At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, we believe that all students can exercise leadership. Leadership does not require formal authority or position and can be practiced by anyone interested in making a contribution and influencing a more positive future. Leadership is a process of mutual influence directed at achieving purposeful results. The process of self-discovery is ongoing, and the pursuit of leadership requires perseverance and a commitment to perpetual learning. Building trusting relationships is essential for the work of leadership.
Leadership never happens alone.
By incorporating the diverse skills and viewpoints of others, individuals are empowered and group energy is mobilized to pursue collective goals. The practice of leadership is ethical in nature and includes a responsibility for the rights and welfare of those inside and outside of the group. Four core programs, defined as being innovative, high quality and consistent in content, address these skills and attributes. The first of the four core programs, called Insight Illinois, was held February 25-26 at Eagle Creek Resort in Findlay, Illinois. A group of sixty students, diverse in backgrounds and interests attended the conference to learn about themselves as well as to begin to build a network of peers.