Office of Student Engagement

Vision

The Office of Student Engagement envisions a campus culture where every student feels connected, empowered, and inspired to lead. Through inclusive programming, meaningful engagement, and leadership development, we strive to create a dynamic community that supports lifelong learning, personal growth, and academic success on Main Campus and at each Regional Center - in every student journey.

Mission

The Office of Student Engagement is to enhance involvement and promote retention by fostering meaningful connections, encouraging active engagement, and supporting student leadership development. Through cultivating a vibrant and inclusive campus environment at the Main Campus and Regional Centers, we empower all students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.
The Office of Student Engagement is responsible for Welcome Week, Leadership Development, Spring Fling, student leadership development, civic engagement, student clubs, organizations, monthly themed affinity programs such as Latine and Black History programs and many other ways to help you get involved! The Office of Student Engagement also actively collaborates with faculty in numerous courses and curricula by sponsoring out-of-class experiences with a direct relationship to material being studied. Students who are involved are more connected to the campus and tend to have higher grades and graduate and transfer on time. Don't wait, let us help you to succeed!

Lion Leaders - Student Leadership Team

The Lion Leaders are the Office of Student Engagement's student staff leadership team. These students serve the Main Campus and Regional Center's as Lion Leaders – Office Assistants, Program Event Managers, and Snack Rack Student Managers. Students interested in joining the team can get more information by visiting the staff in the Office of Student Engagement, Winnet Student Life Building, Suite S1-12

Student Leadership Development Program

Philadelphia L.E.A.D.S (Leadership + Education + Achievement + Diversity = Success)

Whether you're a first-time, college-level student, a student who has completed your first college-level course work or a seasoned student with leadership experience, L.E.A.D.S. has something for you. Our uniqueleadershipunique leadership program is designed to instill leadership qualities in those students who have a desire to lead.

Two distinct leadership development pathways are designed to empower students, foster personal growth, and cultivate campus leaders.

1. Foundations of Leadership: Emerging Leaders Institute
   Open to all students, this program introduces the core principles of leadership through interactive workshops, skill-building sessions, and community engagement activities.
2. Advanced Leadership Institute

Designed for Student Government, Honor Societies and Vanguard Newspaper Executive Officer Teams, recognized Club and Lion Leaders, this track deepens leadership competencies through advanced training, strategic planning, and peer collaboration.

Program Benefits

Participation in either leadership path provides access to a range of valuable opportunities:
• Peer-to-peer leadership roles and mentoring experiences
• Invitations to off-campus leadership workshops and conferences
• Access to stipends, incentives, and professional development resources
• Exclusive Philadelphia L.E.A.D.S. merchandise and recognition

Student Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student club or organization is one way to become involved in the extracurricular life at the College. Whether you wish to engage in a hobby, further your academic pursuits ,  or just socialize, a student club is a great opportunity!  If you don’t see a club that interests you – we encourage you to start a new one! Clubs must register and attend training each academic year. For the most current list of clubs and organizations, visit Pride Portal  

How to Start a Club

Do you have a great idea for a student club at Community College of Philadelphia? Or maybe you want to open a chapter of an existing national organization? 

Student clubs can focus on a wide range of interests, including academics, culture, the arts, community service, recreation, leadership, and wellness.

Three Steps to Start a New Club:

1. Gather your people! You will need 4 eligible club officers, and a faculty/staff advisor.
2. Submit club registration on Pride Portal.
3. Attend club training

Students who wish to serve as club officers must be registered in at least one credit-bearing course, maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5, and be in good standing at the College. There is no grade point average required for students new to the College. 

Registered clubs and organizations must be open for membership to all Community College of Philadelphia students in good standing. Membership or participation shall not be denied  be denied on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law unless otherwise permitted under applicable Federal law. Certain performance-based requirements may be imposed on a view-point neutral/belief-neutral and status-neutral basis. For example, honor societies may require a minimum GPA or matriculation into an academic program, and singing groups may require students to audition.

Student Media/Publications

The Vanguard is the student-run campus newspaper that offers news, sports, features and editorials of interest to the student body. Students are responsible for the publication’s policies and content. A limited number of staff positions are available and articles are welcome from any member of the College community for publication consideration.

Honor Societies

Community College of Philadelphia’s honor societies recognize and encourage scholarship by providing an opportunity to develop leadership and service, an intellectual climate for scholarship, and the stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.

The College recognizes the following honor societies:

• Alpha Eta Society (health professions)
• Alpha Beta Gamma (business)
• Delta Psi Omega (theatre)
• Phi Theta Kappa, Rho Upsilon Chapter (general scholastic excellence), is the College’s main academic honor society and is recognized nationally as the honor society for students in community and junior colleges.
• Psi Beta (Psychology majors)
• Sigma Alpha Pi – The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).

NOTE: Membership in honor societies is by invitation only.

The Snack Rack

Students, don't go to class hungry! The Food Pantry is located in the Winnet Student Life Building, Room S1-12. All currently enrolled students can pick up snack packs or family food bags Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Snack Rack Food Pantry is stacked with perishable and non-perishable food items for our students. Visit the food pantry to pick up a snack pack or two to help you get through the day, or pick up a meal bag to take home to your family.

Grady’s Community Garden

The Snack Rack services have expanded to include bi-weekly giveaways from our own Grady’s Community Garden and community partners with the goal of providing nutritious options and knowledge about growing your own food. Grady's Community Garden is located on 17th Street on the side of the Bonnell Building.