Leadership opportunities at IU 51ÁÔÆæ help you grow beyond the classroom and prepare for life after college. Through student organizations, campus employment, service initiatives, and leadership programs, you can build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and make a meaningful impact. No matter your interests or experience level, there are opportunities to lead, connect, and succeed.
Be a leader at IU 51ÁÔÆæ
Leadership Summit
The Leadership Summit is a signature event designed to inspire and empower students to lead with confidence and purpose. Open to all students—and especially geared toward student leaders and student employees—the summit offers interactive sessions on leadership, professional development, and personal growth, along with opportunities to connect with peers and campus mentors. Lunch is provided, and this event is an excellent way to build skills that will benefit you both personally and professionally.
For more information and to register, visit each July when details are posted.
Emerging Leaders Conference
The Emerging Leaders Conference is a transformative experience designed for students and recent graduates who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. This event provides practical tools, expert insights, and meaningful connections to help you thrive—whether you’re leading on campus, starting your career, or navigating life after graduation.
Through leadership tracks such as New Professional and Student Leader, participants will explore topics like career advancement, financial planning, personal development, and building strong networks. The conference features inspirational keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by accomplished alumni and industry experts. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with peers and mentors who can support your growth.
The Emerging Leaders Conference is your chance to gain confidence, sharpen your skills, and prepare for success in both your professional and personal life. Find more details and registration information on each November.
Student Leadership Academy
The Student Leadership Academy is a six‑session leadership experience that introduces students to the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®—a proven framework that helps leaders clarify values, envision the future, take initiative, collaborate effectively, and uplift others. It’s designed to help emerging leaders build confidence, strengthen their voice, and practice meaningful leadership skills.
Open to 20 students each Fall semester, SLA offers an engaging, cohort‑based environment where participants learn through interactive sessions, personal reflection, values exploration, and practical skill‑building. The Academy helps students develop core leadership behaviors such as setting a personal example, building consensus around shared values, seeking and applying feedback, envisioning the future, fostering collaboration, and recognizing the contributions of others.
Applications open each August in Grenadier Central. Upon successful completion of the Academy, students receive a scholarship for the following Spring semester as well as the confidence, tools, and clarity needed to lead with purpose.
Other Ways to Lead On Campus
Leadership at IU 51ÁÔÆæ happens in many forms, and students can build meaningful experience by stepping into roles that shape campus life and prepare them for life after graduation. Whether through student organizations, Student Government Association, or on‑campus employment, these opportunities help students strengthen skills that employers consistently value—communication, teamwork, initiative, responsibility, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Student Organization Officer Roles
Serving as an officer in a student organization allows students to guide their group’s mission, plan events, collaborate with peers, and problem‑solve in real time. These responsibilities help students practice skills such as communication, teamwork, budgeting, and conflict resolution—skills they’ll continue to use in internships, jobs, and community leadership long after college.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Students who participate in SGA gain direct experience in advocacy, shared governance, and representing student perspectives. These roles help students develop confidence in public speaking, strategic thinking, and consensus‑building—all essential abilities for civic engagement, professional leadership, and navigating complex workplace environments.
Student Employment on Campus
On‑campus jobs provide students with hands‑on leadership experience in a professional setting. Whether supervising peers, assisting an office, or supporting major campus programs, student employees learn to communicate effectively and professionally, manage their time, adapt to new challenges, deliver excellent service, and take initiative. These day‑to‑day responsibilities translate directly to workplace readiness and help students stand out in future job searches.