LSU Students Build Leadership and Serve Communities through SLICE Programs

While spring break is usually a time for traveling or relaxing, some LSU students are using the time to build leadership skills and serve communities through programs offered by LSU's Campus Life.

“College is really one big opportunity to learn how to navigate the world. Students who really invest their time in involvement and service leave LSU with a story to tell about their experience,” said Briana McManus, assistant director of student leadership and involvement in LSU Campus Life. 

SLICE, which stands for Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement, is part of LSU Campus Life and provides leadership development, student organization support, and service opportunities for students across campus. The office oversees several leadership, involvement, and civic engagement programs designed to help students build skills that expand beyond the classroom. 

Through SLICE, students can participate in a variety of leadership initiatives, including the Beyond Leadership Cohort, Leadership LSU, and the Disney Leadership Experience.

The Beyond Leadership Cohort is a two-semester program designed to help first-year students develop leadership skills early on. The program focuses on the idea that leadership is not defined by a title, but by how individuals show up and influence others. These programs focus on developing leadership skills that students can apply both during their time at LSU and in their future careers.

“There’s no limit to what you can do here. Our job is to help students find the path that’s right for them.”

Briana McManus, assistant director of student leadership and involvement, LSU Campus Life

One of the most unique leadership opportunities offered through SLICE is the Disney Leadership Experience. This program takes place during spring break; students travel to Walt Disney World, through a partnership with the University of Florida. The program focuses on leadership, teamwork, and communication practices while also showing students Disney’s approach to customer service and organizational leadership.  

Next semester Campus Life hopes to launch a new leadership development series called the “Go Lead Series.” 

Along with leadership development, SLICE gives students the opportunity to be a part of service initiatives that have a meaningful impact on communities. Programs like Change Break, Change Saturdays, and Geaux Big Baton Rouge provide opportunities for students to volunteer both locally and across the United States.  

“The mission is leadership beyond a title and leadership beyond LSU. We want students to use these skills not only for what they’re doing here, but also in their careers and personal lives,” said McManus. 

Change Break allows students to travel to different communities around the U.S. during the fall break to participate in service projects while learning about new environments and social issues. Past trips have taken students to states such as Texas and Tennessee, with future service trips planned for communities along the East Coast. 

One of SLICE’s largest service initiatives is Geaux Big Baton Rouge, a week-long program where students volunteer with campus and community organizations throughout the Baton Rouge area. Students can partner with organizations such as Front Yard Bikes, the Baton Rouge Zoo, and the LSU Food Pantry. Student organizations also host their own service events during this week.

“Employers are looking for professionalism, leadership development and communication skills, and those are the things students learn in these experiences outside the classroom.” said McManus 

Aside from learning, students connect with LSU and the Baton Rouge communities they might serve in their future careers.  

LSU student Elizabeth Carter, who has participated in multiple SLICE programs since enrolling at LSU, said she has built career readiness skills. She now serves as a Campus Life Ambassador. 

“LSU has always been part of my family’s story. As a third-generation LSU Tiger, I knew I wanted to invest my time in opportunities that would help me grow as a student, leader and person while creating a legacy of my own," Carter said.

Students looking to get involved can explore opportunities through Tiger Link or can connect with the SLICE office in Campus Life to learn about leadership and service programs. But students can also create their own student-led organizations if they want to start something new.

“There’s no limit to what you can do here. Our job is to help students find the path that’s right for them,” said McManus