Student Leadership Programs

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SUNY Cortland is proud to offer a variety of Student Leadership Programs to meet the wants and needs of our students. Students are able to explore opportunities and workshops for leadership development through the S.C.A.L.E. Leadership Certificate Program, the Leadership Retreat and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Additionally, there are numerous on-campus positions to exercise and/or improve their skills, such as the Orientation Assistant, Teaching Assistant and Resident Assistant positions.

  • Fall Retreat: The Annual Leadership Retreat occurs each fall at Raquette Lake, the College's outdoor educational facility located in the Adirondack Mountains. At the retreat, students work together to discuss all aspects of leadership while participating in the low-ropes adventure course, outdoor recreational fun and group activities with a primary focus on team-building and personal leadership development.
  • Leadership Series: S.C.A.L.E. (SUNY Cortland Achievement and Leadership Excellence) is a seven-week series that occurs each spring semester. Students attend hour-long seminars once per week to learn leadership skills. At the conclusion of the series students receive a certificate after completing a brief essay to reflect on their experience.
  • NSLS: The National Society of Leadership and Success is a national honor society that was introduced to the SUNY Cortland campus in the spring of 2015. Students who are invited to join can complete an online application form, pay a one-time registration fee, and complete a series of online training that takes approximately 10 hours to become an official inducted member. Induction into the Society helps students develop leadership skills while providing them access to scholarship/award money, a certificate to signify leadership training and the ability to connect with thousands of other inducted members.
  • Banquet: Each year, the College hosts the Annual Student Leadership Banquet to recognize student leaders for their outstanding service to the campus community. Students may be nominated by faculty, staff, students, community members, or themselves. 
  • Leadership Opportunities: Leadership positions and opportunities are plentiful at SUNY Cortland through various offices, departments, clubs and organizations. Student Government Association, Recreational Sports, the Student Conduct Office, Residence Life and Housing, the Educational Opportunity Program and the Advisement and Transition Office are just some of the areas in which students can explore paid and unpaid leadership opportunities.

For more information on our Student Leadership Programs, please contact Mary Kate Morris at 607-753-2322.