November 17, 2006 Student Leadership Summit
Recap & Pictures

This Learning College Student Leadership Summit was the second event since March of 2006. Thirty students from across the institution we invited and assisted in the planning of the afternoon’s structure and activities.

The Summit began with lunch and brief introductions of each of the participants. The group was pleased that they were joined by Dr. Shartle-Galotto, the Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Services.  She brought greetings on behalf of the Board and the President of Montgomery College. Dr. Shartle-Galotto also described the importance of Montgomery College as a Learning College where students’ learning goals are paramount.  Dr. Shartle-Galotto asked Ms. Somersall, the Vice President for Academic Initiatives & Partnerships , to describe the principles of the Learning College.  They were captured in a bookmark that was given to each student:

1. Learning is the responsibility of every member of the College community.  We support learning for all, and recognize that we are all learners.
2. Learning is active, flexible and engages the learner in a collaborative relationship.
3. Learning is a rigorous and challenging experience that results in enhanced analytical skills, deeper understanding of content, and increased capacity for reflective and insightful decision making.
4. Learning requires an assessment of student needs and support for progress toward academic and personal goals.
5. Learning is successful when we can document change in the learner in the form of measurable outcomes.

Students participated in various activities that helped them to identify individual strengths and personal preferences. They also learned about several of the initiatives of the Learning College which directly focus on student engagement, retention and achievement: the First Year Experience and Outcomes Assessment. These activities and discussions were facilitated by the following individuals: Ms. Monica Brown, Acting Dean of Student Development at Rockville; Ms. Jennie Wells, Acting Dean of Student Development at Takoma Park/Silver Spring; Ms. Helen Brewer, Acting Associate Dean of Student Development at Rockville; Ms. Debi Higbie-Holmes, Director of Student Life at Germantown; and, Mr. Jim Walters, Director of Student Life at Takoma Park/Silver Spring.

Several of the students who participated in the Learning College Student Leadership Summit also participated in the Learning College Retreat held the following Wednesday at Rockville. 

We are looking forward to the next Summit which will be held spring 2007.