New Logo

The past four days have been full of many exciting things; new ideas, creative new designs and a lot of organization.  I am finally getting a chance to focus on a major project that has been on the backburner for a number of years, a private school.  This new school, managed under WIFM Academy Inc., will be located in Ottawa Ontario, Canada and be home to an eventual 80 lower-year students.

Thanks to Ray at Nexcidia for completing phase-one of the website launch.  It is great to have someone in my network that can help bring my designs to life.  This new splash page showcase’s is an exciting first look at the styling and branding of this new school.

I look forward to many more developments and networking opportunities. Do you think there is something you can help with at this new school? I would love to hear from you.

On January 2007 as part of my course work in the Small and Medium Enterprise Management Program at Algonquin College, I identified a need to study and create initiatives for the next generation of leaders.   After scouring various professional journals it was clear that I would need to begin define a new type of social work, Ammisology.  Based on the Latin word ammisceo to mix or involve (http://users.erols.com/whitaker/dictpage.htm) Ammisology perfectly explains the bridging needed between this incoming generation of leaders and the existing corporate landscape.   Here is the proposed dictionary entry for Ammisology:

Main Entry: Ammi·sol·o·gy
Function: Noun
Etymology: From the Latin ammis- + ology
1: the understanding of how a specific demographics’ current and future leadership affects the global society, and influences the development of sub-culture community.

In an era defined by digital social interaction, the next generation of leaders and managers require educational systems that are as dynamic as they are.  Institutions that can blend harmoniously social and academic stimulation will capture not only the interest of this demographic but will reap the benefit of their forereaching minds and creativity.  The students and leaders of the future are here upon society’s doorstep and we do not seem prepared.  A shift in innovative thinking, like Roger Martin’s The Opposable Mind and innovative management, like Gary Hamel’s The Future of Management are becoming water cooler buzz across North-American offices though it won’t help the incoming generation of leaders. 

What can we do to empower this generation in championing the next intellectual breakthroughs that will redefine the way businesses are managed?  I have begun this task on a small scale with Student Leadership Programs focused on self-empowerment and “facilitating transformative moments” (Tony Conte).  It is in bridging programs that students are realizing that they must be their own agents of change.  They are learning how to harness their influential social-networks and leveraging that power into insight / buy-in on a concepts and than implementing with great success. 

On May 12 & 13 I will attend the 2008 Ottawa Catholic School Board Peer Helper Camp as a guest workshop presenter and facilitator.  This camp of grade 9 students is an exemplary case of how the social and academic needs of students can be meet while producing some forethought on the value of human interaction and the affects of individual conviction.  I look forward to sharing with you the highlights and outcomes from this camp.  Also, look for an upcoming post on the three core components of a successful Student Leader Program.   

*Remember even though I am using the educational Student Life perspective these same concepts, programs and initiatives are transferable to all types of organizations. 

Hi!

I am excited that you are exploring the idea of Student Life Enhancement.  For over 9 years creating, facilitating and reviewing Student Orientated programming has driven my work and volunteerism. 

Currently, my focus is on two key demographics of students; (1) High School students transitioning to Postsecondary – Orientation, and (2) what it means to be a Student Leader and how that leadership development affects society – Ammisology.  While there is significant research on Orientation Programs and Processes, there considerably less information around Student Leadership. 

Drawing from my Small Business knowledge, Honors in Small Business Management at Algonquin College, colleagues in the NODA Network, North American Orientation Director’s Association, and experience I will share with you some interesting concepts, thoughts and recommendations.

All that we know about Student transitioning and Leadership is changing rapidly with the advancement of technology and its increase in access to information. 

In the next posting, I will tackle the definition of Ammisology.  Specifically, how it assists us in building stronger transitioning programs for students.  In addition, I will try to cover the three fundamental areas of Student Leadership at the core of all successful Leadership programs. 

Hi. 

This blog is our chance to discuss a variety of topics that affect the quality of Student Life.  I will share with you my experiences, interactions and developments with Student Life at the High School and Post Secondary levels.  

Have a question or a topic you want to discuss, sign-in and post it as a comment and I’ll start talking about it!

Looking forward to getting the first post up.