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National Character and Leadership Symposium

National Character and Leadership SymposiumThe National Character and Leadership Symposium, one of the premier national symposiums in the area of character development, brings together distinguished scholars, armed forces leaders, corporate presidents and others to explore various dimensions of character and leadership.

The symposium provides cadets with opportunities to engage in dialogue with visiting undergraduate university student leaders from around the country in seminars and discussions designed to enhance their own understanding of the importance and challenges of sound moral character and leadership.

Speakers are drawn from both military and civilian sectors and include general officers, business professionals, athletes and others whose personal experiences contribute to the chosen theme. With more than 60 speaking venues and a student consortium, participants are exposed to challenging and inspirational messages designed to enhance their character development.

Previous themes include "Strength Within, Leadership Throughout," "Courage in the Face of Adversity" and "Leading Positive Change ... Raising the Standard of Excellence."

tabUndergraduate Info 
The symposium is open on a first-come-first-served basis to the first 200 undergraduate student registrants from colleges and universities worldwide. Undergraduate students must be between 18 and 26 to participate and may attend the symposium free of charge.

Typically, there is a limit of four students per college or university. Additional registrants from a given university will be placed on a waiting list and contacted if more student openings become available.

Students not accompanied by a faculty member must provide sponsorship documentation from their college or university. Sponsorship confirmation may be in the form of a letter or email from a faculty member or adviser indicating that they are sponsoring your attendance in this program. The correspondence should be brief and indicate that you have been selected by the institution to attend NCLS and that you are a student in good standing. Further guidance will be provided to registered students following receipt of registration information.

Visiting students will be provided rooms in cadet dormitories, meals, and ground transportation between the Colorado Springs Airport and the Air Force Academy. Upon arrival to the Colorado Springs Airport, the Academy will have transportation shuttles on a regular basis located outside the baggage claim area.
tabVisiting Faculty Info 
Faculty members are invited to attend NCLS to escort their visiting students. There is a limit of two faculty members from each college or university.

As a general rule, students participating will stay in the cadet dormitories, while visiting faculty and guests will stay on the Academy campus at Rampart Lodge.
tabOther NCLS Info 
Also invited to attend NCLS are:

- Members of the Association of Graduates
- Air Force Academy staff and faculty
- Local servicemembers
- Federal, state, county and city government employees
- Faculty and staff of primary and secondary school districts

Symposium attendees should bring business casual attire or Class B service uniforms for events during the day, and coat and tie or Class A uniforms for evening events.

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