Student Leaders at Markham (SLAM)

SLAM is a hands-on leadership program designed to help you grow skills that actually matter for your future. Through interactive workshops and opportunities both on and off campus, you’ll build confidence, discover your leadership style and learn how to lead in ways that feel authentic to you.

Through SLAM, you will...

Uncover the leader in you

SLAM helps you identify your leadership values, accountability, and inclusive decisions

Speak your mind, clearly

Finesse your writing and public speaking skills and learn how to to navigate conflict.

Think outside the box

Apply strategic thinking to solve complex problems and make evidence based decisions.

Be a better team mate

Collaborate effectively in diverse groups while building interpersonal connections.

Get Career Ready

Gain experiences and learn how to articulate them when it's time to apply for your next job.

Be Rewarded

Earn a certificate for attending workshops, get incentives for voluntary work, and more.

Get Involved On Campus!

Whether its supporting campus events, or working on campus, through SLAM there are plenty of ways to stay involved from first year to graduation. Check out the shoes that you could fill:

Recruitment Ambassador
Peer Mentor
Orientation Leaders
Wellbeing Engagement Volunteer
and more!

See below for how to get started with SLAM.

1. Attend Foundational Leadership Training

This foundational leadership training is mandatory for SLAM leaders. The next training is Wednesday, March 4 at 1:15 p.m. in MK 2050 Sign up!

2. Role-Specific Training

Connect with your team lead, and learn the ins and outs of the role you'll take on.

3. Contribute to the Community

Put your leadership skills to the test! Apply what you've learned to case studies and community experiences in advanced training.

4. Advance your Training

Further your leadership training in workshops related to communication, professional development, and being a good leader.

Ready to Lead?

Check out our upcoming workshops for Winter 2026! 👇

Foundational Training: Goal Setting for Student Leaders

This workshop will challenge your understanding of leadership by exploring different definitions of leadership and inviting you to reflect on the qualities that matter most to you. You’ll also set personal leadership goals, helping you be intentional about the opportunities you pursue and mindful of the learning you gain through your experiences.

This training is mandatory if you're looking to join SLAM. Upcoming sessions:

Wednesday, March 4 from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m. in MK 2050
Wednesday, March 25 from 1:15 -2:30 p.m. in MK 2050

Conflict Resolution

When working with teams, conflict is inevitable and it’s often uncomfortable. This workshop will walk through strategies on how to best handle conflict and how to deescalate these situations. Moreover, in this workshop, we will discuss ways to minimize conflict and how leaders can help mediate conflicts between team members.

Monday, March 9 from 5:45 - 7 p.m.

Leading Teams

Recognizing that many of our student leaders take various leadership roles on-campus, this workshop will help you learn how to be effective leaders for your teams. Using case studies and real life scenarios, you will have the opportunity to share your vision with a team, resolve conflict among team members, and effectively lead a team. In addition, we will explore imposter syndrome and how it can show up in leadership spaces — especially for high-achieving student leaders. You will learn strategies to build confidence, own your accomplishments, and lead authentically even when self-doubt arises.

Wednesday, March 18 from 1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

All Workshops

One way we can better understand our own leadership is to learn more about our core values. They influence how we respond in situations, how we make decisions and how we behave, all which also influence how we lead. In this workshop, you’ll explore the connection between values and leadership and identify your own core values. You’ll also learn how to articulate your leadership in ways that are useful for scholarship applications and job opportunities.

In order for a leader to successfully lead a team, they need good and effective communication skills. This workshop will explore different communication strategies and how they can be best applied in various team settings. In addition, we will talk about communication skills that are needed in a professional setting, this includes communication skills for professional meetings, email writing and cross team collaboration.

TBD

Discover practical strategies to strengthen your mental well-being and bounce back from challenges. This workshop explores the five elements of well-being, how to recognize and prevent burnout, and actionable self-care practices for both work and home. You’ll also learn resiliency skills to help you adapt and thrive in stressful situations, plus experience a guided meditation to reset and recharge.

Step into your power and own your presence! This interactive session tackles imposter syndrome, code-switching, and the myths around “professional” image. Learn how to confidently showcase your authentic self in applications, interviews, and networking. Through affirmations, practical tips, and resume strategies, you’ll leave ready to take up space unapologetically and embrace the opportunities you deserve.

Elevate your professional game with tools to excel in any work environment. This workshop covers everything from understanding workplace culture and meeting deadlines to mastering communication and presentation skills. Gain insights on building strong relationships, managing remote work effectively, and presenting yourself confidently—whether in person or on video. Perfect for anyone looking to stand out and succeed on the job.

Have questions? Reach out!

Markham Campus Student Services

Welcome Desk, First Floor

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday from 9:00AM - 4:00PM

markhamstudentlife@yorku.ca