Office of Student Life
Leadership and Community Engagement

Leadership Week

What is Leadership Week?

Leadership Week is a university-wide collaboration to strengthen the culture of student leadership at Ohio State. Whether you have lots of leadership experience or are new to the concept, we encourage you to attend at least one event this week to strengthen your leadership abilities in one or several of the leadership themes explored throughout the week.

When is Leadership Week?

Leadership Week 2025 will be September 29 - October 3. 

Leadership Week Incentive Program

We want you to take advantage of as many Leadership Week programs as possible, so we have launched an incentive program for Leadership Week this year!

  • For each session you attend, you'll be entered to win one of several $25 Gift Cards (BuckID, Target, Starbucks, Chipotle, Bibibop)
  • The more sessions you attend, the more entries you'll recieve!

Leadership Week Certification Program

This year we are bringing back our Leadership Week Certification Program to encourage students to take advantage of as many Leadership Week programs as possible and recognize their efforts!

  • If you attend 3 or more sessions throughout Leadership Week, you will receive a Leadership Week Silver Certification recognizing your efforts in leadership development. 

  • If you attend 5 or more sessions throughout Leadership Week, you will receive a Leadership Week Gold Certification recognizing your efforts in leadership development.

Leadership Week 2025 Full Calendar

Monday, September 29: 

From Engaged Student to Engaged Alumni 

  • 11-noon, Virtual 

  • This session explores the journey from student involvement to lifelong alumni engagement. Participants will reflect on how they discovered opportunities as students and how alumni contribute to campus life. Through breakout discussions and shared insights, attendees will learn about all the ways to stay connected with Ohio State after graduation—from joining alumni clubs and mentoring students to volunteering and attending exclusive events. Whether you're nearing graduation or just starting your Buckeye journey, this session aims to inspire you to stay engaged for life. 

  • Presenter: Julie Schnell 

  • Theme: Personal Exploration 

Lunch & Learn: Community Engagement 

  • Noon – 1 p.m., Interfaith Prayer & Reflection Room, Ohio Union 

  • Join Madi Barnes, Coordinator for Community & Civic Engagement in a conversation about asset-based community development and ethical service. This session will allow students to explore different approaches to leadership through service and will provide tools to engage and serve in the community respectfully and responsibly.  

  • Presenters: Madi Barnes 

  • Theme: Community Engagement 

Buck-I-SERV Info Session 

  • 2 p.m. - 3 p.m., Virtual 

  • Are you ready to make a difference and grow as a leader? Join us for an inspiring session all about Buck-I-SERV, Ohio State’s alternative break program that empowers students to serve communities across the country. Discover how service can be a powerful tool for leadership development, personal growth, and community impact. You’ll also learn about leadership roles within Buck-I-SERV and how translate your Buck-I-SERV experience into strong resume language that highlights your skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and civic engagement. Whether you're a past participant or just curious about getting involved, this session will help you lead with purpose and represent your service journey with confidence. 

  • Presenters: Justin Khol, Anna Valerio, Alyssa Kadlubowski 

  • Themes: Community Engagement 

Off-Campus? O-H Yeah! 

  • 4 p.m. - 5 p.m., Virtual 

  • Join us for a special Leadership Week presentation! Become a leader in the off-campus community! Ready to explore off-campus? This session introduces you to the off-campus experience—from understanding the differences between on- and off-campus living to navigating the City of Columbus with confidence. Learn how to recognize safety resources, be a good neighbor, party smart, connect with campus and community resources and prepare for a successful transition. Whether you're planning ahead or just getting familiar, we've got the tools to help you feel informed and prepared. 

  • Presenter: Jacob Glorioso 

  • Themes: Community Engagement, Personal Exploration 

Community Engagement: Building Up Yourself and Others 

  • 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Kuhn House 201; 220 W. 12th Ave. 

