A -Rockhurst University workshop recently was -held to prepare more than 50 freshmen and -sophomores for tough decisions they’ll face -in student leadership roles. Resident assistants, orientation leaders, social mentors and PEERS health educators all attended the New Student Leader Ethics Workshop sponsored by the student development department and the University’s corporate ethics and social mentoring team.

Jay Hoffer, ’71, president of BiltBest Products Inc., served as the workshop facilitator. He presented students with a real ethical dilemma he faced in a previous position: employees manipulating inventory levels to generate higher bonuses.

Students reviewed the case study, discussed the right course of action in small groups led by members of the Rockhurst regents and alumni, and then heard how Hoffer resolved the situation.

“Doing the right thing is not always easy,” Hoffer said. ”People typically don’t like whistleblowers. This workshop helped plant the seed now so that students make the right choice if they’re faced with the decision later.”

Anne Skinner, assistant director of career services and staff liaison, said this is the fifth year Rockhurst has held the workshop and it continues to receive positive feedback from students.

“Students often say that the interaction with the regents and alumni is most beneficial to them,” Skinner said. “They bring additional perspective to the case study and getting confirmation from someone in the real world really drives home the point for students.”