Many students are driven by a desire to advocate for causes bigger than themselves. Not only does it look good on a resume, but this type of mindset shows initiative and offers real-world experiences in navigating and overcoming challenges. Through the Office of Leadership & Civic Engagement (OLCE), UNC Greensboro students have the opportunity to learn what it means to combine passion and service into meaningful action for their communities.
Jordan Farmer, associate director of leadership, says, “In OLCE, we create programs that allow students to be changemakers within their communities, their professions, and here at UNCG.”
Getting involved with OLCE doesn’t look the same for everyone. Each student sets their own pace. By taking on the Spartan Leadership Challenge (SLC) or requesting a workshop for their student organization, they become catalysts for change, as every event entails learning something new.
OLCE gives students opportunities to branch out and meet new people, build connections, and serve alongside community partners while also having the option to organize their own projects.
Partner with the community
Ever heard of MLK Day of Service? That’s just one of the many opportunities for students to engage in service with peers. Coordinated by OLCE, this annual University-wide event remains successful with more than 200 participants each January.
Paired with a site leader, volunteers gain hands-on experience working within various areas in Greensboro, with transportation to and from their service sites. Service projects include sorting donations, decorating classrooms, working in community gardens, and more.
“Service days are opportunities for students to learn about Greensboro,” says Farmer. “As a leadership educator, I’m a strong believer that you cannot fully lead a community unless you first consider the barriers, both the good and bad, that come with it.”
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to take advantage of the Volunteer & Service-Learning Fair that takes place annually in early September. At the fair, they can engage directly with local organizations to ask in-depth questions about the communities they’re interested in serving. Organizations will discuss openings for volunteering, internships, and skill development.
Shape your next chapter
“Leadership and civic engagement are universal, transferable skills that apply to every aspect of life,” says Farmer.
The Spartan Leadership Challenge is a journey of career-readiness and professional growth that equips students for life after college. Each level of the challenge—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—encourages deeper engagement in areas of communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
At the Bronze level, discover who you are as a leader. Take it a step further at the Silver level, sharpening your skills and expanding your influence; at the Gold level, apply what you’ve learned by contributing to complex projects and activating your strengths.
Those who complete the challenge gain a strong portfolio and are awarded medallions and certificates. At UNCG commencement ceremonies, you will see participants wearing one, two, or even three medals with their caps and gowns.
Ashanti Goins, a Silver-level participant, shares advice for students considering the program. “I would tell students to be intentional throughout the process; you will be surprised at what you discover about yourself and things you didn’t know you had to unlearn.”
Alumna Brianna Easterly, a Bronze-level participant, reflects on how it prepared her for career readiness. “The Challenge was a time commitment. It taught me how to balance my time between work, school, and service. I learned how important it was to listen more than to be heard and that my actions speak louder about who I am as a person than anything else.”
Although each level of the SLC has its own set of requirements, what matters most is choosing the path that fits you best. Whether a first-year student or approaching graduation, there’s no single way to complete the Challenge.
“It’s never too late to do the SLC, even if a student has one semester left,” says Farmer. “Come spend it with us, and invest in yourself while gaining something valuable to show employers.”
Start Your Leadership Journey Today
Students can access the OLCE office in Elliot University Center, Room 217. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. So, what does leadership look like for you? Click here to pinpoint your “why” and explore how to make the most of your Spartan experience.
Story by Lauren Segers, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona and David Lee Row, University Communications