  • Join the Honors Community Leadership Council to learn about personal development opportunities and how to become an engaged member of the student community. Through roundtable discussion with your peers, you will have the opportunity to discuss what service, wellness, leadership, academic enrichment, and global engagement mean to you and share how these topics have evolved over time. 

  • Presenters: Jim Ryan & Jessica Lee 

  • Themes: Career Development, Community Engagement 

The Finding Your Sweet Fire Ohio State Leadership Week Experience 2025 

  • 6:45 – 8 p.m.; Valor Room, Busch House – 2115 N. High St. 

  • What does it take to stand up for yourself and what you believe in, even when it’s not the popular choice? Join MUNDO for a powerful evening with local author and certified life coach  JP Mitchell, as she shares her journey and insights from her book Sweet Fire. Through storytelling and coaching strategies, JP will help you explore how to lead with confidence, courage, and clarity in today’s world.  

  • Presenters: Julius Mayo & JP Mitchell 

  • Theme: Personal Exploration 

Tuesday, September 30: 

Effective Interviewing Skills 

  • 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Virtual 

  • Join Buckeye Careers for a session highlighting what to do before, during, and after an interview, emphasizing interviewing strategies and techniques. Includes samples of questions and how to answer them, as well as useful suggestions to enhance confidence and your leadership skills 

  • Presenter: Ana C. Berrios Allison 

  • Themes: Career Development 

Leadership Everywhere: Building Transferable Skills Through Campus Involvement 

  • 11 - noon, Virtual 

  • Discover how everyday experiences at Ohio State - from student organizations and service projects to on-campus jobs - can shape powerful transferable skills for your future. 

  • Presenter: Taylor Koon 

  • Themes: Career Development, Community Engagement 

Lunch & Learn: Career Development 

  • Noon - 1 p.m., Interfaith Prayer Room, Ohio Union 

  • Get connected with Buckeye Careers to learn about relevant topics in leadership development, especially how students can market their own experiences and relevant skills to employers on their resumes and during interviews. Students are encouraged to bring any questions they have! Food is provided. 

  • Presenter: Jennifer Chilman & Nancy Thompson 

  • Theme: Career Development, Personal Exploration 

Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership and Service Open House 

  • 5 - 7 p.m., Keith B. Key Center 

  • Join us at the KBK Open House to connect with student organizations, socialize with fellow student leaders, and discover how you can get involved on campus 

  • Presenter: Abby Frank 

  • Themes: Career Development, Community Engagement, Personal Exploration 

Disaster Leadership: What We Can Learn from Clara Barton 

  • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Cunz Hall 150 – 1841 Neil Ave. 

  • How do you turn an ideal into an organization that provides concrete aid to people who most need it in times of crisis? How do you deal with government red tape, indifference, and opposition to your plans? How do you navigate gender and class discrimination as a leader and social entrepreneur? How do you persist in the face of mental health challenges and family difficulties? How did Clara Barton do it? While Barton, a Civil War volunteer and founder of the American Red Cross, is the kind of “Great American” you might encounter in grade school social studies, her life and legacy are much more complicated, messy, and relevant than you might think. This presentation will draw upon Barton’s story to try to answer the above questions and provide fodder for further discussion. Pizza will be provided! 

  • Presenter: Marian Moser Jones 

  • Themes: Career Development, Personal Exploration 

The Residence Halls Advisory Council Meeting 

  • 7 – 8 p.m., Baker Mezzanine – W. 12th Ave. 

  • Do you want to help make the on-campus experience the best it can be? Then join the Residence Halls Advisory Council, better known as RHAC ("rack") at its first meeting of the year with RHAC senators! RHAC plans fun, large- and small-scale events around campus and its members help plan and execute these events through committee work. Join us Tuesday night at 7pm at the Baker Mezzanine to meet others in RHAC and learn more about RHAC and how to get involved! The entrance to the Baker Mezzanine is located between the side doors of Park-Stradley and Smith-Steeb in the courtyard. 

