Leadership Development & Training Programs

3 students looking at a pumpkin to learn about robotics for the Caswell Leadership Program

Caswell Leadership Fellows

In this year-long academic program, you will refine your leadership skills while planning and implementing an impact project. An impact project is something you are passionate about within the campus or Dallas community that you need seed funding to get started. As a Caswell Fellow, you will receive project funding up to $2,500, as well as complete weekly office hours where you will work on your project and participate in leadership workshops. Check out our past fellows' projects.

The Dr. Jim Caswell Endowment for Leadership Development and Training generously supports this program. Follow these links to learn more about current and past Caswell Leadership Fellows' impact projects.

Caswell Fellow Recruitment

Application Open on SMU360 - March 18 at 9:00 a.m.
Application Close on SMU360 - March 31 at 11:55 p.m.
Applicants get notified and selected for an in-person interview - April 2-5

If you have ideas or questions about your Impact Project idea before submitting your application please feel free to stop by Hughes-Trigg Student Center Suite 201 or email leadership@smu.edu.

Apply Now on SMU360

Caswell Leadership Coaches

In the Caswell Leadership Coach Program, experienced student leaders engage in peer-to-peer leadership development to help all students become more effective within their SMU organizations. Coaches mentor their peers through individual meetings and leadership workshops as well as help their peers apply the 7 frames of the SMU Leadership Framework to their positions.

The Dr. Jim Caswell Endowment for Leadership Development and Training generously supports this program.

Caswell Coaches Recruitment

Applications open on SMU360 - March 25 at 9:00 a.m.
Applications close on SMU360 - April 7 at 11:55 p.m.
Applicants get notified and selected for an in-person interview - April 8-10

If you have questions before submitting your application please feel free to stop by Hughes-Trigg Student Center Suite 201 or email leadership@smu.edu.

Apply Now on SMU360

Student holding a computer and presenting at podium. Other students seated at a table watching.

Cultivate, A Leadership Think Tank Description

Cultivate is a leadership development program for third- and fourth-year students. In this semester-long program, students will meet weekly to discuss the SMU Leadership Framework and how to apply it in your daily life in and outside of SMU. In these weekly discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their role as leaders in individual, organizational, and community contexts. They will bring their current experiences as campus leaders into the discussion as well as consider future leadership opportunities beyond graduation.

Applications for the January 2025 cohort will open early November 2024.

Student writing on post-it note and placing it on the wall. Another student watches.

Emerging Leaders Program

The Emerging Leaders program is a leadership development program for first-year, first semester students. In weekly meetings, you will explore on-campus leadership at SMU. Through hearing from guest speakers, hands-on activities, and discussions, you will learn about how your campus leadership experiences can prepare you to be a world changer.

Emerging Leaders runs throughout the fall semester. Applications will be available on SMU360 in August. The Crain Leadership Endowment Fund generously supports this program.

14 orientation leaders posing on Dallas Hall lawn

Crain Leadership Launch

Crain Leadership Launch is a leadership development program for student leaders who hold a distinguished leadership position at SMU and therefore impact the broader student experience. During the program, you will hear from the Division of Student Affairs Leadership Team about the expectations of positional leadership at this level as well as be recognized for your service to SMU.

Crain Leadership Launch is held each April. The Crain Leadership Endowment Fund generously supports this program.

Orientation leader speaking to crowd during Stampede

Crain Leadership Summit

The Crain Leadership Summit is a leadership training program for student organization leaders at SMU that are affiliated with the Division of Student Affairs and therefore impact the broader student experience. The Summit will provide training for you to lead your student organization well.

Crain Leadership Summit is held at the beginning of the fall semester. The Crain Leadership Endowment Fund generously supports this program.