GradLEAD is a leadership development program hosted in partnership by the Graduate School and the office of Engagement, Leadership and Service for all enrolled graduate students no matter the program, year, or expected graduation date to engage in continued leadership development.
GradLEAD is a semester-long leadership development program designed for graduate students who want to deepen their understanding of leadership, strengthen their self-awareness, and develop the skills to collaborate and lead effectively across diverse contexts. Through cohort meetings and peer group engagement, participants will explore, practice, and apply leadership in ways that prepare them to make meaningful contributions in their academic, professional, and civic lives.
The program will run in the Spring of 2026 starting in January and ending in April.
By participating in GradLEAD, you will:
- Discover new perspectives on leadership by exploring what it means to lead in today’s world and from the graduate student experience.
- Grow your self-awareness by identifying your strengths, values, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Build collaboration and influence skills to work effectively across teams, disciplines, and diverse communities.
- Put leadership into action by applying what you learn to real-world challenges in your academic, professional, and civic life.
Session schedule & topics:
All sessions will be in the Tate Student Center
- Session 1: Discovering Leadership in the Graduate Experience
Wednesday, January 14, 1:30-5:30pm - Session 2: Growing Self-Awareness as a Leader
Monday, February 23, 8:30am-12:30pm - Session 3: Building Collaboration and Influence
Thursday, March 19, 1:30-5:30pm - Session 4: Putting Leadership into Action
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30-5:30pm
We will meet in person four times half day each over the semester. Between meetings peer groups will meet at their discretion to discuss and practice principles shared during the meetings.
Applications will be accepted through Friday, November 14, 2025.
Application requirements:
- Enrolled in graduate coursework for Spring 2026
- One letter of recommendation (can be any professional reference, does not have to be a PI/ Faculty, just someone who can speak to your interest and involvement in leadership development)
- Current resume/CV
- Submitted by November 14
