Programs
Student Leadership Team
Make your mark on campus, shape the future of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and impact the lives of incoming first-year and transfer students.
Mission
We empower belonging and success in the College of NSM through mentorship, academic support, and community engagement.
Values
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Resiliency
Characteristics
NSM Student Leaders should possess and demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Strong knowledge of the University, College, and department in which they are studying, including the mission, goals, academic requirements, and resources
- Ability to encourage and support students and peers in pursuing their academic goals
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work on a diverse team to serve a variety of populations, including prospective students, parents, admitted students, faculty, and staff
- Demonstrate good judgment, ethical behavior, and respect for others
- Demonstrate strong leadership abilities
Qualifications
NSM Student Leaders must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a current, undergraduate student
- Must have and maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Must be able to participate in bi-weekly, mandatory team trainings/meetings each Tuesday from 8:45 - 9:45 a.m.
- Must be able to participate in Fall and Spring Retreats, scheduled in early August and early January before classes begin
- Must be able to participate in NSM and Student Leadership Team events, programs, etc., throughout the Fall and Spring semester
Responsibilities
NSM Student Leaders represent the College to serve their fellow Coogs, promote an interdependent and unified culture among NSM undergraduates, and support student-success programs and initiatives, including:
- Representing the College at a variety of events to facilitate one-on-one and group discussions with prospective students (and their parents) wanting to learn more about NSM;
- Speaking to their academic and professional experiences in order to provide insight into what a college career in NSM looks like;
- Supporting the transition into life as a Cougar, including offering advice, responding to questions, and sharing experiences to enhance the undergraduate experience for incoming first-year and first-semester transfer students;
- Connecting incoming first-year and first-semester transfer students to College and University resources;
- Facilitating career exploration, professional development, and networking opportunities for first-year and first-semester transfer students as well as student leadership team members;
- Partnering with other student leadership associations and organizations to program and execute events geared toward engaging undergraduates, facilitating peer connection, and offering doorways to opportunities and resources within NSM and UH.
Regardless of the position you are selected for, each NSM Student Leader is responsible for the support of the Office of First Year Programs as a whole, and you should expect to aid in the support of all aspects related to NSM Student Leadership.
Academic Expectations
NSM Student Leaders serve as models to other students. As such, NSM Student Leaders must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be in good academic standing. Appointed professional staff will review grades for all selected NSM Student Leaders once per semester after grades have been posted in order to determine students’ academic eligibility to continue participating on the NSM Student Leadership Team.
Disciplinary Expectations
NSM Student Leaders serve as models to other students. As such, NSM Student Leaders must uphold all institutional, collegiate, and program policy. The Office of First Year Programs must be informed within 48 hours of any violation. Appointed professional staff will review any violations in order to determine students’ eligibility to continue participating on the NSM Student Leadership Team.
Participation Expectations
NSM Student Leaders are expected to participate in mandatory trainings, events sponsored by the Office of First Year Programs, and select partner events hosted by the Office of Admissions.
Whether you’re passionate about mentorship, event planning, student advocacy, or something else entirely, there’s a leadership opportunity for you on the NSM Student Leadership Team.
Positions
The NSM Student Leadership Team includes the Leadership Council and Members who provide a variety of services to our first-year and transfer students.
Leadership Council
Leadership Council members serve as the leaders to our Student Leadership members. Leadership Council members are assigned a specialty area of service as well as assist with additional opportunities, including facilitating professional development workshops, event planning, and maintaining our Student Leadership Team training curriculum.
Student Leadership Members
Student Leadership members are integral to the success of first-year and transfer students in the College. Student Leadership members are assigned a specialty area of service that supports our students, refines their own unique strengths, and empowers their development as a leader!
Service Areas
Academic Support
Student Leadership Team members assigned to this area of service support our students by facilitating study nights for foundational classes (e.g., Chemistry I and Calculus I) in partnership with the Scholar Enrichment Program, co-leading our first-year seminar, and co-hosting our Academic Success Seminar. These Student Leaders are essential for empowering our students’ academic success!
