Introduction

The Memphis Connection is an exchange event for a select group of students.  Participants will have the opportunity to utilize this co-curricular educational opportunity to develop an increased appreciation for the application of leadership concepts in an array of environments and among diverse groups of individuals and/or teams.  The Memphis Connection will provide a unique conduit for the selected students to grow as leaders who will be better prepared to compete and contribute in a global society, all the while, allowing them to showcase the University of Memphis as a top tier institution for leadership education.

Learning Outcomes

In an effort to prepare students to enter today’s global society, the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement has put together The Memphis Connection.  This program will help students to develop the skills that employers are looking for and prepare them to be global citizens.  In the book “Global Leadership: The Next Generation”, the authors have identified several emerging trends for global leaders including:

1. Thinking globally
2. Appreciating cultural diversity
3. Developing technological savvy
4. Building partnerships and alliances
5. Sharing leadership

The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement has taken the above information and combined it with the mission, values, and vision of the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Memphis to develop the following specific learning outcomes for The Memphis Connection:

Students will:

• Develop an understanding and take action to affect a selected social issue that is relevant to Memphis and a peer community.
• Evaluate leadership applications in a variety of settings.
• Communicate their understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity.
• Demonstrate an understanding for the responsibility for continuous learning.

Through shared reading, community service, open dialogue, and exposure to new people & ideas, we will provide students with a unique learning experience that aims to support the development of these skills.  In addition to the learning outcomes listed above, this program will offer selected students a unique opportunity to develop a peer/professional network within and beyond the campus community, and serve as representatives of student leadership at the University of Memphis.

Selection Process

To be eligible for selection, students must be at least a sophomore and have a minimum of two semesters remaining at the University after the 2011-2012 academic year.  Additionally, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.  Interviews will be conducted by program staff. 

The intention of holding interviews is to determine appropriate fit within the program, ensure a diversity of backgrounds & experiences, delve further into applicants’ qualifications & intentions for the program and discover applicant’s commitment levels. 

Important Dates

You must be able to attend all meetings, which will be held 1:00-3:00 pm. Additionally, you must be available for all Exchange dates because the key component of this experience is to engage a social issue from multiple perspectives.  When our partner schools are visiting Memphis, we will serve as hosts.

• November 11
• November 18
• December 2
• January 10
• January 27
• February 17
• March 23 – Final Meeting

A final schedule will be communicated to all selected applicants.

Exchange Dates

• January 12-15, 2012 – Students from the University of Tampa will be visiting Memphis
• January 31-February 2, 2012 – Students from Converse College will be visiting Memphis
• March 1-4, 2012 – Students from the University of Memphis will be visiting Tampa.

***If you have questions about The Memphis Connection, please contact Jon Campbell at jcmpbll3@memphis.edu or 901-678-8679.