  • Presenters: Leah Wheeler and Meenakshi Manne 

  • Themes: Community Engagement, Personal Exploration 

Networking Essentials 

  • 7 – 8 p.m., Virtual 

  • Learn more about making and following up with networking connections, creating an elevator pitch, and preparing for job interviews. 

  • Presenter(s): TBA 

  • Theme: Career Development 

Wednesday, October 1: 

Philanthropy and Leadership: Your Role in Creating Relationships that Power the Mission 

  • 9:10 – 10:05 a.m., Cunz Hall Rm. 160 – 1841 Neil Ave. 

  • Great leaders don’t just drive results; they build relationships that inspire collective action. This session explores how philanthropy and leadership intersect, and how cultivating meaningful connections can help advance the mission of any organization or cause you serve. Whether you're leading in a nonprofit, a startup, or a student initiative, learn how generosity and relationship-building can amplify your impact. Muffins and coffee will be provided. 

  • Presenters: Taylor King Boyles, Katie Hill, and Indra Leyva Cook 

  • Theme: Philanthropy 

Anti-Transactional Networking 

  • 10 – 11 a.m., Suzanne Scharer Room, Ohio Union 

  • We hear the phrase "it's all about who you know" all the time, but not the how. Join this session to learn more about identifying your networking gaps, fostering relationships that don't feel transactional, and how to make the most out of all those coffee chats. 

  • Presenter: Mercedes Wallace 

  • Themes: Career Development, Personal Exploration 

Invest and Involved: Enhancing Associate and Student Engagement 

  • 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Ohio Union Brutus Buckeye Room 

  • Discover innovative strategies to strengthen engagement between associates and students in this dynamic session designed for campus professionals. Invest and Involved explores how intentional relationship-building, shared ownership, and inclusive programming can foster a more connected campus culture. Participants will gain practical tools to deepen involvement, improve communication, and create environments where both staff and students feel valued and empowered. 

  • Presenter: Ashley Grayson 

  • Theme: Community Engagement 

How STEP Can Support Your Leadership Journey 

  • Noon – 1 p.m. 

  • This session is designed for first-year students who would like to learn more about the Second-Year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) which they can join for their second year at Ohio State. The information session will share more about STEP and how the cohort experience enhances leadership development, as well as how STEP participants are eligible for up to $2,000 in funding for a hands-on leadership experience. 

  • Presenter: Caitlyn Tietje 

  • Themes: Career Development, Community Engagement, Personal Exploration 

Lunch & Learn: Wellness 

  • Noon – 1 p.m., Maudine Cow Room, Ohio Union 

  • Join the Student Wellness Center to explore how prioritizing your well-being contributes to effective leadership. This session will cover strategies for managing stress, maintaining balance, and developing resilience as a student leader. Learn how wellness practices can enhance both your personal and academic life. Students are encouraged to bring questions. Food is provided. 

  • Presenter: Josh Bensink 

  • Theme: Wellness 

Empowering Voices: Leadership Techniques to Address Hazing 

  • Noon – 1 p.m., Suzanne Scharer Room, Ohio Union 

  • This session equips student leaders with effective techniques to recognize, address, and prevent hazing within their organization and communities. Participants will explore strategies for fostering a culture of trust, safety, and accountability, while building the confidence to intervene and the skills to lead change. Through real-world examples, practical tools, and interactive discussion, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to use their voice, their influence, and create healthy environments where all members can thrive. 

  • Presenter: Jaylen Lindsey 

  • Theme: Wellness 

Leadership Through Service 

  • 2 – 3 p.m., Virtual 

  • Join this workshop to learn about the definition of active citizenship, identify components of meaningful service, and become familiar with campus and local service opportunities. 

  • Presenter: Kelsea Brown 

  • Theme: Community Engagement 

Becoming a Disability-Inclusive Leader 

  • 2 – 3 p.m. 

