What started as a question about how student leaders are supported led me to another one: What are students actually getting the opportunity to do once they become leaders? Our research changed how I think about the relationship between support, responsibility, and learning to lead.

The written responses from student leaders and advisors helped me understand why clear roles and useful organizational tools don’t always lead to consistent follow-through. They also changed how I think about the practical support students need while learning to lead other people.

Thirty-seven advisors and coaches shared what they see helping student leaders succeed, and where follow-through, workload, and preparation can still become difficult.

Early results from about 270 student leaders show clear role expectations, common challenges, and very different experiences with training and support.