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Presidents’ Retreat

Connect and learn with fellow U of T club leaders

Apply now to the President’s Retreat 2025.

Take part in a two-day on and off-campus retreat with fellow U of T clubs leaders to connect, build leadership skills and make unforgettable memories together.

The structure of the Retreat has varied over the past few years but takes place over two days: one hybrid, and one in person, off campus! In the past couple years, club leaders have visited some stunning locations such as Crawford Lake and YMCA Cedar Glen.

Current presidents and executives of recognized clubs and student groups on the St. George campus can apply.

Join fellow club leaders to:

  • Build leadership skills
  • Share ideas and learn from each other
  • Make a greater campus impact
  • Create lasting connections (and maybe s’mores)

Engage in a variety of events and activities for connecting and supporting clubs leaders, including (but not limited to):

  • Workshops (Speaker led, round table format, interactive activity based)
  • Food and socializing time
  • Keynote speaker
  • Leadership in action activities
  • Reflection activities
  • Icebreaker/team building activities

The retreat takes place in mid-end of August every year. More information on the upcoming retreat and applications will be available in July.

2025 Presidents’ Retreat

Day 1: August 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (ending time may change by an hour) On Campus

  • Equity and identity session
  • Dedicated networking time
  • Roundtable discussion to learn from each other
  • Keynote speaker
  • Free lunch & swag!

Day 2: August 16 (In person at Cedar Glen)

  • Opportunity to meet student leaders from the Scarborough campus!
  • High ropes and low ropes activities
  • Leadership in action activities to build communication, team dynamics and personal leadership style
  • Dedicated reflection time
  • Free lunch & dinner
  • Campfire with s’mores!

Transportation for successful applicants will be provided for Day 2 from 21 Sussex Avenue on campus.

Apply for 2025 Presidents’ Retreat

Apply to the President’s Retreat 2025.

We encourage applications to take their time in applying as this is a highly sought-out opportunity with only a limited numbers of spots. Every application will be reviewed in depth and we encourage folks to show their authentic selves.

  1. What is President’s Retreat 2025?
    It’s a two-day program tailored for the club presidents and executives who want to foster new connections, explore valuable resources, and sharpen their leadership skills.
  2. When is the program?
    Day 1: August 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (on-campus)
    Day 2: August 16, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (in person at YMCA Cedar Glen – bus provided and leaves from 21 Sussex)
  3. Can everyone be accepted into the program?
    • There is a quota for those who want to attend Day 1 in-person following the room’s capacity. If the in-person option is full, we will offer the applicants the chance to join Day 1 virtually.
    • Only successful applicants will be invited to attend Day 2 because we can only accommodate a certain number of people on the bus.
  4. Can two or more persons from the same club attend the program?
    We will prioritize one person from each club to have more diversity in terms of club leaders who join the program. However, if we have some spots available, it is permitted to have more than one person from the same club to join the program.
  5. How are we going to go to YMCA Cedar Glen?
    For successful applicants who are invited to join Day 2, we will provide transportation. We will gather on campus at 21 Sussex Avenue and depart together to YMCA Cedar Glen. After the program for Day 2 is done, we will return to campus. More details will be provided to successful applicants.
  6. I am not a club president or executive, can I apply?
    We will prioritize the club president and executive.
  7. Is this CCR Recognized?
    Yes, this is CCR Recognized
  8. Is this free?
    100% free
  9. What will I get by attending this program?
    • Connections with other club leaders.
    • Insights, tools, and knowledge that will enable you to be a better leader for your club and for yourself.
    • Food and beverages during the in-person session.
    • A certificate of participation and free swag!
  10. When will the registration open?
    June 27 – July 13
  11. When will I get confirmation if my application is successful or not?
    Starting from July 21, we will send information to the successful applicants. You can expect communications to come from clubs@utoronto.ca.
  12. What will be the topics and who will be the speakers in the program?
    The topics will be around leadership, especially being a leader in a student club, because this program is designed to help you succeed as a club leader. More details will be provided in our webpage.
  13. Can I register only for Day 1 or Day 2?
    You are allowed to register only for Day 1 or Day 2. However, we will prioritize applicants who can attend on both days.
360 angle view of students in participating in a team building activity in the forest.
Team building activity, 2024
An instructor standing below the ropes activity.
Ropes activity, 2024
A student completing the ropes activity.
Student in action, 2024
Group shot of students from 2023 in front of Crawford Lake.
Presidents’ Retreat group, 2023
Pathway and hut in Crawford Lake.
Crawford Lake, 2023
Students listening to the keynote talk from 2023.
Keynote, 2023
Group shot of students from 2022 in a presentation room.
Presidents’ Retreat group, 2022
Students completing a team building activity with dominoes.
Team building activity, 2022