  • There are over 8,500 Buckeyes with Disabilities at Ohio State. All students are invited to join in to learn about the barriers that students with disabilities face in and outside the classroom. This session will equip you with knowledge and strategies to be a disability-inclusive leader in your organizations, classes, and job roles. Learn how to create accessible spaces, events, and content and to advocate for accessible practices. Together, we can advance a campus environment that is welcoming for students of all abilities. 

  • Presenter: Cheryl Lyons 

  • Themes: Community Engagement, Wellness 

REACH© Out and Save a Life – Graduate and Professional Students 

  • 2 - 3:30 p.m., University Hall Rm. 214 

  • Anyone can help prevent suicide by learning the risks, warning signs, and how to intervene. REACH© is the name of the OSU suicide prevention gatekeeper training program designed to help the OSU community learn how to recognize warning signs, engage with empathy, ask directly about suicide, communicate hope, and help suicidal individuals access care and treatment. Learn how to help your friends live well and meet other students who are passionate about creating a culture of care on our campus! Participants who attend this session become OSU Suicide Prevention Program Certified Gatekeepers and receive certificates of completion and pins as they join the OSU REACH© family. 

  • Presenter: Laura Onianwa 

  • Themes: Community Engagement, Wellness 

OSU Votes: Voting 101 + Media Literacy 

  • 5 - 6 p.m., Virtual 

  • Join OSU Votes, Ohio State's nonpartisan voter education program, to learn more about how you can practice civically engaged leadership through voting! 

  • Presenter: Madi Barnes 

  • Themes: Community Engagement 

How to Sell Your Involvement on Your Resume 

  • 6 – 7 p.m., CBEC, Room 130 

  • Active on campus but unsure how to highlight it on your resume? Learn how to translate your leadership and involvement into strong, marketable skills. This session will give you practical tips for showcasing your experiences with confidence and impact. 

  • Presenter: Kathy Krajnak 

  • Theme: Career Development 

Thursday, October 2 

What is LeaderShape? Learn About the Premier No-Cost Immersive Leadership Development 

  • 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Hayes Cape Room, Ohio Union 

  • Join us for an info session hosted by past participants who will share their experiences from this free, immersive leadership development program. Hear firsthand what it’s like to spend four days diving deep into personal growth, vision-setting, and collaborative leadership, all while building lasting connections. Bring your questions and learn how LeaderShape can shape your leadership journey. 

  • Presenters: Austin Ahlborn, Pranav Ingale, Naina Sarup 

  • Themes: Career Development, Personal Exploration 

From Passion to Profession: Highlighting Philanthropy and Leadership in Your Job Application 

  • 10 – 11 a.m., Suzanne Scherer Room, Ohio Union 

  • Are you an involved student on campus? Have you held one or more leadership positions in your student organizations? Have you given your time, talent, or treasure to a cause that you are passionate about at Ohio State? Join Jayden Messer from the Department of Student Philanthropy to learn strategies for including these items on resumes and cover letters and how to highlight them through an interview process. 

  • Presenter: Jayden Messer 

  • Themes: Career Development, Philanthropy 

Lunch & Learn: Philanthropy 

  • Noon – 1 p.m., Interfaith Prayer & Reflection Room, Ohio Union 

  • Join the Ohio State University Alumni Association for a Lunch & Learn focused on philanthropy. This session will provide space to learn, share, and reflect on the ways giving can create positive impact and support communities. 

  • Presenter: Carly Wood 

  • Theme: Philanthropy 

Creative & Curious Leadership for Student Involvement 

  • 1 – 2 p.m. Barbie Tootle Room, Ohio Union 

  • Join Director of Student Philanthropy, Felix Alonso, PhD, for a session focused on creativity and curiosity in leadership. Dr. Alonso will help participants learn to hone their ability to notice, question, and reimagine the physical, social, and structural environments they occupy as student leaders to enhance opportunities for belonging and collaboration in a team environment. 

