Skip Section Navigation

UNT serves image

UNT LEADS

UNT LEADS is a first-year leadership cohort located in Rawlins Hall designed to help new students thrive academically, socially, and personally. Through shared experiences, hands-on leadership development, and a supportive community, students build confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to succeed at UNT and beyond.

Mission:

UNT LEADs is a first-year leadership cohort grounded in the belief that students grow by living in community, exploring their strengths and interests, achieving personal and academic goals, and discovering who they are as emerging leaders. Together, we cultivate confidence, resilience, and practical skills, one experience at a time. 

Vision:

Our vision is to launch emerging leaders who are confident, connected, and ready to lead with purpose and build leadership skills that they will use at UNT and beyond. 

L.E.A.D stands for Live, Explore, Achieve, and Discover. We live in community, explore our strengths, achieve our goals confidently, and discover the leader within.  

Key Features:  

  • Community - Live with peers who share your interests in leadership and growth.  
  • Connection - Build friendships, networks, and support systems that last.  
  • Leadership - Explore your strengths and develop real-life leadership skills.  
  • Success - Receive guidance on studying, involvement, and transitioning to college.  

Four Pillars of UNT LEADS  

  • Live 
    Live in a supportive community where belonging, wellness, and connection come first. 
    Build the foundation for your first year through shared experiences and authentic relationships.

  • Explore
    Try new things, get involved on campus, and discover what leadership looks like for you. 
    From involvement fairs to workshops, you’ll explore opportunities that match your interests and strengths.

  • Achieve
    Learn effective study strategies, manage expectations, and set meaningful goals.
    We help you prepare for exams, navigate challenges, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

  • Discover 
    Discover your leadership identity and the skills that make you successful in the classroom, on campus, and in your future career. 
    You’ll finish your first year with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose.

What you’ll Experience

  • Weekly Programs and Workshops
    Interactive sessions on time management, involvement, communication, resilience, navigating conflict, and more.

  • Peer to Peer Support
    Live with fellow first-year students and receive support from trained peer mentors and staff.

  • Leadership Development
    Engage with the CLD LEAD curriculum, participate in hands-on activities, and build competencies used by leaders in every field.

  • Academic and Career Readiness
    Develop study skills, explore majors, and learn how your leadership translates to career success.

  • Community Events
    Enjoy game nights, study socials, and other opportunities to connect with your peers and with the campus community.

Who should Join?

Any first-year student who wants to:

  • Grow as a leader
  • Make new friends
  • Build academic confidence
  • Explore involvement opportunities
  • Receive extra support during their first year
  • Discover their purpose and potential

Sample Yearly Experience:

  • August: Building community, expectations, major exploration, discovering about you.
  • September: Study strategies, conflict management, involvement, communication, basic interview skills.
  • October: Resilience, mental and emotional well-being, midterms, and resume review.
  • November: Values in leadership, gratitude and reflection, networking, professional relationship building.
  • December: Celebration
  • Spring: Goal-setting, teamwork, leadership identity, and a leadership showcase.

Requirements 

Upon indicating in your application through eHousing that you would like to be apart of UNT LEADs you will receive a follow-up application to learn more about you.  

Students will be selected and contacted to sign a UNT LEADs agreement!  

As a part of the cohort students will be asked to:  

    • Program Orientation to learn more about what the year will look like for the community. 
    • Sign-up and attend the Center for Leadership Development’s FLiP Retreat for first-year students learn more here: FLiP Retreat
    • During First Flight Week attend one of the Center for Leadership Development programs.  
    • Enrolled in UCAR 1100Z for the Fall
    • Attend bi-weekly meetings with the community, UNT LEADs RA and Advisor(s).  
    • Program Orientation to learn more about what the year will look like for the community.  
    • Register and attend NT40’s LEAD Conference
    • Meet with the UNT LEADs! Advisor(s) one on one twice in the semester.  
    • Attend NT40’s Mock Leadership Interview  
    • Attend at least one LEAD Mentor program in the Fall and Spring.