THE PENNSYLVANIA BLACK CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, INC. (PBCOHE) The Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. (PBCOHE) is an organization made up of professionals from the public and private sector, education, business, social services, law, and government, who have a deep commitment to improving and ensuring the education of Black, Latino, and other students underrepresented in higher education. The Conference was established, in 1970, by the Honorable K. Leroy Irvis, who was at that time, the Minority Leader and Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The organization focuses on key issues affecting the future of higher education in Pennsylvania, provides input to the various sectors of government, education and community leaders of the Commonwealth who impact the lives of African-Americans and other underrepresented groups at Pennsylvania colleges and universities. In addition to advocating for policies and issues in higher education, PBCOHE, Inc. provides support and professional development opportunities through its scholarship program, the Annual Conference, and the Journal of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. A student segment included the Black Active Student Inter-Collegiate Struggle (BASICS), was established in 1973 to help African-American and other students of color in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania develop leadership skills in addition to pursuing their educational and career goals. The Annual Robert D. Lynch Student Leadership Development Institute (SLDI), a weekend event held each year in the fall has replaced BASICS. Graduate students are encouraged to attend and present at the PBCOHE, Inc. Annual Conference, held during the last week in February or first week in March and rotates yearly from Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh. Professionals may participate in the Institute for Educational Management Leadership (IEML) a training program for professionals to gain needed skills for advancement. Periodically group travel to Africa allows for developmental aid, and relationship support with the Zebilla Secondary Technical School in the upper east region of Ghana in West Africa. Support has been provided to this school for more than a decade. 2
The Student Leadership Development Institute The first Institute was held on October 9-11, 1987 at the Center City Holiday Inn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Twenty-one students representing SSHE institutions, Penn State, LaSalle, Temple Universities and the Community College of Philadelphia were selected from more than forty applicants. Each applicant met the following criteria: good academic standing; demonstrated leadership ability; two letters of recommendation; and a one hundred word essay indicating how the Institute would be of benefit to the applicant. The Institute was facilitated by Dr. J. Otis Smith, Dr. Tom Gordon of Stand-By-Systems II; Ms. Myra Dillingham of Penn State University; Ms. Doris Cross of Millersville University; Dr. Eddie Manning of Temple University and Mr. Lawrence A. Dowdy of West Chester University. The key topics covered were self-concept, communication skills, group problemsolving/decision-making, and motivating others. Representative Chakka Fattah of Philadelphia, now U.S. Congressman, was the keynote speaker at the Award Brunch program. During the past twenty-seven years since the Institute began, PBCOHE has provided leadership training to over 4,200 college students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This unique event gives students an opportunity to participate in workshops that examine effective leadership skills, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal relations, building inclusive environments, and fostering cultural awareness. In addition to providing an opportunity for the development of future leaders, students who are active campus leaders have a forum to exchange ideas and to network with each other and with Institute faculty and staff. Mentoring and establishing support networks have instrumental in student retention. This Institute continues to grow in service for the students, colleges/universities, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and by assisting in the fulfilling of the goals and objectives of the PBCOHE. To ensure future operation of the SLDI, the executive committee of the PBCOHE established a permanent operational standing committee. 3
Contents OVERVIEW AND GENERAL INFORMATION 5 Registration Procedures Special Needs Refunds Student Requirements Outstanding Student Award HOTEL & TRAVEL INFORMATION 7 PROGRAM SCHEDULE 8 REGISTRATION FORMS 9 SLDI STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS 10 STUDENT PLEDGE OF PROFESSIONAL 11 CONDUCT AT THE INSTITUTE OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD NOMINATION FORM 12 MISSION STATEMENT 13 4
OVERVIEW AND GENERAL INFORMATION The Annual Robert D. Lynch Student Leadership Development Institute (SLDI) will be held on Friday, October 30 Sunday, November 1, 2015 at the Lancaster Marriott Convention Center, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The theme for the Institute is Creating Pathways That Enhance Student Success". This conference is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. (PBCOHE, Inc.) and is designed to address topics essential to developing leadership skills for all college students, in particular those from ethnic backgrounds underrepresented in higher education. This unique event also gives students an opportunity to participate in workshops that examine cross-cultural communication, interpersonal relations, building inclusive environments, and fostering cultural awareness. In addition to providing an opportunity for the development of future leaders, students who are active campus leaders have a forum to exchange ideas and to network with each other as well as the SLDI faculty and staff. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES Separate registration forms must be completed for each student. PLEASE NOTE registration is ONLINE only. See page 9 for more information Advisors: It is very important that you include the group reservation summary sheet with your individual student registration forms. The SLDI registration deadline is October 16, 2015 and the hotel reservation deadline is October 16, 2015. Make your hotel reservations early; you can always cancel rooms you do not need prior to the deadline. Registration Cost $250 per person and includes conference materials and all meals. Special Needs List any special needs (dietary or physical) on the registration form. PLEASE SUBMIT ALL REGISTRATION MATERIALS BY OCTOBER 16, 2015 Refunds: Requests for refunds must be sent to Mrs. Barbara A. Thompson and postmarked by October 16, 2015 at the address on the registration form. Student Requirements The SLDI demands a concentrated effort from participants. Selected students should demonstrate motivation and interest in campus activities such as mentorship programs, student government, community service projects, or other student organizations. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who are maintaining good academic standing are especially encouraged to attend. 5