  • Presenter: Felix Alonso, PhD 

  • Themes: Community Engagement, Personal Exploration, Wellness 

Your Future-Ready Career: Developing Competencies for the Evolving World of Work 

  • 3 p.m. - 4 p.m., Virtual 

  • This session will highlight future-ready career competencies as essential tools for navigating the future of work - presently being shaped by rapid technological innovation, globalization, and changing workforce expectations. Participants will examine how competencies align with trends including automation and AI integration, remote and hybrid work, lifelong learning and adaptive leadership. Through interaction and reflection, participants will explore their personal leadership identity and career aspirations, along with learning practical strategies for connecting and articulating future-ready career competencies gained from academic, extra-curricular, and professional experiences. 

  • Presenter: Michelle Norris 

  • Themes: Career Development 

REACH© Out and Save a Life – Undergraduate Students 

  • 3:30 - 5 p.m., Lincoln Tower, 128D Conference Room (first floor) 

  • Anyone can help prevent suicide by learning the risks, warning signs, and how to intervene. REACH© is the name of the OSU suicide prevention gatekeeper training program designed to help the OSU community learn how to recognize warning signs, engage with empathy, ask directly about suicide, communicate hope, and help suicidal individuals access care and treatment. Learn how to help your friends live well and meet other students who are passionate about creating a culture of care on our campus! Participants who attend this session become OSU Suicide Prevention Program Certified Gatekeepers and receive certificates of completion and pins as they join the OSU REACH© family. 

  • Presenter: Laura Onianwa 

  • Theme: Wellness 

Friday, October 3 

Building Tomorrow: Integrating Philanthropy and Leadership for a Brighter Future 

  • 10 - 11 a.m., Hayes Cape Room, Ohio Union 

  • Philanthropy can be a useful avenue for developing leadership skills. Every day, change-makers across the world are combining leadership and philanthropy to have a greater impact on their communities. Join Jayden Messer from the Department of Student Philanthropy in learning how you can build leadership skills through Philanthropy, create impactful projects, and integrate these skills into your future career and personal endeavors. 

  • Presenter: Jayden Messer 

  • Themes: Community Engagement, Philanthropy 

Spiritual Life and Leadership: An Interfaith Perspective 

  • Time TBD; Location TBD 

  • The Student Life Interfaith Collaboration Consultant will chat with participants about how students can develop in their faith journey as leaders while also engaging with communities of varying faith backgrounds. 

  • Presenter: Aliya Beavers, PhD 

  • Themes: Personal Exploration, Wellness 

Giving in Action: Experiential Philanthropy and Leadership at Ohio State 

  • 11 a.m. - noon; Brutus Buckeye Room, Ohio Union 

  • Why should you get involved with the Department of Student Philanthropy? Felix Alonso, PhD, will share how experiential philanthropy fosters greater awareness, learning, and intention around giving, while also promoting prosocial behavior and civic engagement. Drawing from his research, Dr. Alonso will highlight how hands-on philanthropy programs at Ohio State can strengthen leadership skills, connect students to meaningful causes, and create opportunities to make a lasting impact both on campus and in the broader community. 

  • Presenter: Felix Alonso, PhD 

  • Themes: Career Development, Community Engagement, Philanthropy 

Lunch & Learn: Personal Exploration 

  • Noon – 1 p.m.; Barbie Tootle Room, Ohio Union 

  • Strong leadership begins with self-awareness and self-reflection on your strengths, your areas for growth, and the unique way you can contribute as a leader. Come to this lunch and learn to explore more about how you can be a leader. Food will be provided. 

  • Presenters: Leah Wheeler, Aliya Beavers, Tara Nord, Julius Mayo 

  • Theme: Personal Exploration 

Questions? Please contact Kristen Van Gundy!

If you require an accommodation such as live captioning or interpretation to participate in a Leadership Week event, please contact Kristen Van Gundy at vangundy.48@osu.edu. Requests made by one week before the selected session will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet requests made after this date.