Student Engagement & Leadership staff serve as consultants to the campus community. In addition to one-on-one leadership consultations, we offer free, customized training sessions to groups of 10 or more students. Individual students, informally organized groups, and recognized campus organizations are all encouraged to seek consultation with the trained staff.


We know that truly effective leadership is possible and we believe that you are capable of changing the world. Don't face the thrills and challenges of leadership alone. Let us assist you in achieving your individual and organizational goals.


Reasons for leadership consultation vary widely. An organization might be growing and requiring new skills of its officers, facing a difficult issue and requiring outside intervention, or strive to inspire members with leadership skills. In any of these cases (and others), leadership consultation is an appropriate choice. 


Popular topics include: officer transition, organizational vision, leadership theories and development, effective marketing, conflict management, diversity dialogues, productivity style management, public speaking, risk management, and team-building.

Staff in SEAL are committed to providing individualized service to organizations.

  • One or more officers meet with SEAL staff to identify issues/needs 
  • Officers and SEAL staff collaborate to design an appropriate training or intervention
  • The training or consultation meeting is conducted.
  1. SEAL staff facilitate a training or consulting session
  2. SEAL staff and organization officers co-facilitate a training
  3. SEAL staff prepare organization officers to facilitate a training alone 
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Waves of Change: The Leadership Challenge

The Waves of Change: Leadership Challenge program is a non-credit Leadership certificate program offered through the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership at UC Santa Barbara. Inspired by "The Leadership Challenge" book by James Kousez and Barry Posner, the program focuses on the Five Best Practices of Leadership:

  • Model the Way
  • Inspire a Shared Vision
  • Challenge the Process
  • Enable Others to Act
  • Encourage the Heart

Cohort-Based Journey

This program is designed as a cohort-based journey. Participants are encouraged to build connections through discussion board activities and candid conversations during workshops. The diverse perspectives of cohort members will enrich the overall experience. Active participation and sharing are highly encouraged.

Course Structure

  • Live Sessions: Course materials will be presented in quarter-long in-person sessions.
  • Online Access: Materials will be accessible through Canvas after each workshop.
  • Homework: Assignments will be reflective activities or practical exercises.

Completion Requirements

To earn the Waves of Change Certificate of Completion, participants must:

  1. Attend all workshops.
  2. Complete assignments in Canvas, including discussion board activities.
  3. Schedule a 360-Student Leadership Practice Inventory consultation.
  4. Successfully complete the Ripple Effect Roadmap presentation.

Program Benefits

  • Certificate of Completion: Our program provides a recognized Certificate of Leadership Achievement upon completion, enhancing your credentials for future opportunities by showcasing your newfound skills.
  • LinkedIn Badge: Elevate your online presence and showcase your leadership prowess on LinkedIn with an exclusive badge for potential employers, recruiters, and graduate schools.
  • Recognition at Awards Ceremony: Be celebrated for your achievements! You will receive special recognition at our prestigious annual Leadership and Activities Awards event, acknowledging your dedication and leadership impact.
  • Boost Applications: Our program's achievements are officially included in your co curricular transcript, giving you a competitive edge in the pursuit of your career and academic goals.

Past participants have said

  • "I have established so many wonderful friendships and networking contacts through this program. I really feel like this program was more beneficial than I ever could have imagined."
  • "I cannot say enough about how helpful this program has been. It opened my eyes to the ways in which I can successfully be a leader on this campus."
  • "I cannot remember a program that I have been involved in that has taught me so much about myself, brought me closer to my peers, and helped me realize my leadership potential. I strongly believe that this program is extremely beneficial for all freshmen and I feel that I was truly successful in my first year of college in terms of academia, social integration, and leadership because of my involvement with this program."

Applications will be available via Shoreline during the academic year and students are chosen based on their potential for development.