amber brunner
Transfer
Student Leadership Program
Background
The Transfer Student Leadership Program (TSLP) is a leadership development experience inspired by "The Student Leadership Challenge" by James Kouzes and Barry Posner, designed to help students build key leadership skills through hands-on learning, self-reflection, and working together with others.
Situation & Actions
When I became team lead for the Student Welcome & Transition Team, I took the opportunity to revamp the curriculum slides in Canva. Having gone through the program myself, it felt like a full-circle moment to create, present, and pass down materials for future Comet leaders.
I wrote detailed notes for each presentation slide so absent students or other SWAT members could follow along. I explained the content on each slide, shared why it mattered, and added deeper context about the meaning of each lesson. I’ve included a sample of these annotated slides for reference.
Image from Week 4 - Challenge the Process (Slide 8)
Reflection & Skills Gained
Through leading and redesigning the TSLP, I guided four cohorts of 10–30 students each, translating personal experience into engaging, meaningful curriculum. I developed skills in instructional design, visual communication, public speaking, and collaboration, while strengthening my ability to support and empower others through hands-on leadership.
Week 1 - Introductions
Introducing students to the program’s expectations around challenge and respect, then guiding them through a small-group activity to draw and share their life stories. This encouraged vulnerability and set the tone for an introspective, engaging curriculum.
Week 2 - Model the Way
The first of the program’s five leadership practices, modeling the way focuses on leading by example. This means demonstrating the values you stand for so your actions set a standard for others to follow. In this lesson, students reflect on what they value and are encouraged to lead authentically.
Week 3 - Inspire a Shared Vision
Building off of Model the Way, students collaborate on creating a shared vision and mission. Through an activity, they practice communicating their values and imagine how those values could be applied in real-world examples, learning to find common ground and work together.
Week 4 - Challenge the Process
This lesson encourages students to embrace change, take risks, and try new approaches. Through hands-on activities, they practice thinking about how to break down complex problems to improve systems and outcomes.
Week 4 - Enable Others to Act
Building on the shared vision lesson from Week 3, students practice encouraging others to join their efforts. Through activities focused on collaboration and trust, they learn to empower their peers, leverage different strengths, and work together toward collective success.
Week 5 - Encourage the Heart
We wrap up the curriculum by guiding students to recognize and celebrate others’ contributions and progress. Students practice giving meaningful praise, providing constructive feedback, and tailoring recognition to inspire continued effort and foster a supportive, positive environment.
