University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo held the Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference - a half-day, leadership development conference bringing together 100 student leaders and 49 professional mentors - on Feb. 7 in the Student Union. The conference, now in its fifth year, focused on a dynamic, relationship-centered leadership experience focused on learning, connection and community. Students engaged with mentors around leadership values, decision-making and personal growth through structured mentoring conversations and interactive activities. "Next Level Leadership Mentoring Conference is impactful because it normalizes the leadership journey and connects student leaders with real career stories," Susan O'Rourke, UB assistant director of leadership and development, says. "Through conversations with Western New York professionals, students hear how individuals found their path, the mentors who supported them and the experiences that shaped their growth. Next Level helps students understand how involvement, mentorship and initiative translate into meaningful leadership and career-ready skill development without needing to have everything figured out." The conference sessions emphasized authentic connection and reflection, helping students build confidence in how they communicate and relate to others. Participants also qualified for UB's Leadership and Development Foundations Change Agent digital badge. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

Leadership House - a highly selective leadership development program for first-year students enrolled at the University at Buffalo - welcomed 29 students for the 2025-26 academic year. "Leadership House gives students the rare opportunity to learn about leadership while living it," Phyllis Floro, director of student engagement at UB, says. "They step into a supportive community, take on real challenges and discover their own strengths. By the end of the year, they've built confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose that will carry them through college and beyond." Leadership House is a year-long commitment with two leadership-based courses, two retreats, an orientation and various community-building programs throughout the year. Students receive credit for the two classes and dedicate about six hours per month to the program outside of the classroom. While many of the participating students choose to live together on campus, it is not a requirement of the program. Read more about student achievements by visiting UB's Merit page. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system. About the University at Buffalo The University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university, and is New York's flagship. UB's more than 30,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 500 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is composed of America's leading research universities. AAU's 71 research universities transform lives through education, research and innovation.

Leadership House - a highly selective leadership development program for first-year students at the University at Buffalo - welcomed 29 students for the 2024-25 academic year. "This program is designed to make sure students get the most out of their time at UB," Phyllis Floro, director of student engagement, says. "Leadership House provides members with opportunities to gain and improve leadership skills, put those skills into action, network with successful Leadership House alumni and establish a supportive community of peers." Leadership House is a year-long commitment with two leadership-based courses, two retreats, an orientation and various community-building programs throughout the year. Students receive credit for the two classes and dedicate about six hours per month to the program outside of the classroom. While many participating students choose to live together, it is not a requirement of the program. UB is New York State's flagship and the largest and most comprehensive institution in the State University of New York system.