At student-centered institutions such as the CIEL schools, students play a key role in driving change. Students were quick to embrace the possibilities of the consortium and eager to take part in its development.

Opportunities to meet and work with students at schools within the consortium have been powerful learning opportunities. Students serve in a policy-making capacity and spread the word about CIEL opportunities on their home campus.

They are liaisons to their local student body, particularly the student campus coordinators who partner with faculty coordinators to carry out work in strategic planning, community-building and outreach, program and event planning, disseminating information, and carrying out the many tasks needed to make things happen.

Taking forward the work of developing student leadership has become a key thrust of the consortium’s mission.