Leadership & Development

A student waves a large, blue, UB flag in front of a stadium of students at New Student Welcome.

Through purpose-driven, inclusive, and innovative programs, our Leadership & Development team empowers students to design their own leadership journey, maximizing their strengths and experiences for a rapidly changing world.

Develop Your Leadership Skills

We believe leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s an evolution shaped by your experiences and aspirations. Through our Leadership by Design approach, we empower students to craft their own leadership path by leveraging their strengths, values, and personal goals. Leadership is not about fitting into a predefined mold but about discovering how you can make an impact in a way that is authentic to you.

Whether you want to lead a team, champion a cause, or drive innovation, we provide the resources and experiences to help you grow. From hands-on workshops and leadership retreats to mentorship programs and skill-building opportunities in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, our programs are designed to help you lead with confidence. No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to support you in becoming the leader you aspire to be - on campus, in your career, and beyond.

Experiences by Level

Staff

Get to know the dedicated professionals on the Leadership & Development Team staff who create meaningful experiences to help you grow as a leader.

LEAD On! Podcast

Leadership development on the go! Check out the LEAD On! Podcast, a Podcast by Student Engagement.

Opportunities & Experiences

Exploration and Skill-Building

Our short-term, low-risk opportunities are a great first step in exploring leadership and building your confidence. Through interactive workshops and team-building activities, you’ll develop essential skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These experiences introduce you to the Leadership by Design philosophy, helping you discover how leadership can be shaped by your strengths, values, and goals, no matter where you are in your journey.

  • Leadership Training Camps
    1/23/25
    Leadership Training Camps offer college students transformative opportunities to build foundational skills or elevate their leadership journey, fostering confidence, empathy, and the ability to inspire positive change within their communities.
  • Virtual Leadership Academy
    12/23/24
    The Virtual Leadership Academy empowers you to develop authentic leadership skills through self-reflection and advanced strategies, equipping you to drive meaningful change and lead confidently in diverse environments.
  • DISCover Yourself and Others
    2/14/25
    Learn more about yourself and others through Extended DISC - an assessment that identifies a person’s strengths, preferred behaviors, motivations and communication style. 

Unlock Your Potential

Our mid-level leadership experiences provide a deeper opportunity to apply and expand your skills. Through immersive programs, conferences, and student organizations, you’ll take on leadership roles, collaborate with peers, and engage in meaningful challenges that foster growth. These experiences encourage you to explore the Leadership by Design philosophy in action - helping you refine your leadership style, strengthen your impact, and build lasting connections that support your journey.

Leverage Your Experience

Our high-impact, long-term programs offer a transformative leadership experience for students ready to make a deep commitment. Whether through community service, campus initiatives, or major leadership roles, you’ll apply your skills in real-world settings, tackle meaningful challenges, and refine your strategic thinking. These experiences empower you to lead with purpose, create lasting change, and leave a legacy that extends beyond your time at UB.

  • Alternative Breaks
    12/23/24
    Whether it's working in community gardens around Buffalo, NY or teaching English to children in the Dominican Republic, UB students are making a positive global impact. 
  • Leadership House
    1/23/25
    Get access to exclusive leadership opportunities, learn how to thrive in a professional setting, and work with outstanding mentors to get the most out of your time at UB.
  • Student Affairs Mentoring Program and Leadership Experience (SAMPLE)
    1/23/25
    Get real-world experience from a mentor in the field of student affairs, and find out if working for a college or university is the right career path for you.
  • Student Engagement Internships
    1/8/25
    Gain practical, hands-on experience leading group projects. Meet new people at networking opportunities across campus and throughout Buffalo. Attend leadership conferences and other professional development events.

Need Help?

Don't hesitate to take the first step and get involved in the opportunities that resonate with you. Whether you choose short-term explorations, immersive growth experiences, or long-term high-impact initiatives, remember that each path holds immense value and potential.

If you need guidance or more information on how to embark on your leadership journey, we encourage you to reach out to the Student Engagement office or make an appointment with one of our Student Engagement Peer Mentors. We are here to support and guide you, providing resources, mentorship, and a welcoming community to help you thrive as a leader. 

Let us know how we can help!

Student Engagement

Student Life

University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: Contact form

Phone: (716) 645-6469