Department Name: Student Involvement & Leadership
Director: Dr. Mary Skinner
Associate Director for Programming: Trisha Blau
Assistant Director for Registered Student Organizations: Camille Jordan
Office Manager: Tresa Jones
Fiscal Support Specialist: Shaina Briggs
Coordinator for Student Engagement: Rachel Allard (focuses on HOGSync)
Number of Staff Members: 6
Do you have student staff? How many? How do they support the department?
Yes! SIL currently employs three Graduate Assistants (GAs) who support programming efforts:
- Two GAs assist with University Programs by advising student leaders and supporting event planning.
- One GA works with Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), advising SOOIE and helping onboard new RSOs.
Additionally, SIL employs four undergraduate student staff at the A6 front desk. These students are often the first point of contact for visitors. They provide customer service, answer questions, promote events, and assist students with HOGSync.
Purpose of Department:
Student Involvement & Leadership fosters an environment that encourages participation, empowers students through student organizations, offers diverse programming experiences, and provides leadership opportunities.
Signature Programs and Events:
Razorbash
A large-scale business and involvement fair held during the first week of school.
SOOIE (Student Organization Outreach & Involvement Experience):
- Hillfest: A campus-wide involvement fair that includes student organizations and campus departments.
- RSO Involvement Fairs: Held throughout the semester to introduce students to over 400 student organizations.
- SOOIE Banquet: An end-of-year recognition ceremony celebrating the achievements of student organizations and their leaders.
University Programs:
- New Student Pep Rally: Held for first-year students; includes forming the Arkansas “A” on the football field.
- Fall Concert: Hosted at the Greek Theatre, offering an on-campus concert experience.
- Spring Carnival: A long-standing tradition that brings a carnival atmosphere to the Union Mall.
Distinguished Lectures Committee (DLC):
- Hosts nationally recognized speakers who engage the University of Arkansas community.
- This year’s lectures featured Brittany Broski, Asa Hutchinson, Hunter Woodhall & Tara Davis-Woodhall, and Jerry Rice.
Headliner Concerts Committee:
- Brings local, regional, and national music acts to campus.
- Hosts the Springtime of Youth Music Festival, with this year’s headliner being The Driver Era.
Highlight from progress on a goal for Advancing Student Affairs Strategic Plan (OR how are you contributing to the Advancing Student Affairs Strategic Plan):
Priority 1: Student Access, Well-being, & Belonging: Center all students’ well-bring experiences and create a campus-wide student community through welcoming practices, spaces, and experiences.
- Inclusive Programming: By organizing events such as Welcome Weeks,Involvement fairs, and diverse programming calendar, the office fosters a sense of belonging and ensures students from all backgrounds feel seen and supported.
- Leadership Development: By offering leadership opportunities for students to coordinate events and activities that impact the whole student body.
- Student Organization Support: With over 400 RSOs, the office helps students connect with communities that reflect their identities and interests—promoting social connection, which is essential for well-being.
- Advising and Mentorship: Staff in Student Involvement provide direct support and mentorship, helping students navigate challenges, access resources, and feel cared for as individuals.
Priority 2: Post-Graduation Success: Prepare students for success through career preparation, leadership development, and co-curricular experiences.
- Event Planning and Organizational Experience: Through involvement in SIL programming areas including Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), students gain practical experience in event planning, budgeting, team leadership, and marketing providing them with transferable skills applicable in many careers.
- Student Employment & Internships: Leadership roles within SIL programming areas offer hands-on experience that strengthens résumés and helps students build professional portfolios.
- Co-curricular Transcript & Reflection: Students are encouraged to reflect on their leadership and involvement experiences as part of their co-curricular journey, helping them articulate their skills and growth in job interviews and graduate school applications.
Bragging Points:
- Many of SIL’s programs are funded through student fees, with students taking the lead in planning, promoting, and executing events building critical career competencies.
- SIL coordinates over 100 programs annually, offering a vibrant calendar of events for both the campus and local community.
- With more than 400 RSOs, SIL provides countless opportunities for students to explore passions, build friendships, and make a difference at the University of Arkansas.
- SIL utilizes heavily and provides training for students, faculty, and staff on HOGSync the university’s student engagement platform.
- The hiring of a Coordinator for Leadership Programs to concentrate on the overall leadership experience and opportunities available to the whole student body. New initiatives and opportunities for leadership development upcoming in Fall 2025.