FAQ Taos Leadership Institute
Frequently Asked Questions
The Taos Leadership Institute is more than just taking a summer class at SMU Taos. Its a two-week leadership experience where a cohort of students from across SMU take a leadership-based course while also participating in leadership skill-building activities, group challenges, reflection, networking opportunities, and experiences designed to help them better understand their own leadership style.
Taos Leadership institute is built around the cohort experience. Students go through a structured leadership program where they are learning together in classes while also doing shared activities, challenges, conversations, and other experiences. The goal is not only to earn academic credit, but to leave with stronger leadership skills, greater self-awareness, new connections, and a community that continues to engage students after their time in Taos.
The Leadership Institute is open to SMU undergraduate students from all majors and schools. You do not need to study leadership, business, or any specific subject beforehand to participate. One of the benefits of the program is getting to learn alongside students with different interests, experiences, and perspectives.
Participants attend an orientation session and receive information in canvas before departure to help them prepare for the Institute, including details about the Taos campus, travel, what to bring, program expectations, and other important information. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and make sure they feel prepared before arriving.
Your academic course is only one part of the experience; outside of class students participate in leadership development activities, team challenges, workshops, networking opportunities, conversations with guest speakers, and experiences around Taos. A big part of the Institute happens outside of the classroom.
The program looks for students with a desire to lead or to meaningfully contribute to something bigger than themselves in the candidates it accepts. However, you do not need to consider yourself a “leader” or hold a leadership position to apply. The Institute is designed to help students discover and strengthen their leadership skills. Leadership experience can also come from many places, including work, student organizations, volunteering, athletics, class projects, or simply being someone others can depend on.
Students live together on the SMU Taos campus throughout the Institute. Because everyone is living, learning, and participating in activities together, students have the chance to get to know their cohort very quickly. The residential environment is a major part of what makes the Institute feel different from a normal class.
Yes, students have opportunities to meet and interact with guest speakers, professionals, SMU faculty and staff, community leaders, and others throughout the program. Just as importantly, your own cohort becomes part of your network. Students spend two weeks learning and working closely together, which can create relationships that continue long after the Institute.
That is completely okay. The cohort is intentionally made up of students from different parts of SMU, so many participants will not know everyone when they arrive. The program includes plenty of group activities and shared experiences that make it easier to meet people and build relationships throughout the two weeks.
Every day at the Leadership Institute is a little different. Students spend time in class, but a big part of the experience happens outside the classroom through leadership activities and hands-on experiences. Depending on the day, you might take a field trip to Santa Fe or a local pueblo, go on a hike, explore Taos Plaza, or participate in other outings around the area.Students also attend networking events and guest lectures - past guest speakers include SMU President Jay Hartzell and two-time Emmy winning film producer Jhane Myers. The schedule is designed to combine academics, leadership development, new experiences, and opportunities to build relationships with your cohort.
The experience does not end when students leave Taos. Cohorts continue to stay connected throughout the academic year, including opportunities to catch up and continue building relationships. After completing the Institute, students become alumni of the program and remain part of the growing Leadership Institute community.
Students make their own travel arrangements but we recommend waiting for enrollment conformation before finalizing these. Participants will receive additional details about arrival, departure, transportation, and what to expect before the Institute begins. More information can be found here