Who We Are
The Office of Student Life (OSL) creates an extraordinary, transformative experience that promotes the leadership, personal, and social success of Ball State students. Through coordinating the Excellence in Leadership program, developing community service opportunities, and supporting over 300 student organizations, we engage our students to enhance a variety of career-oriented and leadership-based skills and competencies that benefit them as they look to step into new leadership positions, apply to professional roles, and much more!
Your Impact
Supporting our students comes in many forms. The OSL is dedicated to helping students succeed through high-impact practices and innovative co-curricular activities, and we often look to expand the programs and services we offer. Other times, our students need a little extra help to earn their degree through scholarships. You can be the difference in the lives of our students, as your gift enriches the student experience by improving the resources we offer.
Greatest Needs – Student Life Programs Unrestricted Fund
Giving to our greatest needs enhances the student experience by supporting training and development series, including the Student Engagement and Leadership Series for student organization leaders and Advisor Resource Training for faculty/staff advisors of student organizations. Your gift helps us plan programs (e.g., leadership conferences, presidents' retreats, workshops, staff development) and serve our greatest needs as they arise based on Ball State University's mission and strategic plan.
Dr. Kay Bales Excellence In Leadership Fund
The Dr. Kay Bales Excellence in Leadership (EIL) program builds on Ball State University’s strong tradition of leadership development by preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity. Through a retreat-based model that combines mentorship, skill-building, and the CliftonStrengths assessment, students gain insight into their natural talents and learn how to intentionally apply their strengths in leadership, teamwork, and decision-making. Donor support for EIL empowers students to grow in confidence, clarify their leadership identity, and develop practical skills that positively impact their organizations and the broader Ball State community.
Undergraduate Student Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and the ability to inspire others both inside and outside the classroom. Recipients are deeply engaged in campus life—through student organizations, fraternities and sororities, mentorship programs, club and intramural sports, and other co-curricular experiences—and have shown a proven ability to lead peers toward meaningful goals. By supporting this scholarship, donors invest in students who actively strengthen the Ball State community and enhance the overall student experience through their leadership and involvement. 
Leadership and Service Fund
This fund provides critical support for student leadership and engagement by offsetting costs for alternative break trips during Spring Break and investing in meaningful leadership development opportunities for students on our campus. Your support helps remove financial barriers, expand access, and empower students to grow as leaders through service and experiential learning.
Spirit and Traditions Fund
This fund supports the newest area to the Office of Student Life, Spirit and Traditions! We help create unforgettable memories and increase school spirit through large scale programming. Supporting this fund will allow us to continue events like concerts, Grocery Bingo, Friday Night Film Works, Midnight Breakfast, and the annual Late Nite Carnival.
