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Launched just last year, the Student Engagement Leadership (SEL) Program is already having a big impact in the Faculty of Engineering—helping students navigate their transition to university while fostering a stronger, more connected community.

This volunteer-based initiative gives undergraduate students the chance to welcome, guide, and support their peers at key points in their academic journey. From Orientation and Open House to health and wellness events, Student Engagement Leaders offer tours, answer questions about choosing a discipline, and share their own experiences—helping new and prospective students feel seen, supported, and at home in engineering.

“What makes a great student leader is a willingness to be vulnerable, to share your own story, and to make genuine connections,” says Alesha Starchuk, Student Engagement Officer and developer of the program.

Participation has already grown. Nearly 50 students joined the program last year; this year, 55 student leaders will take part—including 22 returning volunteers who are stepping into senior roles. New this year, these experienced leaders will facilitate sessions throughout the academic year focused on key first-year topics.

Beyond welcoming new students, student leaders also support outreach and community engagement. They host visiting students from Japan, guide alumni on tours, and return to high schools to share their journeys and encourage future engineers. “It’s all about student-to-student engagement,” says Starchuk. “Having someone to talk to who’s been through it makes a big difference.”

And the benefits go both ways. Student leaders gain valuable experience in inclusive leadership, teamwork, communication, and professionalism—skills that often open the door to further leadership opportunities. “I’ve seen students who have taken part in this program go on to lead student clubs or take on senior leadership roles,” says Starchuk. “The experience helps them grow.”

Fourth-year Chemical Engineering student Akmal Saheer Bin Jafarulla describes his experience in the program as “transformative and pivotal.”

“Through this program, I learned how to lead with empathy, manage responsibilities effectively and collaborate with diverse teams,” he says. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone—whether it was speaking in front of large groups or coordinating campus-wide initiatives. It’s been an experience that has truly strengthened my leadership skills while allowing me to make a meaningful impact within the Faculty of Engineering community.”

Fourth-year Electrical Engineering student Lavanya Sharma, who returns this year as a Senior Engagement Leader, says the program has deeply shaped how she leads, collaborates, and communicates across her many roles.

“I became more mindful about how I communicate, more intentional about building impactful relationships, and hold space for others to help foster a welcoming and inclusive engineering culture,” she says. “Those conversations helped shape how I approach collaboration during my presidency at Engineers Without Borders last year, and now in my advocacy work as VP Advocacy at WESST.”

She also praised the supportive environment:

“I deeply appreciated the community built by both fellow leaders and the Student Engagement Officer. I would recommend this program to any student who wants to make a difference within our campus community.”

Feedback from participants continues to shape the program. This year, student leaders will take on more responsibility in planning and delivering engagement activities—including a new first-year mentorship program designed to build meaningful peer connections throughout the year.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to connect with the program. Whether you’re looking for a student speaker, tour host, or panel participant, you can contact engglife@ualberta.ca or visit the Student Engagement Leadership Program webpage to learn more.

And when you see the yellow t-shirts around campus this fall, be sure to say hello—those are your student leaders in action.