Summit Theme: Igniting Your Spark Within
Saturday, September 12, 2026

For the past five years, the UIS Student Leadership Summit has provided students with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow as leaders. This program has continued to evolve and expand each year, engaging more students, presenters, and campus partners in meaningful conversations about leadership. As we build upon this tradition, we invite faculty, staff, and community partners to contribute their expertise to the 2026 UIS Student Leadership Summit through a breakout session!

This year's theme, Igniting Your Spark Within, is designed to help students discover their leadership identity, strengthen their skills, prioritize their well-being, and maximize their potential as leaders both on campus and beyond. Through engaging workshops and meaningful conversations, students will be encouraged to identify the strengths, passions, and values that fuel their leadership journey.

We are seeking interactive and engaging breakout session proposals that align with the summit's learning outcomes and one of the following breakout session themes:

• Leadership Styles
• Conflict Resolution & Difficult Conversations
• From Leadership to Career
• Mental Health & Wellness
• Using Resources and Tools to Maximize Your Leadership Potential

The summit will feature two breakout session periods, with three concurrent sessions offered during each period. We welcome presentations that challenge students to think critically, develop practical leadership skills, and gain strategies they can immediately apply in their organizations, academic experiences, careers, and communities.

Proposal Timeline

• Proposal Submission Deadline: August 12, 2026
• Presenter Notification: August 14, 2026
• Proposal Form

Help Us Spread the Word

In addition to submitting a proposal, we encourage faculty and staff to share the Student Leadership Summit with students and encourage their participation. The summit provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in leadership development, build meaningful connections, explore career-ready skills, and invest in their personal growth alongside peers from across campus.

Thank you for your willingness to share your gifts, expertise, and experiences in the development of UIS student leaders. Together, we can continue the growth and success of this annual tradition while helping students ignite their spark within and become confident, purpose-driven leaders who create positive change in their communities.