Carleton University Student Leadership Initiative
The Carleton University Student Leadership Initiative (CUSLI) is an immersive co-curricular certificate supporting leadership development of upper-year undergraduate students from Carleton’s five faculties. It offers a unique opportunity for a small cohort to discover and grow leadership potential through interactive workshops featuring conversations with experienced leaders, as well as reflective and collaborative learning activities. Participants will build skills and a mindset to lead in complex, evolving environments and feel ready to lead teams, projects, and discussions that inspire action and innovation. CUSLI was made possible through the collective generosity of donors to the President’s Fund. This support has been integral in enhancing opportunities for students to hone skills that will empower them to take a leading role in our communities.
Program Overview & Outcomes
Through CUSLI, students build competencies in self-awareness, communication, team management, decision-making, and navigating difficult situations and conversations with confidence. CUSLI emphasizes reflection and growth, helping students recognize strengths, understand values, and identify areas for development. This approach equips participants with skills and knowledge to adapt, lead intentionally, and make meaningful impact in their communities.
Participants will:
- Refine leadership style and expand understanding of leadership theories and models
- Explore leadership across contexts, sectors, and communities
- Develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and build on personal strengths
- Navigate complex conversations and balance competing priorities
- Gain practical tools to drive positive, lasting change in their field
Format
CUSLI runs throughout the academic year and includes:
Interactive Workshops:
Workshops focus on leadership themes, frameworks, and developing key competencies.
Guest Speakers & Facilitators:
Learn from diverse leaders in public service, community organizing, business, and more.
Reflective Practices:
Students reflect on strengths, values, and takeaways to strengthen leadership identity.
Collaborative Learning:
A small, multidisciplinary cohort supports collaboration and peer knowledge exchange.
Winter 2025 cohort students heard from leaders like Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, the former Privy Council Clerk the Hon. Janice Charette, Catherine Harrison, and more! They attended the SOAR Leadership Conference as well as a celebration dinner.
Students who attend all workshops receive a certificate of completion and credit on their co-curricular record.
Hear what participants are saying!
Nominations & Applications
Participation in CUSLI is by invitation. Faculty Deans, Department Heads, and Staff may nominate upper-year students who:
- Have demonstrated leadership experience (academic, extracurricular, volunteer, or professional) or clear potential for leadership
- Wish to develop leadership skills and approach
- Are eager to learn, collaborate, grow, and engage in self-reflection
- Can attend all scheduled workshop sessions:
- Saturday, September 20
- Saturday, October 4
- Saturday, November 1
- Saturday, November 15
- Saturday, January 24
- Saturday, February 7
- Saturday, March 7
- Saturday, March 21
- Celebration Dinner (to be determined in Winter term)
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort will open in Summer 2025 for invited upper-year students.
Learn More
To learn more about participating in or working with CUSLI, or for any questions, contact the program coordinator at Millie.Close@carleton.ca.