Mission Statement
Student Leadership and Engagement (SLE) at Frederick Community College fosters an inclusive and engaging campus environment where all members of the College community are encouraged to explore personal interests, develop leadership skills, and participate in meaningful co-curricular learning. Through diverse programming and supportive experiences, SLE promotes respect for self and others and affirms our shared responsibility to help create a community that supports academic success, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
Department Overview
Frederick Community College recognizes that learning extends beyond the classroom. Student Leadership and Engagement provides students with opportunities to connect with peers, cultivate leadership skills, and enrich their academic experiences through co-curricular involvement.
Student life encompasses a wide range of activities designed to support personal and professional development. Through participation in events, clubs, organizations, leadership programs, and service initiatives, students can deepen their understanding of academic disciplines, strengthen their sense of belonging, and contribute meaningfully to the campus community.
Student Clubs and Organizations
FCC supports a vibrant community of student-led clubs and organizations that enhance personal development and enrich campus life. With more than 30 recognized groups representing academic, social, cultural, and recreational interests, students have many opportunities to get involved, build community, and explore new interests.
All recognized clubs and organizations are student-initiated and student-run, with faculty or staff advisors to provide guidance. Students interested in starting a new club or organization may obtain information and support from Student Leadership and Engagement. A current list of active organizations is available in Student Leadership and Engagement and on the FCC website.
Service Learning and Volunteer Opportunities
As part of its commitment to community engagement, FCC offers opportunities for students to participate in service learning and volunteer activities. Student Leadership and Engagement houses the College’s service learning program, which connects students with community partners and helps align volunteer experiences with academic or personal goals.
Co-curricular Learning Opportunities
FCC values the significant learning that occurs beyond the traditional classroom. Cocurricular programs, workshops, lectures, and special events are intentionally designed to complement academic coursework and encourage students to apply classroom concepts to real-world contexts.
Students play an active role in shaping program offerings by recommending topics, activities, and experiences that enhance academic learning. Many faculty members recognize the educational value of these programs and may offer extra credit for student participation. Information about co-curricular events is available on the FCC website and in campus event publications.
Student Leadership Development
FCC is committed to cultivating student leadership through opportunities for participation in shared governance, campus organizations, and leadership development programs. All enrolled students are members of the Student Government Association (SGA), which serves as the official representative body for student voices on campus.
SGA officers and committee representatives are elected annually and serve on College-wide committees, task forces, and governance groups. These leadership opportunities help students develop communication, organizational, and advocacy skills valued by transfer institutions and employers.
Recognition and Awards
Celebration of achievement is one of our core values. Each May, at our annual Spring Recognition and Awards Ceremony, students are publicly recognized and lauded for academic achievement, volunteer service, and campus leadership. Students may earn distinction for their contributions through faculty or staff nominations and may be eligible for nomination to several internationally recognized honors and awards programs such as Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society; the USA Today Academic All Americans; and the United States Achievement Academy’s Academic All American Scholars and Leaders. Specific criteria for national honors can be found in the Center for Student Engagement, in the student handbook, or on the FCC website under Student Life.
Leadership Awards
Recognizing student achievement is a core institutional value. Each spring, Student Leadership and Engagement hosts its annual Student Leadership Ceremony to honor students for excellence in service, leadership, and co-curricular involvement.
During Commencement week, Student Leadership and Engagement presents several awards in recognition of outstanding student leaders. Recent awards include:
- Dr. Lee J. and Marjorie Betts Student Leadership Award
- Marjorie Betts Citizenship and Family Award
- Drs. Henry P. and M. Page Laughlin Award
- Dr. Patricia Stanley Excellence in Leadership Award
- Campus Clubs and Student Organization Awards
Graduation Awards
During Commencement week, numerous additional awards are made by various organizations in recognition of outstanding achievement by the year’s graduates. Among those of recent years have been the following:
- Phyllis Hamilton Award for Academic Excellence in English Literature
- Lindblad/Longman “We Are One” Award
- Award for Academic Excellence in the Business Transfer Curriculum
- Award for Academic Excellence in the Business Career Curriculum
- Career & Technology Awards
- Frederick Woman’s Civic Club Award for Academic Excellence in History
- Martin Kalmar Award for Academic Excellence in Mathematics
Student Government Association (SGA)
The Student Government Association represents student interests and serves as the liaison between the student body and the College’s governance structure. Leadership opportunities exist through elected officer positions and participation on committees and task forces.
The SGA Executive Committee typically includes the president, vice presidents for public relations, administration, communications, and finance as well as representatives to the College Senate Committee. All students who demonstrate interest, commitment, and enthusiasm are encouraged to participate, regardless of previous leadership experience.
Voter Registration
Frederick Community College encourages civic engagement by providing voter registration materials for all students, faculty, and staff. Registration forms for Maryland residents are available online at www.elections.maryland.gov, and in Student Leadership and Engagement, Student Center, H-101.
Contact Information
For more information about Student Leadership and Engagement programs and services, visit room H-101 in the Student Center or call 301-624-2793.