Registration Open Now!
The Gamecocks LEAD conference will be held on Saturday, March 28th, 10:00A-4:00P in the Pastides Alumni Center. To register, click HERE. Student organizations are expected to participate to remain in good standing for the upcoming year:
- Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) - at least one (1) representative.
- Associated Student Organuzations (ASOs) - at least two (2) representatives.
*Students may represent up to three (3) organizations when registering!
Lunch will be provided for all registered guest. Sessions will be facilitated by USC professional staff, campus partners, student organizations, and student leaders.
Please be sure to confirm whether your organization has RSVP'd by checking the Student Organization Tracker.
Learn, Engage, and Discover
Leadership is a continuous journey of growth; from understanding yourself, to empowering others, to creating meaningful impact in your community. This year’s conference invites you to explore leadership through three interconnected themes that reflect this journey: Learn, Engage, and Discover. Each theme offers opportunities to develop new insights, strengthen your leadership skills, and reimagine how you and your organization can make a difference at USC.
Learn: Leading the Self
These sessions will invite you to explore who you are as a leader. Through reflection and skill-building, you’ll deepen your understanding of your values, strengths, and personal leadership abilities. Learn how your involvement in student organizations shapes your leadership identity and discover ways to apply these insights in all areas of your life.
Engage: Leading with Others
Leadership doesn’t happen alone. These sessions will focus on how to effectively engage, motivate, and support your peers. Explore communication strategies, team-building practices, and approaches to group-leadership that strengthen your organization and help your group thrive together.
Discover: Leading for Impact
Great leaders look beyond their immediate circles. These sessions will encourage you to explore how your organization can connect, collaborate, and contribute to the broader USC community. Discover partnerships, campus resources, and creative strategies that amplify your organization’s impact and help create positive change across campus.
Call for Proposals
Student and Staff proposals are now being accepted for the 2026 LEAD Conference!
Proposal Deadline: Friday, March 6th, 2026 (11:59P)
To submit a proposal, click HERE.
Interested in presenting at Gamecocks LEAD? Students and professional staff are encouraged to submit a proposal to present either individually or through/with an organization that aligns with the themes above. As members and leaders within organizations, YOU are the experts and have great knowledge, experiences, and best practices to share with other student leaders and groups. Remember, you do not have to have your presentation figured out just yet - once you are selected to be a presenter you can then solidify your presentation. Some topics that you may present on include:
- Best Practices
- Group Development
- Leadership Development
- Personal Development
- Professional Development
- Service / Community Impacts
- Student Organization Leadership
As a student, you are able to select either a 20-minute or 40-minute presentation. If you have any questions about presenting, or would like to meet with a professional staff member in the LSC to help with your presentation topic, please contact Rebecca Dooley.
If you have any questions about the conference or registration, please contact Jamie Howelle or Rebecca Dooley.
Additional Information:
There is no cost to register for this program.
The Gamecocks LEAD Conference will provide both new and experienced leaders within organizations with helpful information, strategies, and best practices to take your organizations and leadership skills to the next level. This conference was designed specifically for student organizations. A few more specific benefits:
- Learn about key policies and campus resources;
- Personal leadership development sessions will be hosted by USC professional staff and campus partners;
- Opportunity to connect and collaborate with other organizations and USC campus partners;
- Develop skills and knowledge to better your student organization.
The Gamecocks LEAD Conference will be held near campus at the Pastides Alumni Center (900 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201). Transportation and parking not provided.
Participants will be provided lunch during the conference. Please plan to eat breakfast beforehand, and be sure to include any dietary restrictions when you register so we can accommodate your needs.