Carnegie Mellon University

Student Leadership Development

Leaders strive for progress, both for themselves and in their communities. Leadership development comes in many forms and takes shape for each individual in a unique way. Whether you're looking to improve your networking skills; develop, enhance, or create a student organization; communicate more effectively or become a stronger advocate for your passion or cause, explore leadership development opportunities here.

SLICE offers many opportunities for Carnegie Mellon students to invest in their development as a leader, including overnight retreats, workshops and trainings, one-on-one consulting and interactive experiences around leadership topics.

Guiding Philosophy: Leadership Development

At CMU, leadership development is a process by which a student explores themselves as an individual, gains an understanding of how to effectively navigate team and group dynamics, and grows their connection to community. As a student embraces more opportunities and reflects on their journey, they expand their worldview and become increasingly able to facilitate positive, responsible change.

Individual

Understanding and exploring one’s self is essential. Reflection provides clarity in how changing values, social identities and experiences influence decisions and relationships.

Group

Learning how to effectively communicate with and embrace the values of others is key in the growth of a leader’s ability to navigate group dynamics and leverage strengths to work as an effective team.

Community

Exploration of a student’s many levels of community is important in their development as a leader. It provides context to create positive, responsible change.

Social Change Model of Leadership

SLICE's leadership development philosophy is guided by the Social Change Model, which approaches leadership as a purposeful, collaborative, values-based process that results in positive social change. It's built upon the following assumptions:

  • Leadership is socially responsible, it impacts change on behalf of others.
  • Leadership is collaborative.
  • Leadership is a process, not a position.
  • Leadership is inclusive and accessible to all people.
  • Leadership is values-based.
  • Community involvement/service is a powerful vehicle for leadership.