Student 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.

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.

Fall 2025 Inspire Retreat Details

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 serve. 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 annual International Connections Leadership Retreat is a free overnight retreat that gives all students the opportunity to participate in meaningful discussions, reflect on their experiences and learn ways to connect and engage with other students from around the world. The retreat will empower students to create meaningful exchanges with themselves and others around them at Syracuse University.

5th Annual International Connections Leadership Retreat

This year’s theme for the International Connections Leadership Retreat is “Carried by Community.”

• Departure: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
• Retreat Location: Minnowbrook Conference Center
• Round-Trip Transportation: Free buses will transport students to and from the conference center.
• Lodging: Free.
• Meals: All meals and snacks throughout the retreat will be provided at no cost.
• Return: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 7 p.m.

Applying to Attend

This retreat is open to all students who want to connect with others from different cultures.

• Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
• Application Form: Interested students are asked to complete the application form. Please note that space is limited to 40 students. Emails will be sent out on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to notify students that were admitted as well as those that were waitlisted.

Questions

Please email Quincy Bufkin, assistant director for residential community.

The Unity in Leadership Retreat is a free overnight retreat that gives all students the opportunity to connect with others of all identities. This retreat focuses on meaningful discussions, self-reflection, connections and leadership.

26th Annual Unity in Leadership Retreat

This year’s theme for the Unity in Leadership Retreat is “Building Bridges.”

• Departure: Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
• Retreat Location: Minnowbrook Conference Center
• Round-Trip Transportation: Free buses will transport students to and from the conference center.
• Lodging: Free.
• Meals: All meals throughout the retreat will be provided at no cost.
• Return: Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

Applying to Attend

This retreat is open to all students who want to connect with others of all identities.

• Deadline: Thursday, Oct. 30, 11:59 p.m.
• Application Form: Interested students are asked to complete the Application Form. Please note that space is limited.

Questions

Please email Quincy Bufkin, Residential Living assistant director for diversity, equity and inclusion.