Office for Student Leadership and Involvement returns to empower student leaders
Getting involved on campus is essential for students' personal and professional growth, offering opportunities to develop lifelong skills and build supportive communities that enhance well-being. In that spirit, Student Affairs is proud to reintroduce the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement, a hub for leadership development and student engagement.
Previously, these efforts were managed by the Student Governance and Leadership department, which oversaw both the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). With the realignment of Student Affairs’ organizational structure, and a renewed focus on student leadership, the decision was made to reestablish a separate office solely focused on expanding leadership programs across campus.
On top of presenting individual students with opportunities for leadership development, the Office of Student Leadership & Involvement will support over 550+ RSOs by assisting with policy navigation, maintaining their status, and fostering campus connections.
“Our mission is to empower student organizations to build strong, connected communities,” said Cassie Zamora-Cathcart, director of Student Leadership & Involvement. “We’re focused on providing spaces, resources, and leadership development that enhances every aspect of student involvement.”
Key programs like the Student Leadership Summit and Brave Conversations are back, offering students more than just leadership training—they’re creating spaces for transformative dialogue and community building.
“Leadership development is at the heart of what we do,” said Zamora-Cathcart. “We’re excited to reintroduce programs that challenge students to engage in meaningful conversations and grow as leaders.”
The Student Leadership Summit, scheduled for spring 2025, will immerse participants in the Social Change Model of Leadership Development through community building and civil discourse. The summit will limit attendance to the first 150 students who register, and registration will open soon.
The Brave Conversations series will provide a vital platform for students to engage in facilitated critical discussions on political and social issues, with an upcoming sessionfocusing on navigating political differences after this year’s election.
With a new, expanded team—including a full-time director, associate director, leadership program manager, and two graduate assistants—the office is well-equipped to scale its programs.
“Our larger team allows us to broaden our reach and ensure every student leader receives the support they need,” Zamora-Cathcart noted. “We’re eager to roll out even more leadership opportunities and engage a wider range of students in the coming years.”
For more information, visit the Office of Student Leadership & Involvement in the Union, Room 235, or explore opportunities through the website.