They got S.O.U.L.

From George Washington to George W. Bush, every US President has shared one particular quality - leadership.

Students at UB, however, know that they don't have to become president to be great leaders in life.

"If you are the CEO of a major company or simply in a group on campus you have to be a great leader," said Melanie Bentley-Cruz director of the Students in Organizing and Understanding Leadership program.

According to Bentley-Cruz, the S.O.U.L program was created for any student looking to enhance the value of their leadership. It is intended to instill a sense of confidence in students nearing graduation and entering the professional realm.

"It is a great way to build skills while students are still in the college atmosphere," Bentley-Cruz said. "Every good leader has to be a good follower, they have to know exactly how to make people want to follow them."

Even the president of the United States had to perfect following at one point, according to Bently-Cruz. Apparently, it is a characteristic of all great leaders.

Bently-Cruz feels the program is a great way to mingle with other students who share similar goals. Fifty-one students completed the program last semester, one of whom was Viqar Hussain, president of the Student Association.

"Most students don't join a club unless they know one person in that club," Bentley-Cruz said.

The S.O.U.L program is administered through UBLearns and can be taken at ones own pace. Students who complete the course will be given a certificate stating that they are a "Certified Student Leader."

Enrollment is possible at any time during the course of the semester, allowing students flexibility with their time. The only requirement is that students complete the course before March 19 in order to receive certification. Those who complete the certification will be invited to a special reception on Wednesday, March 28 in their honor.

Allie Goldstein, a sophomore undecided major says she is "incredibly happy" that she enrolled in the program last semester. She says she is able to apply the skills the program provided to everything she is involved in on and off campus.

"In all of my roles, it is important that I understand leadership and my responsibilities," Goldstein said. "The S.O.U.L program has helped me numerous times."

The course consists of reading sections from the Student Organization Handbook and completing short quizzes. Students must receive a minimum of 80 percent on all quizzes to successfully pass.

Martin Smallidge, a freshmen undecided major, took the program in hopes to improve his skills as SA promotional director.

"My staff and I were able to sell out the Tommy Davidson Comedy Series a week in advance," Smallidge said. "I give a lot of that to my better understanding of leadership."

Smallidge says he has also noticed improvements in his social life.

"I have found more time to be with friends because I get my work done in a more timely manner," he said.

Bentley-Cruz said the program helps students significantly improve on their delegation, organization, speaking and listening skills, as well as time management and their overall confidence.

Upon completion of the program, students receive a "Leader Tool Chest" along with their certificate. The chest contains random items, like a puzzle piece and seeds, to remind students about the essential elements of leadership.