The Liberal Studies mission emphasizes students, faculty, and administrators working collaboratively to develop “global leaders that will become agents of change in a changing world.” Opportunities for civic engagement, service, and leadership are thus integral to the mission and goals of LS and New York University. Below are a selection of options for making a difference as an LS student.
Leadership
Student Council
The Liberal Studies Student Council (LSSC) represents the interests of Core Program and Global Liberal Studies (GLS) students at NYU and within Liberal Studies. The LSSC also programs events and social gatherings for all students in Liberal Studies.
LS Student Advisory Board for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The student advisory board for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI SAB) is a student committee that is responsible for collecting students’ voices and representing them to the program-wide committee as well as the Dean. DEI SAB also organizes two events per semester for the LS community regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Student Leaders
A leadership program that engages current and former LS students in sharing their NYU story and experiences with prospective and first-year students, while creating community with fellow students, faculty and staff.
Peer Mentorship Programs
Mentorship programs are available for both first-generation and international students enrolled in Liberal Studies, where each students is paired during the first year with an upper-level peer mentor. The mentor helps them transition to college life, while providing academic and personal connections and support. The mentors have volunteered to offer guidance and encouragement, and answer questions about NYU student life and resources.
Leadership Intensive
An interactive session designed to equip participants with the knowledge to build leadership skills, engage with opportunities, and make relevant career connections for local and global impact.
Funded fellowships for undergraduate & graduate students at NYU to defend democracy while advancing their own critical professional and leadership skills, and receive funding for their work with organizations that support voter registration, voting rights, and GOTV.
Supports undergraduate students who are committed to addressing issues of economic and/or racial inequality through summer internship experience, career and leadership development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The Changemaker Fellowship awards grants of $5,000 to students!
NYU Entrepreneurs Challenge
Comprises three individual competitions focused on disruptive ideas with significant impact: new ventures, social ventures, and technology ventures. Teams participate in coaching sessions, design thinking workshops, business modeling and networking opportunities; and competition winners share a total of $300K in cash and startup services.
Peer Mentorship and Support Programs
NYU offers academic-, community-, and career-based leadership programs for students to serve as a resource for their peers, such as Admissions Ambassadors, Commuter Assistants, and Wasserman Career Ambassadors.
Wasserman First Class Professional Development & Mentorship Program
Matches first-generation undergraduate students with a mentor who is a professional in their industry of interest as well as a dedicated Wasserman career coach.
Presidential Internship Program
This structured program offers rising juniors with potential for success in a university career meaningful work experience, structured leadership development opportunities, mentorship from high-level NYU administrators, and a paid internship for the academic year.
Clinton Global Initiative University
To harness the potential of the next generation of leaders from campuses around the world, the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) convenes an annual meeting where students, youth organizations, and renowned experts come together to turn ideas into action. As either individuals or groups, students develop a “commitment to action” plan that addresses a pressing global issue.
Davis Project for Peace
NYU is a Davis United World Scholars Program partner school, allowing undergraduate students to apply for a funding grants of $10,000 each. Davis Projects for Peace proposals are submitted by students, and implemented the following summer to promote peace, build understanding, and address the root causes of conflict among parties.
NYU Summer Launchpad
A 10-week accelerator for teams of NYU student entrepreneurs that provides $10,000 in grant funding (non-dilutive, zero equity), startup skills bootcamps, individual coaching from NYC entrepreneurs and early stage investors, collaborative workspace for the summer, pro-bono legal incorporation counsel, web hosting credits and other perks to help get your venture launched.
Leadership: The process of working with others to “envision a better future, build commitment and align people’s actions toward shared goals, and ultimately, to produce results that make the envisioned future a reality.”
—NYU Leadership Initiative (The Changemaker Center)
Contact ls.studentaffairs@nyu.edu with questions about leadership opportunities.
Michael Aktas
Junior in CAS majoring in Econ
LSSL co-captain 2023-2024
What is most memorable about this leadership experience?The people I meet along the way are by far the most memorable part of my leadership experience at NYU. From students that I am able to mentor, work with, and connect with, to the faculty members who guide me and allow me to grow at NYU, everyone is incredible.
What did you learn about leadership and yourself as a leader from this experience? As a leader in this experience, I learned the importance of working with others. Although I had already been doing that in high school, working with others is much more special when everyone comes from different backgrounds like they do at NYU.
Advice for students interested in participating in this role... Advice I would give for students interested in becoming a LSSL (Liberal Studies Student Leader) would simply be: go for it! I was definitely nervous when applying and before starting, but everyone on the team is incredibly welcoming and wants to see you succeed and help others succeed. I know I can always count on the LSSL team, which is an honor.
Links
- Service Service and civic engagement at Liberal Studies and beyond
- NYU Changemaker Center Build the skills, knowledge, and networks to take action on issues that matter
- NYU Center for Student Life
- Clubs and Organizations
- Student Media