The Leadership team within the Student Engagement office hosts a variety of programs intended to strengthen students’ leadership capabilities and build their portfolio of skills. Our leadership programs were created to cultivate and support those students interested in motivating and leading others while at Syracuse University and beyond.
Leadership Development Programs
RSO Re-Registration
The Student Engagement office’s Recognized Student Organization (RSO) re-registration process strives to create meaningful opportunities for student leaders to learn and develop leadership skills. Through a series of required trainings and workshops, we aim to set our students up with the tools to succeed both within their organizations and in their personal and professional endeavors.
44 Stars of Excellence Leadership Awards
The 44 Stars of Excellence Leadership Awards acknowledge students, advisors, and Recognized Student Organizations who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to their organization and its mission. Students, faculty and staff are invited annually to submit nominations for the awards.
| Award | Description |
|---|---|
| The Award for Positive Advocacy and Awareness | Presented to students and recognized student organizations who have been the most effective in promoting social justice and raising awareness for a cause whether on the Syracuse University campus or in the greater community, in a timely and relevant manner. Nominees demonstrate a commitment to continuous self-awareness and broad societal awareness, especially in working with people with marginalized identities. |
| Unsung Hero Award | Presented to an individual who has helped their organization achieve success. This person may not be in a formal leadership position but goes above and beyond what is typical for a general member. |
| The Award for Diversity and Inclusion | Presented to students and recognized student organizations who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion by serving as advocates for awareness on campus and in the community. Nominees intentionally recognize and incorporate intersectionality in their work to better support people in making meaning of their lives, perspectives, and experiences. |
| The Award for Public and Community Service | Presented to students and recognized student organizations who have exhibited exceptional effort in planning and implementing significant service projects within the University and/or Syracuse communities. |
| The Award for Excellence by an Organizational Advisor | Presented to a recognized student organization advisor who demonstrates outstanding commitment to an organization by providing mentorship to the organization and supporting organizational programs and events, as well as ensuring successful leadership transitions within the organization. |
| Campus Partnership Award | Presented to a student who recognizes that the whole is greater than the sum of parts and aims to bring University stakeholders together for a common purpose. This student embodies the mission of the Campus Partnership Award by efficiently and effectively working towards cultivating a collaborative campus community. |
| The Innovation Award -Best New Organization, Initiative, or Event | Presented to recognized student organizations that have created a new organization, event, or initiative for the first time this academic year. The organization made a conscious effort to promote, plan, implement, and introduce innovative programs/initiatives that have not been addressed by previous planning or organizations. |
| The Award for Excellence by an Organization Leader | Presented to a recognized student organization leader who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to their student organization. Leaders should not only have enhanced their individual organization but also the Syracuse University community through their leadership and involvement. |
| The La Fuerza Community Enhancement Award | Presented to graduating students in recognition of their outstanding contributions and commitment to diversity. These individuals have used their energy, spirit, and leadership in initiating and implementing actions that help our campus community go beyond tolerance to create dialogue among people from diverse cultural groups. |
| The Orange Award: Best SU Spirit | Presented to students who have demonstrated pride in Syracuse University by promoting, attending, and being involved in a variety of student organizations and events, demonstrating to other students the importance of being part of the Orange Nation. |
| The Award for Outstanding Senior Leadership | Presented to graduating seniors who have demonstrated dedication to developing themselves, others, and the University through their involvement and leadership in the classroom, in student organizations, and in other facets of student life. These students are strong academically, active in the community, and serve as role models to their peers. |
| The 44 Stars Award: RSO of the Year | Presented to a recognized student organization that has contributed to offering an unsurpassed student experience. This RSO has demonstrated excellence in collaboration with their advisor, Student Engagement, and any other governing offices that they routinely interact with. The RSO of the Year has also provided opportunities for each student, equitably, to become involved in their organization and has contributed to a positive campus culture. |
The Leadership Challenge
The Leadership Challenge is a program intended to reward Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) for their dedication and participation on campus. This program provides opportunities for organizations to invest in their leadership and organizational development through a series of tasks involving workshops, leadership training, campus events, and more. RSOs will complete different activities to advance in the star system.
The Leadership Challenge was created to ensure that student organization leaders are properly equipped to lead their organizations successfully and to utilize all available resources on campus. The goals of this program are to:
- Recognize and award student organizations for their involvement and outreach on campus,
- Help student organizations achieve their goals,
- Develop leadership skills and knowledge of students in the RSO community,
- Ensure that RSOs are aware of university policies, procedures, and resources,
- Promote responsibility, respect, and positive experiences through student organizations.
This program provides organization leaders with information on the policies and requirements associated with RSOs on campus, an in-depth overview of ‘Cuse Activities, and effective strategies to succeed as a student leader at Syracuse University.
The Leadership Challenge will be open from August 23, 2024, to April 29, 2025, for the 2024-2025 academic year. Completing the necessary requirements will determine the organizations’ star status and funding tier for years to come.
Executive Board members have been designated to participate in the Leadership Challenge through Pathways via ‘Cuse Activities. Only Executive Board members are eligible to earn credit toward their RSO for attending various workshops and events. While other RSO members are encouraged to attend, they cannot earn credit for the Leadership Challenge.
RSOs must attain the star status levels listed in the packet below to maintain their funding tier from year to year. RSOs that do not achieve the specified star status will be demoted to a lower funding tier level in the following year.
The Leadership Challenge Guide [PDF] The Leadership Challenge Points Tracker [PDF]