All groups must be accompanied by an adult Advisor or other University Official during the conference and for overnight supervision. It is important that Advisor/University Official(s) review the attendance and dress requirements with students and be available to assist them during the Institute. Students attending the conference for a third time will be requested to join the Leadership in Action Team. Advisor/ University Official (s) should choose students who will serve throughout the Institute as Moderators, Workshop Monitors and Program Guides. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to introducing presenters, distributing and collecting evaluation forms, helping the Staff when needed, and helping students to get to their designated workshops. The Leadership in Action Team must model the professional skills and behavior the Institute strives to promote by strictly adhering to the business dress code (no jeans, hats, boots, etc.) and present themselves in a courteous professional manner at all times. Please make sure each of your students receive a copy of the Student Instruction Sheet. This will assist our staff in operating a professional conference for both students and professionals. Each student must review and sign the Student Pledge of Professional Conduct to be submitted along with the individual registration form. A Talent Show will be held on Saturday evening and is open to anyone who would like to perform --- students, advisors, university officials, and staff. The presentation must be no longer than 3 to 4 minutes in length. Creative expressions of all types presented in good taste are welcome. Sign-ups will occur at the on-site registration table. Evaluation Forms: Every participant is asked to complete an evaluation form. Institute certificates will be provided for each participant. Advisors/ University Officials should collect the certificates for their group on Sunday prior to departing. Outstanding Student Award Each school should recommend an outstanding student to be recognized at the Awards Dinner on Saturday. The Outstanding Student Nomination Form (see page 12) should be mailed to Barbara A. Thompson, Penn State Harrisburg, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057. (Only one nomination per school) 6
HOTEL INFORMATION The host hotel reserved for SLDI participants is the Lancaster Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Reservations must be made directly with the hotel by October 16, 2015. When making your reservations, be sure to indicate that you are with the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education/SLDI. **Register early, rooms fill quickly.** Lancaster Marriott and Convention Center Phone: 1-888-850-6146 or 25 South Queen Street (717) 239-1600 Lancaster, PA 17603 https://www.marriott.com The special room rate is $122 per night plus applicable tax and can accommodate up to four students per room at this rate. *Check in: 4:00 pm - - - Check out: 12:00 pm Parking Hotel self-parking is available at $8 per car per night; the parking fee is subject to 6% state tax. Parking is available adjacent to the hotel. Vans may be parked at a nearby surface lot. (See hotel staff) TRAVEL INFORMATION Driving directions maybe found at the following website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/lnsmc-lancaster-marriott-at-penn-square/ 7
PROGRAM SCHEDULE (Subject to change) Day Event FRIDAY, October 30 3:00 pm 6:00 pm Institute Registration 6:30 pm 7:30 pm CONFERENCE OPENING/ DINNER 8:00 pm 9:00 pm Keynote Speaker 9:00 pm 10:00 pm Interactive Session SATURDAY, October 31 7:00 am 8:15 am BUFFET BREAKFAST 8:30 am 9:45 am Concurrent Workshops I* 10:00 am 11:15 am Concurrent Workshops II 11:30 am 12:45 pm Concurrent Workshops III 1:00 pm 2:00 pm BUFFET LUNCHEON 2:15 pm 3:30 pm Concurrent Workshops IV 3:45 pm 5:00 pm Concurrent Workshops V 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Networking time 7:00 pm 9:00 pm Awards Dinner - Keynote Speaker 9:30 pm 12:30 am Talent Show and Social Party SUNDAY, November 1 8:30 am 9:30 am Ecumenical Worship Service 9:45 am 11:30 am BRUNCH Taking the Conference Home - Keynote Speaker Institute Evaluations and Closing 11:30 am 12:00 pm HOTEL CHECK-OUT * Each workshop period has sessions with different topics presented by a faculty presenter. Topics focus on aspects of leadership and/or developing leadership skills. 8
Individual Student Registration form Registration Procedures Separate registration forms must be completed for each student. PLEASE NOTE registration is ONLINE only. Use this link to complete the registration process for each student Student Registration: http://snapsurvey.lhup.edu/snapwebhost/surveylogin.asp?k=144041517783 ADVISOR s Summary Registration form Registration Summary procedures A separate registration summary must be completed for each University/College by the advisor who is accompanying the students and/or responsible for payment. Summary Registration: http://snapsurvey.lhup.edu/snapwebhost/surveylogin.asp?k=144041508762 You may need to cut and paste link into your web browser. Questions may be directed to Barbara A. Thompson (bat1@psu.edu) or Cynthia L. Daniels (clj15@psu.edu). Mrs. Barbara A. Thompson SLDI Director Penn State Harrisburg 777 West Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA 17057 717-948-6297 9
