Hosted each fall, Presidents Summit is a leadership development conference organized by the Center for Student Engagement and the Student Government Association (SGA). Bringing together aspiring, new, and returning student leaders, the summit engages participants in a day of conversation and activity to drive collaboration, training, information sharing, and networking with a collective goal in mind: preparing student leaders to make meaningful change within their organizations and across campus. 

This year’s Presidents Summit will take place on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Student Center; breakfast and lunch are included. Participants can register on Engage: https://gatech.campuslabs.com/engage/event/4768691

This summit will also feature two new events: a conversation and Q&A with President Ángel Cabrera and John Stein, vice president for Student Life and Brandt-Fritz Dean of Students Chair; and a discussion about the unique priorities and experiences of graduate student leaders.

Conference sessions will cover issues that are central to both undergraduate and graduate students: health and well-being, organization fundraising and financial planning, membership recruitment and retention, and diversity and inclusivity. Facilitators will include Carla Bradley, director of the Counseling Center; Joi Alexander, director of Health Initiatives; Gerome Stephens, associate dean of students and director of the Center for Student Engagement; the staff of the Advocacy, Inclusion, and Support Collective of the Division of Student Life (representing the LGBTQIA Resource Center, Student Diversity Programs, Veterans Resource Center, and Women’s Resource Center); and many more.

“Having attended Presidents Summit three times, I’ve seen how it can act as a catalyst for meeting leaders from across campus, collaboration, and empowering students with the tools to lead effectively,” said Venkatesh Muppaneni, SGA’s joint vice president of Campus Organizations and former executive chair of the President’s Council governing board. “Especially on a campus where the students are so involved and engaged, it’s a great opportunity to learn what’s going on and how we can work together to help our communities.”

Attendees will receive credit toward their progress on GOLD (Guiding Organization Leader Development) Route, a new program designed to help student leaders acquire theskills and knowledge they need to make meaningful change.

The Summit is open to all students who aspire to a leadership role on campus, and those who are new or returning to leadership positions. Each registered student organization is encouraged to send at least two representatives — a current officer and an emerging leader (a junior officer or a member the organization who seeks to become an officer). For more information, contact the Center for Student Engagement team at 404-894-3458 or engage@gatech.edu.