Peer Mentorship
Student Leadership Team members assigned to this area of service support our students by providing one-on-one and group mentorship to those in our Peer Mentorship Program. These Student Leaders ease our students’ transition into the College and help them navigate challenges (and opportunities!) experienced by our newest NSM family members. These Student Leaders are essential for creating a sense of community!
Recruitment
Student Leadership Team members assigned to this area of service inspire interested high school students to apply to the College by participating in local college fairs and admissions events. These Student Leaders are essential for showcasing how prospective students can find academic experiences, professional development opportunities, and a sense of belonging in the College!
Social Media & Engagement
Student Leadership Team members assigned to this area of service support our students by creating marketing materials for our events, maintaining our social media account(s), and serving as photographers during our events. These Student Leaders are essential for spreading the word about our events to ensure our students get connected!
Professional Development
Leadership Council members support our Student Leadership Team members by planning and facilitating professional development opportunities.
Event Planning
Leadership Council members support our students and Student Leadership Team members by planning and facilitating academic and social events to empower their holistic success and engagement in the College.
Being an NSM Student Leadership Team member comes with perks!
Benefits
Make an Impact
Whether it’s planning events, talking to potential students, mentoring first-year students, or hanging out with your peers, you'll have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of your peers.
Develop Valuable Skills
Leadership isn't just about leading – it's also about learning. You'll develop crucial skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making that will benefit you long after graduation.
Build a Network
Connect with like-minded peers, faculty, staff, and alumni who share your passion for leadership and are committed to helping you succeed.
Enhance Your Resume
Being a student leader demonstrates to future employers and graduate schools that you're proactive, responsible, and capable of taking on challenges. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in exclusive professional development events!
Incentives
Student Leaders
- Professional development training
- An NSM polo/t-shirt
- A cord and special recognition at commencement
- Devoted space in M.D. Anderson Library
- A recommendation letter from the Office of First Year Programs
Leadership Council
- Specialized leadership position
- Professional development training
- An NSM polo/t-shirt
- A cord and special recognition at commencement
- Devoted space in M.D. Anderson Library
- Outstanding Leadership Certificate
- A recommendation letter from the Dean’s Office
Get Connected & Apply
Want to serve as a Student Leader next year? Hear what makes our Student Leadership Team great!
“I was a mentee my first semester at UH, and my mentor helped me feel welcome at UH and worked hard to support my academic success. Now, I want to do the same for other new students at UH to help their transition to the university. I believe in the power of education and with the proper resources and mentorship, all new students at UH can succeed.”
– Ashna Akepati, Biochemistry
“Transferring to UH as a Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences major has genuinely been one of best decisions I have ever made, and being an NSM leader allows me to share my appreciation with current and prospective students. I am familiar with the feeling of being overwhelmed with not knowing what I need to know.”
– Hailey Bui, Biochemistry
“I want to be able to help and be a role model for first-year students, learn presentation skills, and share my interest and passion in STEM. I want to utilize my experiences and support to guide other peers to navigate their way through NSM and the University of Houston. I want to represent and show the diversity and strength of women leaders in this field.”
– Kayla Le, Mathematics
“I strive to become more empathetic towards the struggles faced by students at my school and learn ways in which I can address them. I aim to deepen my understanding of the needs/aspirations of students at UH, to better advocate for their success.”
– Paul Daniel, Honors Biomedical Science
“As an NSM mentee, I have been blessed to have the opportunities this program has given me. I serve as an NSM Student Leader to help give those who were once in my shoes the “cheat-codes” to a successful first year at UH.”
– Tyler Vu, Biology
Application Process
The application process for the next Student Leadership Team cohort begins in Spring. Check back here for more information. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel welcome to connect with us at nsmyear1@central.uh.edu.
Connect With Us
Email us at nsmyear1@central.uh.edu or find us on Instagram @nsmfirstyear.