The Student Leadership Open House took place on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 7p.m. to 8p.m. The event was held for students to receive information or apply to organizations on campus.

Each organization has a special purpose on campus in order to create leaders and help the school run smoothly.

Gustie Greeters help first-year students tranistion into college during orienation weekend. They also provide resources for the incoming students in order to adjust to college living.

Collegiate Fellows assist residents in all of the on-campus living halls through enforcing policies and hosting hall bonding events. They are a resouce for students on campus for any living needs.

Peer Assistants encourage students to live a balanced, healthy life through eductional programs, awareness campaigns, and other events. They are a resource for students as a place they can go to talk to about any range of topics.

Students gathered last Thursday Feb. 19 in order to get information about ech of the organzations and find the one that fits them best.

“The open house is simply for students who are interested in applying to the organizations.  There is no commitment… it’s just a great opportunity to learn more about the programs in a casual setting. Interested students can talk to current leaders about what the programs are like and their personal experiences with them,” Senior Gustie Greeter Allison Schmidt said.

Organizations that made an appearance at the open house included Peer Assistants, Collegiate Fellows, and Gustie Greeters. These organizations are considered the premier student leader groups on campus.

“We represent the students on campus who want to be leaders and are passionate about what they do. As far as the PA’s go, we are certified peer educators. This means we go through extensive training during the week before everyone moves back to campus to learn how to best educate, inspire, and learn with our peers about issues such as chemical, physical, and sexual health,” Sophomore Peer Assistant Rachel Haefliger said.

According to student leaders, these organizations are important for Gustavus for the lasting impact the student leaders have on others. The opportunity is helpful in gaining experience while contributing to campus.

“Student Leaders on this campus have been known to make lifelong friends and connections within these programs, all while making a difference for others. Together, the Student Leaders all contribute to the needs of the campus in their own unique ways, and that is a very rewarding experience that helps build skills that go far beyond college life,” Junior Peer Assistant Johnna Bottila said.

“Student Leaders on this campus have been known to make lifelong friends and connections within these programs, all while making a difference for others.”—Johnna Bottila

The groups stay busy and work to improve of the lives the Gustavus community each year. Collegiate Fellows, for example, have responsibilities   that include facilitating student learning through actively engaging residents all year in creating community and developing responsibility for their residence hall environment. Their purpose is to enhance the student learning experience and emphasize the College’s mission and core values.

Peer Assistants have been busy throughout the 2014-2015 academic year as well. PAs have developed the Power of Positive Action presentation about bystander intervention, and claim that they will continue with this program in the future. The group also helped sponsor various events such as the Fall Midnight Express, Glowga, as well as a social norming campaign.  In addition, they also ran ACES, a workshop for level one alcohol violations.

“The Peer Assistants have been busy this year and we have been brainstorming fun new ideas for spring semester!” Bottila said.

Gustie Greeters have been involved on campus before the academic year even began. The group of upper-class student leaders planned, organized, and led incoming students through New Student Orientation. Each Greeter was responsible for leading activities, discussions and events throughout the four-day orientation program. The Gustie Greeters have also been involved in various events on campus and such as SNL, Family Weekend, and on Saturday Feb. 21, they will be hosting a mini golf event.

“We do this while still keeping in touch with our Greeter group from the fall, and having bi-weekly meetings with all Greeters and our Greeter coordinator,” Schmidt said.

All applications for the leadership organizations are due on February 23. If students are interested in applying you can contact Andrea Junso, Director of Campus Activities Office.

-Haley Bell & Christine Peterson