What is Community Plunge?
We have designed the Community Plunge program to give first year students a head start on volunteer activities within the Ithaca community. This program provides first-year students the chance to volunteer with local organizations and agencies in the Ithaca community before their classmates even arrive on campus. Over 130 First Year students and 30 Team Leaders will divide forces and plunge into the Ithaca community. Team Leaders are comprised of dedicated, current students who have a passion for community service. They will serve as site liaisons and all-around Ithaca resources. In past years, Community Plunge has allowed students to participate in a variety of projects, including assisting with summer camp programs, cleaning shelters, planting trees for an orchard project and working within the elderly community.
What is ECHO (Experiencing Connections by Heading Outdoors)?
ECHO is a first year experience that helps students make connections with their new community. Participants are taken out of the residence halls and classrooms and into the great outdoors. Students hike all day, camp one night and then return to campus with a great experience to start their college career.
The program can take up to 60 first year students, each with a unique background, different experiences, and a full range of camping & hiking skills. The students are divided into smaller groups and paired with 2 leaders for the actual camping experience. This minimizes the impact on the environment and allows for leaders and students to make lasting connections. Camping and hiking take place along the Finger Lakes Trail right outside of Ithaca .
What is Lead-In?
Lead-In is a leadership program designed to help new students transition to Ithaca College and get a jumpstart on their college leadership experience. Participants will explore leadership topics, become acquainted with the campus, and meet new friends. As a part of Lead-In, participants will participate in a challenge course and learn about their style leadership (the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) as well as spend time with fellow students. Current student leaders participate in the program as small group leaders and mentors for the new students. They will share their own leadership and involvement experiences and help connect new students to campus resources and leadership opportunities.
How do I apply?
There is one application for the Team Leaders for all three of these programs. Simply indicate your interest in any or all of the programs! Leader roles, responsibilities and qualifications are detailed on the application.
Applications are due on Friday, March 28 by 5 pm in the Center for Student Leadership & Involvement (319 Egbert Hall). You may bring a printed copy by the Center or you may email a completed copy to us as an attachment to leadership@ithaca.edu . Please title the subject line “Team Leader Application – Your Name” which will assist us in organizing them. If you email it, we will still need you to submit a printout of the Judicial Authorization Form, with your original signature.
