Take the Lead! Conference for Student Leaders
Take the Lead! Conference for Student Leaders / 2026 Schedule

2026 Schedule

8:15 - 9:00 Check-in

  • Check in or complete an on-site registration and pick up your conference handouts.

8:30Breakfast is served
2nd floor lobby, dine in Cat Cavern

  • Available to all. We ask students with a meal plan to utilize this free meal to save their morning/lunch meal plan for our buffet lunch.

9:00 Welcome
Cat Cavern 

  • This year's theme

9:10 - 10:00 KEYNOTE -- It's OK to Not Know Everything
Cat Cavern

  • Join Willamette University alumnae and OPB Higher Education Reporter, Natalie Pate as she discusses her own journey developing her leadership style and comfort. Good leadership is always a function of community.

10:00 How to do this event 
Cat Cavern

  • Use Session Descriptions to find what will match your needs and interests
  • See room map on Venue page
  • Presenter intros
  • Restrooms
  • Meals and snacks
  • Incentives to stay to the end

BREAK 

10:20 - 11:05 Leadership Session 1
See room map on Venue page

  • Choose from several sessions to find the topic that will help you best - including a Student Club and Organization Orientation (SCOO). 

11:15 - 11:45 Lightning Round
Cat Cavern

  • Get the fast and furious low-down on topics important to you in these 10 minute flash sessions.

11:50 - 12:40 Networking Lunch
2nd floor lobby, dine in Cat Cavern

  • Grab a full plate and join us back at the tables for some casual networking questions to build stronger connections between students and groups on campus.
  • Several WU Alumni will be here to chat with tables over lunch, too
  • For students with meal plans, this lunch will use Saturday's brunch swipe on your food plan.

12:50 - 1:35 Bearcat Connections -- Connecting Bearcats over experiences, communities and successes
Cat Cavern

  • Meet the Willamette University Alumni Board of Directors while discussing the real challenges of leading in today's world

Break 

1:45 - 2:30 Leadership Session 2
See room map on Venue page

  • Choose from several sessions to find the topic that will help you best.

2:40 - 3:10 It's that Simple 
Cat Cavern

  • In this workshop, get focused guidance on meeting ASWU requirements for club and organization community plans and eligibility

3:15 Closing 
Cat Cavern

  • Gather back in Cat Cavern for a quick closing and awards.
  • Maybe you or your group will be a winner. Prizes awarded in recognition of participation and engagement

Celebrations on your own after!

Session Descriptions