Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Service Leadership Seminar

A Unique Tool for Transition

Kathy L. Guthrie

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v18i1.2746

Keywords: Service Leadership Seminar (SLS), Florida State University, first-year, students, community service, leadership, structure, consciousness of self, focus groups, transition, personal identity development

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Abstract

The Service Leadership Seminar program at Florida State University is a unique way to assist first-year students with their transition to college while enabling them to continue their commitment to service and leadership. This article explores the impact the Service Leadership Seminar has on students through a mixed methods approach. The Socially Responsible Leader Scale showed a positive shift in students' consciousness of self. Through focus groups, students reported this program as being helpful in their transition and development of personal identities.