Student Leadership Academy


The ±«Óătv Student Leadership Academy, generously supported by , is an innovative and transformative program dedicated to developing exemplary leaders through all stages of their post-secondary education. Through a progressive, three-tiered approach, the Academy cultivates lifelong leadership skills, inspiring students to act, foster growth, and create positive change locally and globally. The Academy was launched in 2024, and in September 2025 will expand to include scholarship opportunities and a living learning community. 

The Academy is designed to help students on their leadership journey, whether they are exploring their leadership goals or are already a demonstrated student leader. Through workshops, hands on learning, and mentorship opportunities, students can learn how to create change in their communities.Ěý

There are three connected programs within the Academy, each aligned with social impact and purpose-driven leadership models, and tailored to unique strengths, interests, and goals. Students in all tiers of the program will have access to engaging keynote speakers and the Student Leadership Academy Conference. More information about each tier is included below.

for ongoing updates about Student Leadership Academy announcements, registration details, and more.


Tier 1: Foundations of Leadership

The Foundations of Leadership program guides students in discovering their leadership potential through active learning at workshops aimed at developing fundamental leadership skills.

Program Elements

  • Students will participate in weekly workshops focusing on leadership skills such as communication, working in a team, problem solving, that are taught by ±«Óătv subject-matter experts.
  • To complete the Foundations of Leadership program, students must complete at least 8 workshops. 
  • By completing the program, students will receive a certification of completion and credit on their Co-Curricular Record. 

Schedule & Duration

  • The Foundations of Leadership workshops will begin in September, with two sessions being offered per week.
  • The program will be held over the Fall and Winter semesters, meaning students will have many opportunities to attend each session.

Registration

  • The Foundations of Leadership program is open to all ±«Óătv students. 
  • No prior leadership experience is required. 
  • Please to be notified when registration is available.

Foundations of Leadership – Winter 2025 Schedule

Session Time Date
Myself 101 () 1 to 3 p.m. March 7
Team Dynamics () 4 to 6 p.m. March 18
Team Dynamics () 1 to 3 p.m. March 21


Enhanced Stream

The enhanced stream of the Foundations of Leadership program is open to new ±«Óătv students who were accepted in the Foundations of Leadership – Enhanced Stream during their application to ±«Óătv. Students in this program will complete the Foundations of Leadership program with additional funding and living opportunities (see below).

Leadership Entrance Scholarships

  • As part of the donation by McCall MacBain, students applying to ±«Óătv this year are able to apply for a one-time scholarship of $3500, based on their leadership experience.
  • Applications for the scholarships for the upcoming year are now closed. Scholarships for 2026 entrance to ±«Óătv will open in September 2025.

Entrance Scholarships:

±«Óătv-McCall MacBain Leadership Entrance Scholarship:

  • The “±«Óătv-McCall MacBain Leadership Entrance Scholarship” is awarded to students based on their leadership experience
  • 10 students are granted this award and they will participate in the Foundations of Leadership enhanced stream alongside students in the Living Learning Community in Leadership

±«Óătv Student Leadership Academy Entrance Scholarship:

  • The “±«Óătv Student Leadership Academy Entrance Scholarship” is awarded to students based on their leadership experience and academic performance
  • 40 students are granted this award and they will participate in the Foundations of Leadership enhanced stream alongside students in the Living Learning Community in Leadership.

Living Learning Community in Leadership

  • Students who are applying for an undergraduate degree and plan to live in residence may apply to live in ±«Óătv’s Living Learning Community in Leadership, located in LeMarchant Place.
  • Students who live in this community will take part in the enhanced stream of the Foundations of Leadership program, where they will attend workshops together and participate in additional leadership opportunities in residence.
  • The Living Learning Community in Leadership creates a community where students in the academy can live and learn with their peers who are also interested in leadership development.

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Tier 2: Leadership in Practice

Leadership in Practice focuses on experiential learning, where students participate in hands-on workshops, community service, and honing their leadership skills. This program allows students to learn about their strengths and apply leadership principles in real-world settings.

Program Elements

  • Students will participate in workshops that will help them define their leadership goals, assess their leadership strengths, and follow a Leadership Action Plan.
  • Students will be partnered with community organizations to complete a community engagement project as part of a Leadership Action Plan.
  • The Leadership in Practice tier offers students a chance to connect with like-minded peers in a cohort setting.

Schedule & Duration

  • Students will attend regularly scheduled workshops beginning in September and ending in March.

Admission Requirements

  • The Leadership in Practice program is aimed at students with some current or anticipated leadership experience on campus.
  • Students must be able to attend workshops and community days in person.
  • The application process for the Leadership in Practice program will open in the spring for September admission. 
  • Please to be notified when the application cycle has opened.

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Tier 3:ĚýHigh-Performance Leadership

The High-Performance Leadership program is designed for demonstrated leaders on campus who show high-potential and commitment to making our community and world a better place. The program will include 1-1 mentorship with a senior leader, opportunity to participate in the leadership practices inventory leadership assessment, and engaging workshops with skilled leaders from across ±«Óătv. The program is grounded in the Exemplary Leadership Practices framework, and Inner Development Goals framework to further the UN Sustainable Development Goals within our communities.Ěý

Program Elements

  • Students will attend workshops based on the United Nation’s Inner Development Goals that are taught by executive leaders at ±«Óătv.
  • Each student will receive 1-on-1 mentorship with a leader who will support them through the program and provide students with guidance, connections, and leadership skills.
  • Students will access a 360-assessment of their leadership based on the 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership.
  • Students in the High-Performance Leadership program will complete a that will demonstrate their leadership skills by making change in their community. 
  • Students will be in a cohort of 25 students, allowing them to make genuine connections, foster community, and work together to solve complex problems.

±«Óătv-McCall MacBain Leadership Academy Scholarship

  • As part of the donation by McCall MacBain, students admitted into the High-Performance Leadership program will receive a full year (two-semester) tuition scholarship, funding to cover the costs of their Capstone project, and a summer stipend to support their leadership work. 

Schedule & Duration

  • The High-Performance Leadership program is a year-long program, beginning in August and ending the following Summer.
  • Students will attend regularly scheduled workshops on weekends beginning in September and ending in March.
  • Students will attend a leadership retreat in the Fall reading week and a winter weekend retreat.
  • Students will be expected to complete a Capstone project over the summer following their academic year in the program. 

Admission Requirements

  • Ideal candidates for the program include students who are actively involved in campus life, are demonstrated leaders to their peers, and have a formal leadership role that can be leveraged for skill development and a capstone project. Examples of leadership roles include society executives, student union executive members, team captains, and faculty or community leaders.
  • Students will be asked to answer questions about their leadership experience, submit references, and provide an unofficial transcript upon applying to the program. 
  • All-degree levels are eligible to apply for the program.
  • The application process for the High-Performance Leadership program will open in the Spring, with interviews held over the Summer for September admission. 
  • Please to be notified when the application cycle has opened.


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For questions about the Student Leadership Academy, please reach out to sla@dal.ca.

Student Leadership Academy in Truro

Visit the Agricultural Campus website for registration and other details about the Foundation of Leadership Workshops being held on the Truro campus.