Student Leadership Development

The Student Experience Division is committed to fostering leadership development within all students. Fostering student leadership amongst the student population is a collaborative effort across the Division with staff coming together from various units to develop unique leadership development experiences.

Student Experience Leadership Development Framework

The Student Experience Leadership Development Framework provides an intentional framing to divisional sponsored leadership development opportunities. Our leadership definition, philosophy and development domains are key components to each leadership development opportunity sponsored by the Student Experience.

Leadership is the ability to inspire, influence and guide others toward a common goal or vision. Leadership is intentional and thoughtful, ethical and inclusive, and fosters community and positive social change.

Leadership development is essential for all students as they aim to become leaders within their specific communities and fields, and as members of a global society. Further, everyone has the ability to be a leader, and due to the inherent social nature of leadership, everyone can benefit from intentional leadership development. To foster this leadership development, we aim to provide students with intentional development opportunities that center on an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to leadership development.

  • Leadership Identity Development
  • Leadership Skills and Capacity
  • Interpersonal Dynamics and Influence
  • Community Engagement and Responsibility
  • Global Awareness and Inclusivity
  • Diversity and Inclusion

Student Leadership Retreats

The 2024 Inspire Leadership Retreat participants all stand together for a group photoThe Inspire Student Leadership Retreat is an annual one-day retreat focused on aspiring and emerging student leaders. This off-campus experience is ideal for those new to the Syracuse University community and those who are beginning their collegiate student leadership journey. Focused on understanding one’s leadership capacity, getting involved on campus and getting connected to peers and University resources, this retreat is a great way to launch one’s leadership journey at Syracuse. This retreat takes place in late October, during the fall semester.

Fall 2025 Inspire Retreat Details

The Fall 2025 retreat will be held in October 2025. More details will be available in September 2025. Should you have questions, please contact Bram Stone via email at jstone04@syr.edu.

Attendees of the 2024 Signature Student Leadership RetreatThe Signature Student Leadership Retreat is an annual 3.5-day retreat focused on established student leaders and those who hold student leadership positions within the Syracuse University community. This off-campus experience is ideal for returning Syracuse University students and those who are established within their collegiate student leadership journey. Focused on reflecting on one’s unique leadership journey, enhancing one’s personal approach to leadership and getting connected to peers and executive-level University administrators, this retreat is a great way to enhance and refine one’s leadership journey at Syracuse. This retreat takes place just before the start of the spring semester, at the end of winter break.

Spring 2025 Signature Retreat Details

The Spring 2025 retreat will be hosted from Thursday, Jan. 9, to Sunday, Jan. 12, at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland, New York. Meals, lodging, transportation and activities are all provided for participants. Students should be prepared to return to Syracuse on Wednesday, Jan. 8, as the retreat begins the morning of Jan. 9.

Participants will also be invited to a December Kickoff Event on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6-7 p.m. to connect with participants before departing for the winter break.

The Signature Student Leadership Retreat requires an application and participation is limited to 44 students. Applications are now live and can be submitted via a Qualtrics form. Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 15, at noon. Selection notifications will be provided by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 22, before the November break. Should you have questions, please contact Bram Stone via email at jstone04@syr.edu.