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Opportunities to Lead & Learn
Ready to lead? Start here.
Whether you're new to leadership or ready to elevate your impact, our leadership development experiences offer the tools, connections, and support to help you grow.
- Explore your leadership style
- Gain real-world experience through service and campus involvement
- Build strong relationships with mentors and peers
- Strengthen your confidence and communication skills
- Prepare to lead—on campus, in your career, and in your community
Discover signature programs and start your leadership journey today.
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Students volunteering for Share the Harvest.
Student leadership programs at UMass Dartmouth
UMass Dartmouth offers leadership opportunities that help students build skills, gain experience, and make a difference on campus and beyond.
Claire T. Carney Leaders Program
Ready to make a difference?
The Claire T. Carney Leaders Program offers full-time first-year students the chance to serve with a local nonprofit or on-campus partner during their sophomore year. This immersive, service-based leadership experience is designed for driven students who are passionate about civic engagement, academic excellence, and making a lasting impact.
Selected students can receive a paid internship each semester, renewable with strong performance in academics, conduct, and service.
Applications open each spring. Contact the Claire T. Carney Leaders program for more details.
Take the lead through student government
Want to make real change on campus? Get involved in student government and become a voice for your peers. From shaping campus policies to planning events and leading community initiatives, you'll have a direct impact on student life at UMass Dartmouth.
Navigating Leadership Series
Discover. Connect. Lead. The Navigating Leadership Series helps you unlock your leadership potential through interactive workshops, real-world experiences, and meaningful connection. Those who complete the entire series will receive a certificate of completion and honorary cords to wear at graduation.
Whether you're leading a student org or just starting to explore your leadership journey, this series gives you the tools to grow with purpose and confidence.
- Explore your leadership style
- Strengthen your communication and decision-making skills
- Build a vision, navigate conflict, and lead change
- Grow your network and make a lasting impact
Here's a sample of weekly topics:
- Defining Leadership
- Emotional Intelligence
- Building a Vision
- Team Dynamics & Leadership Styles
- Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
- Innovation & Change Management
- Professional Development & Networking
- Integration & Reflection
From emerging leaders to changemakers—this series is for you.
Contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for more information.
UMassD Women Lead Program
Lead with purpose. Empower others.
UMassD Women Lead is an 8-week program (February–April) designed to inspire and equip women to lead with confidence. Through mentorship, hands-on workshops, and a supportive community, participants build leadership skills and connections that last. Sessions include:
- Week 1: Leadership Defined- Strengths Finder
- Week 2: Mentor Check in
- Week 3: Strategic Self Leadership
- Week 4: Mentor Check in
- Week 5: Leading Others
- Week 6: Ethical Leadership & Mentor Connection
- Week 7: Growing as a Leader Alumni Panel/Mental Health Week
- Week 8: Program Celebration
Ready to lead boldly? Contact Student Affairs for more details.
Tribe Academy
UMass Dartmouth is a proud partner of Tribe Academy, an award-winning New England-based startup committed to developing the skills of the future. Tribe Academy combines industry and academia to accelerate students' learning, growth, and career advancement through high-impact, experiential programs and events.
Bringing together 200+ students with industry partners, Tribe Academy offers networking opportunities, workshops, externships, conferences, and competitions for students from traditionally underrepresented racial and cultural backgrounds in business and STEM.
Visit their webpage for more information.
Student Leadership Awards Program
Celebrate leadership. Recognize impact.
The Student Leadership Awards honor students, organizations, advisors, and programs that go above and beyond in leadership, service, and community engagement. This annual campus celebration shines a spotlight on those who inspire change, advocate for others, and make UMassD a better place.
Know someone making a difference? Nominate them—or learn more about the program.
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Students presenting at the Tribe Academy Diversity Tech & Innovation Externship
Student leadership conferences, events, and summits
Students can also take part in leadership conferences, events, and summits that connect them with peers and enhance their personal and professional growth.
Kickstart Your Career at the Early Career Conference
Brought to you in partnership with Tribe Academy, join students from UMass Dartmouth, URI, and across the region for a dynamic day of networking, alumni panels, hands-on workshops, and behind-the-scenes business tours.
The highlight? The Idea Power Pitch Competition, where students present their big ideas to industry pros for a chance to win top prizes.
Backed by leading companies like Dell Technologies, MathWorks, and Wayfair, this event has helped students launch careers at Amazon, Fidelity, CyberArk, and more.
Questions? Visit Tribe Academy for more details.
Student Leadership Summit & Conference
Level up your leadership.
The fall UMass Student Leadership Summit brings together emerging and experienced student leaders from UMass Amherst, Boston, Lowell, and Dartmouth for a day of connection, collaboration, and conversation. Together, we explore how leadership priorities are shaped and challenges are tackled through an inclusive, equity-driven lens.
In the spring, don’t miss the Sailing to Success Campus Leadership Retreat—an energizing experience open to all UMassD students. Build your skills, expand your network, and discover new ways to lead with impact.
Join us at the Student Leadership Summit & Retreat!
Questions? Contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for more information.
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Group photo of DECA students with Professor Jacqueline Einstein.
Leadership communities and resources
Students can join campus leadership groups to take on meaningful roles, collaborate with others, and deepen their impact within the university community.
Office of Student Engagement & Leadership (OSEL)
Your go-to hub for building leadership skills, creating community, and making your mark.
Whether you're looking to grow personally, lead a student organization, or prepare for your future career, the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership (OSEL) offers programs that challenge and inspire. From one-day summits to multi-week leadership journeys, we’re here to help you navigate your path with confidence, resilience, and a network of fellow student leaders.
Questions? Contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership (OSEL).
Collegiate DECA
Where leaders launch and entrepreneurs rise.
DECA empowers future professionals in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through real-world experiences, competitive events, and powerful industry connections.
Build your skills. Test your knowledge. Connect with leaders. Compete with purpose. Whether you're dreaming of launching a business or leading one—DECA helps you get there.
Questions? Contact (508-498-8022) or email deca@umassd.edu
UMassD Leads Engagement Community
A supportive residential community for first-year, first-generation students.
UMassD Leads Engagement Community is designed to celebrate and empower students who are the first in their families to attend college. This living-learning experience offers a strong sense of belonging, leadership development opportunities, and personalized support to help students thrive—academically, socially, and personally.
Join a community that honors your journey and equips you to lead with confidence.
Questions? Contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.
Student Leadership Resource Center
The Student Leadership Resource Center is located in the lower level of the Claire T. Carney Library and is home to the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Senate, Student Events Association (SEA), E-Sports, and the Torch Newspaper.
The Center provides opportunities for student leaders to partner and collaborate on programming.
Contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for more information.
Student Events Association (SEA)
The Student Events Association (SEA) is your go-to source for fun, free, and unforgettable experiences at UMassD! SEA brings campus to life with exciting events, from concerts and movie nights to cultural festivals, game competitions, and more.
Our mission? To energize campus life with diverse, high-quality events that reflect the interests and passions of our vibrant student community.
Whether you're looking to attend, lead, or create, SEA is your chance to:
- Plan and host signature events
- Collaborate with other student groups
- Build leadership skills
- Make lifelong memories
Questions? Contact the Student Events Association for more information.