Module 5.1 : Strategic Plan (Submission Required by July 19th)
Our goal this year for each student organization leader is to develop transferable skills on becoming exemplary leaders. The first step towards this is for each student organization to go through a strategic planning process. But what is strategic planning and why is it important?
“Strategic planning is the ongoing organizational process of using available knowledge to document [an organization’s] intended direction. This process is used to prioritize efforts, effectively allocate resources, align [stakeholders] on the organization’s goals, and ensure those goals are backed by data and sound reasoning." Catherine Cote, “Why is Strategic Planning Important?” Harvard Business School (October 2020).
Student Organization Strategic Plan Instructions:
Please follow the instructions below on completing and submitting your student organization's Strategic Plan:
Download the 2026-2027 Strategic Plan Worksheet:
Complete the Strategic Plan
Meet with your student organization's executive board to complete the strategic plan.
Only one Strategic Plan per student organization needs to be completed and submitted.
Submit your Strategic Plan through this form no later than July 19th, 2026.
Module 5.2 : Upcoming Events and Trainings
Trainings
Our hope this year is to make sure that we are setting up each organization for success this year so we are tailoring our trainings to be as efficient and meaningful as possible. Here is the list of trainings for this year:
1. Online Student Leader Training Course: July 2026 - required for all student leaders
2. Mandatory Refreshers at SBA Meetings: Fall 2026 - Throughout the Fall 2026 semester, Law Student Affairs will attend the SBA general meetings and provide periodic refreshers on policies and procedures.
If other trainings are found to be needed or required, there will be more added to this list and notice will be sent to all organizations.
Upcoming Events
President's Leadership Training & First General Meeting Draft
All student organization presidents/chairs are required to attend the mandatory Presidents' Leadership Training:
Saturday, August 15th at 10:00AM
This is a leadership building workshop to provide students in the highest leadership position of their student organization with skills to effectively run their student organization.
The First General Meeting Draft Pick
The second part of this workshop will be the annual First General Meeting Draft Pick" (i.e., "The Draft"). The Draft is to ensure that each student organization is able to get their first general meeting within the first few weeks after the Student Org Fair.
There will be 52 available time slots for first general meetings.
Each student organization attending The Draft will get a randomized draft pick number. We will then go in chronological order and when your number is called, your student organization will be able to select the date for their First General Meeting.
Participation is optional, but encouraged to get first pick at a general meeting date. This list will be made public and student organizations are able to trade dates if they so please.
Any remaining dates after The Draft will be released afterward.
Student Organization & Co-Curricular Fair - Wednesday, September 6th at 4:00pm
Each year, USD SOL hosts the Student Organization and Co-Curricular Fair in the second week of class. This is where you'll have the opportunity to showcase your Student Organization's activities and connect with new and fellow students who share your interests. It is a fantastic chance to show new students the various opportunities available to get involved. Information regarding the exact date and time and how to sign up for a table at the fair will be provided soon.
Module 5.3 : Next Steps
You've completed Modules Student Leader Training Modules 1-5!
Next Steps & Upcoming Deadlines:
Read the Law Student Organization Handbook.
Downloadable PDF found here: Law Student Organization Handbook (2026-2027) (PDF)
Sign the acknowledgment and certification in Section IX of the Student Organization Handbook
Deadline: July 19, 2025.
Digital Acknowledgment and Certification of Student Organization Handbook is found here.
Submit your Student Organization's Strategic Plan
Deadline: July 19, 2025.
Submit through this form.
Presidents' Leadership Training & Draft
Required for all student organization presidents/chairs
Date: Saturday, August 15th - 10:00am-Noon
Complete the Module 5 Required Assignment
Acknowledge that you completed the training in the Module 5 Required Assignment below.
Thanks so much for completing this training and we look forward to working with you this year!
Complete this form to acknowledge and certify that you have completed the Student Organization Online Training Modules