Be More. Be MAGIS!
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Our mission
Guided by our Ignatian values and the Social Change Model of leadership development, the Magis Emerging Leadership Program is a year-long fellowship for first-year students at the University of San Francisco. The program is rooted in the concept of Magis, meaning “more” in Latin, which challenges our Fellows to strive for excellence. The program engages the Fellows through workshops, group challenges, and other leadership development opportunities which ultimately foster socially responsible leaders who focus on working with others for the public good.
How we define leadership
We believe that leadership is a relational process of people working together to accomplish change or make a difference that will benefit the common good. We source our guiding principles from the National Clearinghouse for Leadership Programs.
What are the benefits of becoming a Fellow?
- Create tangible change within your first year at USF
- Leadership coaching that enhances the college experience and preparation for life after college
- Networking with current first-year students, upperclassmen, and alumni of USF who have participated in the program
- Mentorship from upperclassmen who engage in socially responsible leadership practices
- Access to multiple assessments that aid in better understanding self and others (i.e. True Colors, Clifton Strengths, Conflict Management Styles, Love Languages, etc.)
- Access to the Magis Alumni LinkedIn Network
- Induction into the Alumni Society upon completion of the Program
- Opportunity to become a Mentor for future cohorts of the Program
See our full list of FELLOWSHIP Components & Requirements
Who can participate?
The Magis Emerging Leadership Program is open to select first-year students who are interested in developing and practicing leadership skills over the course of their first academic year at USF. No prior leadership skills are necessary to be considered for the program! What is necessary, is a strong desire and commitment to our mission. We look for individuals who have been involved in organizations, played sports, held part-time or full-time jobs, participated in social activism, and/or those who have never held a formal leadership role but want to become leaders.
HOW TO APPLY
Each year, 20 first-year students are selected to participate as fellows in the program. In order to be selected, you must apply to be considered.
Applications can be found on our "How to Apply" page.
Each year, the Leadership Team works together to review applications and make determinations on who to offer fellowship to. The Leadership Team aims to select as diverse a cohort as possible by examining the following:
- Academic Major(s) and Minor(s)
- High School involvement experience
- Areas of interest for USF involvement experiences
- Areas of passion/interest
- Identities
- Program Involvement at USF
- Housing Location (on/off campus)
- Motivations for pursuing a fellowship with Magis
2023-24 Fellowship Recruitment
Ready to make the most out of your first year at the University of San Francisco?! Below is a full list of ways you can learn more about the Magis Emerging Leadership Program, connect with alumni of the program, and meet the 2023 Leadership Team.
TABLING & INFORMATION SESSIONS
If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to meet the Leadership Team, and some alumni of the program, please join us at one of our informal Tabling Events or our formal Information Session listed below.
FALL 2022 TABLING (RESIDENCE HALL/INVOLVEMENT FAIR)
Tuesday, August 22| First-Year Residence Hall Tabling
6:30–8 p.m. | Fromm Hall (near inside entrance)
6:30–8 p.m. | Toler Hall (near inside entrance)
6:30–8 p.m. | Gillson Hall (near inside entrance)
6:30–8 p.m.pm | Hayes-Healy Hall (near inside entrance)
FALL 2023 INFORMATION SESSION
Tuesday, August 29 | 6:30–8 p.m.| McLaren 250
What do alumni say about Magis?
Sun-Hee Wong, 2020 Fellow
"Magis has given me a family at USF. It has been one of the most consistent things in my life while at USF and was something that I always looked forward to going to every Tuesday. The connections that I was able to make while being there were so special and ones that I will cherish and continue to cultivate in the coming years. I would highly suggest Magis to any upcoming Freshman at USF."
Phia Halleen, 2019 Fellow
“Magis helped me develop as a person, which in turn helped me develop as a leader. This is not what I was expecting going into the program, but I am glad that is how it turned out. My values were strengthened and I overall become a stronger person. This has impacted how I approach leadership and made it easier for me to understand other people’s styles.”
Kaelyn Arcilla, 2019 Fellow
“I am so incredibly grateful for my experience in Magis. Looking back, I have learned so much about myself, my values, and my needs. It was also extremely helpful to learn about my CliftonStrengths because I am able to look at my abilities in a new light which helps to boost my self-efficacy.”
Lexy Anderson, 2017 Fellow
"The Magis Emerging Leadership Program is an amazing opportunity for students in many different ways. The program allows students to immerse themselves in a self-reflecting, calming environment, which is an opportunity for students to understand more about themselves and their future at USF. The program also successfully aids students in developing better leadership skills, as well as pushing them to try new things."
Juliet Baires, 2017 Fellow
"Magis is being able to think and do more. The word itself means more. This program allows you to do that. It allows you to identify who you are as a leader and stretches and challenges you to work with others who have different leadership styles."
Jose Esquer-Romero, 2015 Fellow
"My favorite part about the Program is all the connections you make at the retreat. You go in as a freshman wanting to be a leader and end up leaving with so many resources and people that you can rely on. Some of the people that I met through the program have come to be some of my best friends. And even if I do not constantly see them, I can run into them on-campus and have a full conversation with them.