SLDI STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS In order to ensure that you will profit, enjoy, and gain from this professional development program, it is requested that each participant follow these instructions: Code of conduct Students must accept responsibility for their behavior and actions during the conference at all times. Students are expected to attend all sessions, be engaged in meaningful dialogue, and actively seek the knowledge that will be shared by the conference presenters. Furthermore, all students will conduct themselves in a manner that will be a credit to their advisor, college/university, and themselves. Possession and usage of alcohol, drugs, and other illegal banned substances are strictly prohibited during the conference schedule and time. Failure to behave in a manner consistent with the measures outlined above will result in the immediate removal and dismissal of all individuals from the SLDI and the proper individuals at the respective college/university will be notified of the inappropriate conduct. Dress Code All participants should wear professional or business attire throughout the conference. No jeans, jogging suits, shorts, or ill-fitting clothing should be worn except for traveling. Appropriate dress is expected for conference sessions and evening dinners. The use of electronic devices is limited to conference participation. PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS AND ADVISORS ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF THEIR INSTITUTIONS AT ALL TIMES. The Institute seeks to promote an atmosphere of professionalism and respect for each other and leaders. Session Assignments Students may select sessions during each time-period. Students must have their name badges with them at all times. Session/Workshop rooms have a specified number of seats for each section; once filled, move to another section. Courtesy to presenters is required at all times. Talent Show There will be a Talent Show on Saturday evening. Sign-up will be located at the registration desk until 5:00 pm on Saturday. Students will be responsible for their own media, props, or costumes. Sunday Morning An Optional Ecumenical Worship Service will be held on Sunday morning for those wishing to attend. Everyone in welcomed. 10
STUDENT PLEDGE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AT THE INSTITUTE PENNSYLVANIA BLACK CONFERENCE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, INC. Robert D. Lynch Student Leadership Development Institute I affirm that the Student Leadership Development Institute (SLDI) is an opportunity for me to advance my personal growth and development through the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. (PBCOHE). I am expected to take this opportunity seriously and to intensely pursue the information that will be provided in an open, intelligent, and mature manner. Having accepted this opportunity to participate in the SLDI, I accept the responsibility for my behavior and understand that whatever I do, I must do it well and to the best of my ability. I will attend all of my assigned sessions, be engaged in meaningful dialogue, and actively seek the knowledge that will be shared by the conference presenters. I understand that possession and usage of alcohol, drugs and other illegal banned substances are strictly prohibited during the conference schedule and time. Furthermore, I will conduct myself in a manner that will be a credit to me, my school, and my people. I also promise to share what I have learned at the SLDI with my peers when I return to my campus and to exhibit the leadership skills that I have acquired as a result of my participation. My signature at the bottom of this document indicates that I have read it, understand it, and have every intention of following it. I also understand that if I fail to behave in a manner consistent with the measures outlined above, I will be immediately dismissed from the SLDI and that my school will be notified of my inappropriate conduct and sanctions may be brought against me. Student s Signature Date Witnessed by Advisor s Signature Date College or University Name and Address PLEASE SCAN THIS FORM, RETURN WITH EACH STUDENT REGISTRATION AND REGISTRATION SUMMARY FORM - ADVISOR/UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL 11
OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD NOMINATION FORM Nominee: University Major: GPA: Advisor: E-mail: In the space provided, briefly summarize the student s outstanding leadership skills. Please include information such as campus activities, community involvement, leadership roles, committee service, organizational membership, etc.: Send Nomination Form to: Barbara A. Thompson Penn State Harrisburg 777 West Harrisburg Pike Middletown, PA 17057 Phone: 717-948-6297 E-mail: bat1@psu.edu Fax: 717-948-6249 12
MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education, Inc. (PBCOHE) is to provide programs and services which help ensure that the post-secondary educational needs and aspirations of Black African Americans in particular are met, and to work in concert with members of other under-represented groups in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This mission is accomplished by fully utilizing our individual and collective talents and resources. We further achieve our mission through education, research, training, and publication. In particular, the mission provides for: Advocacy on behalf of students, faculty and staff needs and interests Support of personal growth and development of its membership through educational programs, networking, training in human relations, and leadership skills. Review and analysis of legislation, rulings, and reports for the impact on Black African Americans and other under-represented groups in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Support of the personal growth and development of students through the SLDI. PBCOHE shares with other organizations of the Commonwealth the mission of: Developing an educational environment that promotes and encourages desirable educational advancement for all people; Contributing to efforts in the Commonwealth to recruit, retain, and graduate students by promoting quality programs which encourage personal and academic achievement; Creating a climate that promotes and attracts students to post-secondary education and graduate programs; Developing educational strategies to promote inter-group understanding within an increasingly diverse population in the Commonwealth; and Contributing to the common efforts to recruit, develop, and promote diverse faculty and staff. 13