Student leadership at Earlham College
“Because I said so,” isn’t a phrase you’ll hear much at Earlham. Here, leadership is about more than job titles. To us, leading means seeing new possibilities, daring to express your ideas, listening to others’ points of view and building consensus.
That’s why you will have opportunities to lead beginning in your first semester on campus. You can choreograph a number for Dance Alloy, start a kayaking club or volunteer to teach English in the Richmond community. The ways that you can lead at Earlham are as diverse as your interests.
The way we govern the college also reflects our understanding of leadership. We discuss many issues as a whole community, from our athletic conference affiliation to our policy about alcohol. More specific policy recommendations are made by campus committees, and students are eligible to serve on them beginning in their first year on campus.
At Earlham, we don’t fight to the top. We’re invited to collaborate. However you choose to lead, we’re eager to have you join in.
Center for Environmental Leadership
Earlham’s Center for Environmental Leadership (CEL) provides ways for you to explore the interconnectedness of social and environmental systems. Through academic study and a variety of hands-on programs, you will be empowered to lead in developing creative and just solutions to problems within these systems. In addition, individual courses and projects are opportunities for you to enjoy nature, connect with peers and learn new skills.
Interested in leadership in residence life?
There are multiple ways to get involved with leadership within residence life, whether it is through a position as a residence assistant, apartment assistant or hall director.
Student Government
The Earlham Student Government (ESG) is responsible for representing the student body of the College. The organization and constitution of the ESG was approved by Earlham students in 2016 and was recently under review by the Constitutional Review Committee. The ESG Process Keeper office was formerly located in the basement of Runyan Center. When active, Student Government members are available to address problems or provide advice and support.
Student Senate
When ESG is active, the Earlham Student Senate (ESS) is the primary decision-making body of the ESG.
Student Organizations
The branch of Student Government that allocates funds (derived from student activity fees) to student organizations on campus.
More information and resources
The Office of Student Life works behind the scenes to keep you safe, healthy, and fulfilled throughout your journey at Earlham College. Whether you are looking for academic advice, a shoulder to lean on, or opportunities for personal and professional growth, our team is here to support you through it all.