on campus. I know with budget cuts it is impossible to keep everything on campus, but I want to stress that this is not a program this university shoud ever let go. I am asking that you talk to Dan Gaken and us students before any cuts are made. I think that if you see first hand what this institute is doing there is not a chance you could ever let this program leave campus. This is why I am inviting you to attend our annual IMPACT workshop. It is on Thursday, March 25 at 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. in the Leadership Institute Powers Hall 136. I could go on about all of the reasons that this program should stay, but I think you should see for yourself.

  • JBK

    It is unfortunate to see the arguments for cutting such an integral component of CMU’s academic culture.

    Will cutting the Leadership Institute save money? Sure. However, the reality is that the LI operates on such a small percentage of CMU’s budget that the cutting of the LI will do more harm then good. Currently the LI provides students with so many opportunities: leadership development, personal growth, sense of belonging, educational opportunities, academic development – the list goes on. Risking the THOUSANDS of students that are currently affected by the Leadership Institute is not worth the small amount of money that Central Michigan University would save. (Perhaps a more effective cut would be the disgusting amount of money that CMU puts into music artists and entertainers.)

    On a side note, for those of you arguing that the LI is a clique, you’re incorrect. Are there cliques in the LI? ABSOLUTELY. Does this, however, mean that the LI should be “axed”? Absolutely not. ANY organization you become a part of will have cliques. Does this mean that CMU should also cut the Volunteer Center, On the Fly, Safari, Student Government, heck – the MATH department!? EVERY group, organization, or department that you become a part of will likely form a group of friends -if you call this a clique then so be it. The reality, however, is that the formation of cliques does not warrant the entire cut of an organization/department. It is simply proof that the department is effective in bringing individuals together – that these individuals BELIEVE in the organization – perhaps your argument that cliques are involved is an even STRONGER argument to KEEP the department as is.

  • K

    Right, which is why I didn’t say “how the CMU community views you”.
    Just clarifying.

  • Mary B.

    I am a sophomore in the LAS program. While I will admit that the LAS cohorts have their cliques, they are kind and dedicated people. The LI staff works tirelessly to provide a beneficial leadership experience to all students who come to their programs or their office. Saying that the LI is nothing but a clique shows that you haven’t spent much time in Powers. Even though my beliefs and leadership style often differ from many other LAS and leaders on campus, I’m always met with a smile and support.

    Furthermore, the LAS program provides a supportive community for those who want to make a difference on campus. This program gives students the tools and confidence they need. If not for the LAS program, I wouldn’t have been motivated to become the president of my RSO or pursued leadership opportunities off campus.

    I am always amazed at my LAS peers and what they have accomplished and what they are involved in on campus. It seems that every week someone involved in the LI is working on a fundraiser for a philanthropy or looking for volunteers for a community service project.

    The LAS scholarship and the LI were the deciding factors for me to come to CMU. It would be a disservice to students if the university chose to close an office that helps students make a difference on campus.

  • Sara

    Whoever wrote this article clearly did not take advantage of the resources the LI has to offer. That does not mean this student should suggest the removal of the LI because they did not take it upon themselves to benefit from it. The LI teaches people to be a Leader and a Follower, learning how to effectively collaborate with others, a concept that is key to success after college. The LI is not an exclusive program, it offers workshops to everyone on-campus such as Alpha, IMPACT, and Connections, of which the LI pays for or those who attend, not the school. Not only do they offer these workshops, but I can tell you that their doors are ALWAYS open for people to come in and talk, whether they are LAS, LI Members, or not. The LI is what brought me and many others to CMU, and I am sure that many great things would be lost if CMU were to cut the LI. There is no need to cut the LI when it is already running on a reduced budget. Also, take a look at how many people are protesting this. Clearly, those who don’t see a benefit in the LI are similar to the person who wrote this article, they have not tapped into the resources the LI has to offer to every student on campus. Leadership is a critical topic and CMU was very cutting edge to introduce the program, they should not go backwards and remove one of their most appealing qualities.

  • Amber

    As an active member of LAS and part of the Leadership Institute I firmly believe that, although many budget cuts need to be made, there is no benefit in cutting the Leadership Institute. The LI teaches students the Leadership skills needed to help change and fix this economic crisis. Not only does the LI benefit the LAS students but the entire student body as well. This program has brought students from all over the state to CMU’s campus to make a difference. The students attracted by the LI are some of the ones making a difference here on campus. Many people from the Leadership Institute have been the ones holding leadership roles on campus, been on committees that are discussing the budget changes, and have been volunteering on campus and out in the community. Cutting such a beneficial program ends the teaching of the leadership skills that are going to change this economic crisis. The LI makes a difference on this campus and makes CMU stand out.

  • nicki

    Cutting or removing the Leadership Institute is one of the worst ideas that Central Michigan could consider. As a program meant to help all students, it is something that is truly worth saving. The Leadership Institute draws so many new students to CMU each year and coaches them along their college career here to become better leaders and to get ahead in the job market. The LI is here for every student, LAS or not.

    As for the suggestion made by the LAS student to cut the program, you do not know what you are talking about. First off, the size or quality of the directors’ offices? Really? I don’t even believe that is grounds for an argument. Second, the Leadership Institute puts on MANY programs that most students get a lot out of. I’m sorry but if one student out of so many did not get anything out of these wonderful opportunities, it is their fault. And should a university cut a program because of one disillusioned student when there are so many others that are willingly defending it? I don’t think so. And how is it not part of the curriculum? The leadership minor here at CMU is one of the largest minors on campus. It is also one that many employers look for. It sets Central Michigan graduates apart from everyone else. If the LI was cut, many students would suffer because of this, once again, not just the LAS.

  • Jorge

    I do not go to central, but i have alot of friends that do and a good chunk of them are in the leadership program. All i hear is good things about it and it was a main reason why they even chose to go to cmu. By all the stuff i’ve read and heard about it i dont understand why you would cut something that affects so many sutdents and has such a greater outcome. I wish my college had a leadership program like the one at cmu. it would make getting involved way more easier and would set my off on the right way in the future.

  • Kaite

    I love the Leadership Institute!

  • KC

    I believe students are clouding the true issue at hand with personal feelings about individuals. If one looks at the Leadership Institute with an unbiased attitude, one would see the true growth and expansion the LI has provided to this campus over the past ten years.

    Registration for the LI’s programs has been significantly rising over the past few years. A wide variety of students (not just LAS or Greeks) have signed, participated, and continue to return to LI run and sponsored events. If the university is looking to drop the ‘budget axe’ on any one department, perhaps it would be more beneficial to look at the gains made by the programs produced in each office. While many offices provide programs for just one night or one week- the LI provides cost effective programming all year long.

    Throughout this economic downfall, my family has personally felt the hard times of budget cuts and downsizing. Because of this, I have learned that the two assets each recruiter and employer look for are leadership and experience. Luckily CMU is one of the only schools in the nation that provides both of these through the same office. It would be a true shame to eliminate the campus office that provides all students (from all disciplines) marketable life and job skills.

    It’s time to put apart petty grudges and personal feelings and truly evaluate the essential products of the Leadership Institute: the ability and proven skill to prepare students for life and a positive future.

  • K

    @JBK
    I believe the university already did cut OTF.

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