Student Life Emerging Leaders Academy

Emerging Leaders Academy

Student Life staff have the opportunity to participate in a leadership development program for the 2026-27 academic year.

The SL Emerging Leaders Academy is a career opportunity to division leaders and aspiring leaders interested in building a leadership foundation to lead self, others and an organization. Participants will be actively engaged through discussions and presentations.

Apply to the Emerging Leaders Academy

Program Dates

 
Friday, Sept. 11
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, Oct. 9
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, Nov. 13
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, Dec. 11
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, Jan. 8
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, Feb. 12
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, March 12
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

 
Friday, April 9
12 - 1:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony

Program Overview

 

Learning outcomes

Personal Mastery

  • Develop and articulate a personal leadership philosophy. 
  • Demonstrate emotional intelligence through self-awareness, empathy and effective selfmanagement. 
  • Apply a growth mindset by seeking feedback, engaging in continuous learning and showing resilience in the face of challenges. 
  • Practice ethical judgment and integrity in decision-making and daily work.

Relational Leadership

  • Communicate clearly, inclusively and effectively across diverse settings and audiences. 
  • Listen actively and provide constructive, supportive feedback. 
  • Build and sustain collaborative relationships across departments and roles. 
  • Support others’ development through coaching and mentoring practices. 
  • Promote belonging by applying DEIB principles to team interactions, decisionmaking and problem-solving. 

Insight and Agility

  • Apply strategic thinking to align work and decisions with organizational goals and priorities. 
  • Use analytical thinking to solve problems and make informed, timely decisions. 
  • Adapt to change with resilience and flexibility, maintaining effectiveness during ambiguity or transition. 
  • Anticipate challenges and opportunities and adjust approaches accordingly. 

Operational Excellence 

  • Manage time, tasks and projects effectively to deliver goals and expectations. 
  • Lead or support change initiatives by communicating clearly, preparing others and navigating transition with confidence. 
  • Use digital tools and data-informed practices to enhance productivity, teamwork and organizational efficiency. 
  • Organize workflows and processes to contribute to a high-performing Student Life environment. 

 

Competencies

Personal Mastery 

  • Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills to build strong relationships and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. 
  • Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection and seeking feedback. 
  • Ethical Judgment and Integrity: Acting with honesty, transparency and accountability. 

Relational Leadership 

  • Communication Skills: Clear, concise and persuasive communication—both verbal and written. Active listening is equally important. 
  • Coaching and Mentoring: Supporting others’ growth through feedback, guidance and development opportunities. 
  • Collaboration and Influence: Working effectively across teams and departments and influencing without authority. 
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB): Creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. 

Insight and Agility 

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate trends and align team efforts with organizational goals. 
  • Decision Making and Problem Solving: Analytical thinking, sound judgment and the ability to make timely, informed decisions under pressure.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Comfort with ambiguity, openness to change and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. 

Operational Excellence

  • Project and Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, managing resources and delivering results efficiently. 
  • Change Management: Leading teams through transitions and helping others adapt to new ways of working. 
  • Digital Fluency: Comfort with technology, data and digital tools that support modern leadership. 

  Participation requirements

In order to participate, applicants must:

  • Be a staff member in Student Life
  • Have the support of immediate supervisor to participate in the program
  • Be able to fully participate in all program sessions (estimated to be a time commitment of 6 to 8 hours per month)