Student Leadership

Student leadership anchors each symposium, and in many cases, that leadership is acknowledged with academic credit.

With support and mentorship from faculty and staff, student leaders research and develop the symposium themes, invite and host speakers, create panels and workshops, curate art exhibits, develop publicity, manage budgets, and coordinate event logistics. In addition, students also present their own work, often alongside community leaders, distinguished scholars, and professional writers and artists. All symposia offer rich opportunities for meaningful collaboration, multifaceted research, and the use and development of sophisticated communication skills.

  • Grace posing outside, wearing a colorful top.

    Being a cochair for the Gender Studies Symposium has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a student. It has been inspirational to receive proposals from peers and other institutions knowing how many folks are committed to exploring and valuing gender and sexuality in their academic fields.

    Grace Marchant BA ’25
    Philosophy | Gender Studies | Upland, California
    More about Grace
  • Zoe smiling outside wearing a blue-green dress with string ties.

    Being a Gender Studies Symposium cochair has been one of the most rewarding experiences. I feel like my time as a cochair has facilitated my shift from a gender studies student to scholar, and I will always look back on this experience with gratitude and fondness.

    Zoë Smith BA ’25
    Psychology | Gender Studies | Elk Grove, California
    More about Zoë
  • Helen Guyton BA '23

    I helped as an organizer for both the Gender Studies Symposium and the Environment Across Boundaries ENVX Symposium. It was fascinating to get a glimpse of all the amazing projects that L&C and other schools’ students are involved in.

    Helen Guyton BA ’23
    Sociology and Anthropology | Environmental Studies and Japanese (double) | Cologne, Germany
    More about Helen