Leadership and Development
Lead with Purpose. Grow with Community.
Leadership at SFSU is more than a position: it’s a process of learning, growth and community building. Through roles across the Division of Student Life, students develop transferable skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
Whether you serve as an Orientation Leader, Resident Advisor, CalFresh Educator, recognized student organization leader or student committee member, every opportunity helps you grow as a changemaker and leader in the Gator community.
Student Leadership through Roles, Committees and Development Programs
The Division of Student Life offers a variety of leadership and professional development roles designed to empower students to lead, mentor and serve.
Office of Student Activities: Orientation Leaders welcome new students to SFSU through New Student Orientation and peer mentorship. They embody the values of inclusion, belonging and community while helping new Gators navigate academic and social life.
Residential Life: Resident Advisors live within residential communities and support students’ academic and personal development. They promote community, safety and well-being through programming and mentorship.
Resident Hall Association (RHA): The Resident Hall Association (RHA) represents students living in campus housing and advocates for the needs, experiences and community of residents. RHA leaders plan events, promote civic engagement and collaborate with Residential Life to create an inclusive and engaging environment for all students who call SFSU home.
Campus Recreation: Student employees at the Mashouf Wellness Center develop teamwork, communication and customer service skills while fostering wellness for the campus community. Campus Recreation emphasizes professional growth to prepare students for success in any career path.
CalFresh Educators: CalFresh Student Educators serve as peer leaders who help students access food assistance resources while learning skills in community engagement and service leadership.
Basic Needs Student Assistants: Basic Needs Assistants help connect peers with essential resources including food, housing and emergency financial support. Through empathy and outreach, they model leadership through service and advocacy.
Case Management and SAFE Place Student Assistants: Student Assistants in Case Management and SAFE Place serve as advocates for student well-being, helping maintain safe and supportive campus environments through peer education, resource referrals and prevention programming.
Mashouf Wellness Center Advisory Council (MWCAC): The Mashouf Wellness Center Advisory Council advises the Campus Recreation Department on operations, long-term planning and program assessment. Students gain valuable governance experience while influencing the future of campus recreation and wellness.
Membership includes:
- Associated Students representatives
- Campus Recreation student staff
- Students-at-large, faculty, staff, alumni and administrators
Meetings: Friday of each month (open to the public)
Contact: recsfsu@sfsu.edu
Student Activities Advisory Board: This board advises on student events and activities across campus, including New Student Orientation, GatorFest! and major university traditions. Members collaborate with professional staff to advocate for student organization success and improve engagement opportunities. Membership is made up of representatives of RSO groups, student leaders, appointed student representatives and general student members.
Contact: activities@sfsu.edu
The LeaderShape Institute™: A transformative, multi-day leadership experience designed to help students identify their values and lead with purpose. Participants engage in deep dialogue and challenge themselves to envision a just, caring and thriving world.
Catalyst™: Created by LeaderShape, Catalyst is a one-day leadership program that helps participants reflect on their motivations, strengths and capacity for authentic leadership. Through conversation and self-exploration, students learn what drives them to make meaningful impact.
| Program / Role | Area | Roles Become Available |
| Orientation Leader | Student Activities | Annually each Fall |
| Resident Advisor | Residential Life | Annually each Spring |
| Wellness Center Student Staff | Campus Recreation | Annually Fall and Spring |
| CalFresh Educator | Basic Needs Initiatives | Annual Fall and Spring |
| Case Management / SAFE Place | Student Life | Annually Fall and Spring |
| LeaderShape Institute | Student Activities | Annually Each Spring |
| Catalyst Program | Student Activities | Annually Each Fall |
| MWC Advisory Council | Campus Recreation | Annually Each Spring |
| Student Activities Advisory Board | Student Activities | Annually Each Spring |
Leadership Pathways and Skill Development
Each leadership role and program in the Division of Student Life helps students:
- Develop communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills.
- Engage in service leadership and social responsibility.
- Foster community belonging and peer mentorship.
- Apply learned skills to future career and life goals.
Leadership is not defined by a title — it’s shaped by experience, reflection and impact.
Get Involved
Becoming a student leader means stepping forward to make an impact — for yourself, your peers and your university. For questions about leadership opportunities or how to get involved, contact:
Student Activities and Events
The Student Activities Office partners with students to support clubs, organizations, and events that build community, foster growth and create meaningful campus connections.