Leadership Today

Flyer promoting Leadership Today 2026

⭐️ What is Leadership Today? 

Leadership Today (LT) is an off-campus, weekend-long retreat designed to cultivate student leaders who are self-aware, grounded in purpose and community, and eager to create justice-oriented change. At LT, you’ll get the chance to step away from the hustle of day-to-day college life to learn more about yourself, explore what leadership means to you, and build new connections with fellow Spartans.  Through guided reflection, interactive workshops, and meaningful conversations, you’ll build skills to connect across differences, strengthen your sense of purpose, and take thoughtful action toward positive change on campus and beyond! 

⭐️ Why should I go to LT? 

  • 🌱 Self Exploration & Personal Growth: Explore your values, identities, and experiences and how they shape your identity as a leader.
  • ✊Justice & Equity Minded Leadership: Engage in conversations that center justice, equity, and inclusion for all members of our communities.
  • ⚒️ Develop Real World Skills: Learn important skills for how to build meaningful relationships across difference, critically analyze community issues, and work toward sustainable change in your community – all of which will prepare you for success in college AND the workforce!
  • 💙 Connection & Community: Form lasting relationships with fellow Spartans and supportive staff and faculty!

⭐️ When & Where is LT? Is it free? 

  • 🗓️ Dates: Friday March 6th, Saturday March 7th, and Sunday March 8th, 2026
  • 📍Location: The retreat takes place at the Inn at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz, CA. We will depart from SJSU together on a bus on Friday 3/6 and return to campus in the afternoon on Sunday 3/8.
  • 💰 Cost: 100% free for all attendees! Transportation, lodging, and meals are provided at no cost! 

⭐️ I want to come! How do I apply? 

  • Head to our application on the Sammy App: tinyurl.com/LT2026SJSU 
  • You must be logged in to your SJSU account in order to access the online application on the Sammy App! 
  • Applications are due Thursday, February 5, 2026 by end of day! Spots are limited, so apply ASAP! 

Eligibility Requirements 

We welcome students across all experience levels of leadership, from emerging leaders to students with prior formal or informal leadership experience. All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

  • Enrolled as an SJSU undergraduate/graduate student for the Spring 2026 term
  • 2.0 minimum GPA 
  • In good judicial standing 

FAQ

When are applications due? 

Thursday 2/5/26. 

Do I need to pay in order to attend? 

No, the retreat is free for all participants! Transportation, food, and lodging is provided at no cost. 

How will we get to the venue? 

We will be departing from SJSU to the venue (Inn at Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz) in a charter bus in the early afternoon on Fri 3/6. We will return via charter bus in the late afternoon on Sun 3/8. 

Can I drive myself to the retreat? 

No. All participants must utilize SJSU-provided transportation in order to attend the retreat. 

What if I can't stay for the entire retreat? 

To a meaningful experience for all, LT participants must be able to attend the full retreat. If you are unable to attend a portion of the retreat, please consider joining us another year! 

What is the lodging situation like? 

The Inn at Pasatiempo is a hotel facility. All participants will stay in a hotel room with one room mate. Each room includes two beds, a bathroom with shower and toilet, mini fridge, and other amentities. Participants will share their room with someone with the same gender identity as them. 

What is the meals situation like? 

All meals are provided by the Inn at Pasatiempo. We will will have dinner at the venue on Friday; all 3 meals are provided on Saturday; and breakfast and lunch are provided on Sunday. Snacks will be provided throughout the weekend. 

All dietary restrictions will be accommodated as much as reasonably possible (ie, Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.) Please share your dietrary restrictions in the application. 

Who can I contact for other questions or more information? 

Please contact Mosaic Program Coordinator and LT Planning Committee Co-Chair, Cheska Dolor by emailing cheska.dolor@sjsu.edu or stopping by at Mosaic Cross Cultural Center located inside the Student Union (across the bookstore)