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 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 October during the fall semester.
Fall 2025 Inspire Retreat Details
The Fall 2025 retreat is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse (Destiny USA). Breakfast and lunch are included in the event. Participants will also engage in an escape room while at the retreat, and transportation is also provided from/to campus.
Registration opens on ‘Cuse Activities on Aug. 25, 2025, and closes Sept. 15, 2025. Space is limited to 60 students and will be first come, first served. Should you have questions, please contact Bram Stone via email at bjstone1@syr.edu.
Inspire Student Leadership Retreat Testimonials
“I learned the importance of taking our strengths to the next level and applying them to our lives. I also learned that it is good to take risks in your community and continue to be a leader even in new spaces.”
“I would totally recommend- it was a very insightful experience, and I appreciated how interactive it was. I feel more knowledgeable in the topics, and everything was free. Who doesn’t like free?”
The Signature Student Leadership Retreat is an annual three and a half-day retreat focused on established student leaders and those who hold student leadership positions within the Syracuse University (SU) community. This off-campus experience is ideal for returning SU 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 2026 Signature Retreat Details
More information regarding the Spring ’26 Retreat will be available in October 2025. Check back then for more information.
The Signature Student Leadership Retreat requires an application and participation is limited to 44 students. Applications will be available in mid-October, with selection notification taking place before November break. Should you have questions, please contact Bram Stone via email at bjstone1@syr.edu.
Signature Student Leadership Retreat Testimonials
“I learned to be a better listener who seeks to understand first, to create environments where people feel comfortable being vulnerable with me as a leader and to consider individuals’ capacity and give them growing opportunities to increase engagement within my organization.”
“Apply! You will gain so much real-world knowledge from professionals with expertise and wisdom, and you will meet like-minded and high-achieving peers that you can reach out to at any point! It is always great to meet new faces on campus, whether it be peers or administrators, you may never know how just one person can impact your life at Syracuse University!”