hree people standing outdoors in front of green trees wearing matching gray T-shirts with the words 'TO LEAD, LIVE. TO LEAD, LIVE.' printed in bold black letters.

Student Leadership

UWM offers a variety of leadership programs to help you develop your unique strengths and turn them into real-world skills.

The Student Leadership Program at UWM offers a variety of leadership programs to help students develop their unique strengths and turn them into real-world skills. Employers are expecting to hire recent graduates who have sought leadership experiences – and who have reflected on these experiences and are ready to translate them to their setting. Our programs give students the opportunity to reflect on and translate their experiences. 

Whether you’re interested in honing your personal leadership style, becoming an agent of social change, or simply leveraging your existing experience, there’s a program for you. Many programs focus on practical application, with hands-on activities, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers. Take the next step in your leadership journey and explore what UWM has to offer!

Featured Leadership Events Upcoming Leadership Events Programs & Workshops Custom Services Student Excellence Awards Interest Form Nominate Students

Featured Leadership Events

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Strengths
Explore the depths of your abilities and talents with the CliftonStrengths Assessment. Through a series of carefully crafted questions, this assessment unveils your dominant strengths, providing you with a clear understanding of what sets you apart! You will receive a detailed report providing valuable insights into your strengths!









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Bullet Journaling (Pages with Purpose)
Looking for a way to get organized? Drop in at our creative bullet journaling sessions! We provide supplies – you provide ideas! Set goals, track habits, and plan your semester. Learn how journaling can be utilized as a tool for leadership growth. Open to all!

Thursday, January 29th, 12 – 1 PM, Sandburg Channel

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Tuesday Tea
This event is open to all! Join us for a casual pop-in series to chat about spicy pop culture topics and piping hot takes that have gone untouched in Leadership and Higher education! Take home a free thrifted mug and sweet treats, every Tuesday!

Tuesday, February 3rd, from 4:00 – 5:30 PM Union 381

Orange graphic with the word 'Ignite' and a flame above the 'i,' plus tagline: Make Connections. Create Your Path.
Ignite Leadership Institute
Are you tired of picturing the same people when you hear the word Leadership? Does the word Leadership freak you out? Redefine it at Ignite.
One workshop gives you lifelong skills to put on your resume and a new perspective on what it means to lead.

The Ignite Leadership Institute will be offered several times per year and can be completed in just ONE four-hour retreat.

Programs & Workshops

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Custom Workshops
In addition to the workshops offered by Student Leadership Programs, we also are able to prepare custom sessions, including CliftonStrengths workshops!
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How I Lead
A 3-week workshop series where you’ll explore five key leadership practices. Through taking an assessment, discussions and activities, you’ll answer essential questions like: How do I lead based on my values? How can I inspire and create positive change? How do I empower others and celebrate successes?
Orange graphic with the word 'Ignite' and a flame above the 'i,' plus tagline: Make Connections. Create Your Path.
Ignite
Unleash your inner leader and connect with fellow UWM classmates through Ignite! This program combines large-group learning sessions with hands-on challenges, plus small-group discussions led by your Ignite Cluster and Coach. It culminates in a celebratory retreat, providing tools like the Ignite Workbook and Personal Reflection Guide to help you chart your unique leadership journey.
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Lead the Change
Embracing all identities, this five-week program empowers students to become agents of social change. Through activities fostering activism, you’ll develop practical skills to navigate the path from intent to impact. Participate alongside a diverse community and learn from mandatory workshops like Allies, Advocates, and Activists, to make a real difference.
Illustration of two people with books and text 'Leave Your Mark,' promoting student leadership opportunities.
Leave Your Mark
Explore how you see yourself v. how others see you, learn how to ask for and be truly receptive to feedback, plan a hypothetical bank heist and take part in Debate Club warm-ups. What do these seemingly random activities have in common? Come find out how to Leave Your Mark! 
Graphic with a compass illustration and text reading 'Discover your True Potential with CliftonStrengths' on a yellow and white background.
Strengths for Students
This program takes you on a journey of self-discovery through a comprehensive strengths assessment, revealing your unique talents. You’ll then receive a personalized report offering valuable insights, and collaborate with a dedicated mentor to understand, analyze, and leverage your top 5 strengths into a concrete plan for achieving your future goals.
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Drop-in Programs 
Whether it’s Leadership Lunch & Learn sessions, Pages with Purpose (Bullet Journaling) workshops, guided conversations during Tuesday Tea, or other skill-building opportunities, we’re always introducing new ways for you to explore and engage with leadership education.
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One-time Workshops
Meals with Meaning, Off-Campus Conferences, SMART Goal-setting, Exploring your Values – we have lots of options for you get great info in one sitting. Check back here often – the offerings are always changing!

Custom Services

Teambuilding Totes
We’ve assembled tote bags for you to check out and use with your student organization, student staff, or other groups. The totes include activities for team building, energizing, and breaking the ice. In addition to the totes, we also have larger challenge-course activities available for check-out, including Pipeline, Bullring and The Maze.
Email for more Teambuilding Totes Information
Custom Workshops
In addition to the workshops offered by Student Leadership Programs, we also are able to prepare custom sessions, including CliftonStrengths workshops!
Note: Make sure you are submitting this form at least 3 weeks in advance 
Custom Workshop Request Form
Leadership Newsletter
Our monthly Leadership Newsletters focus on a wide spectrum of topics to create and share useful content, schedule events in advance and share with your friends.
Subscribe to the Newsletter

Student Excellence Awards

The Student Excellence Awards at UW-Milwaukee honor outstanding contributions from individuals, student organizations, student employees, and professional staff who demonstrate leadership, service, and innovation. Categories recognize achievements such as exemplary advising, impactful programs, community service, advocacy for diversity, and initiatives that inspire positive change on campus and beyond.

View Student Excellence Award Information, Categories, Nominations, & Award Winners