#  LIFE Pre-Orientation Program 

 



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## The LIFE program provides first-year students with the opportunity to discover, reflect and exercise what it means to be leaders and change-makers, both at Harvard College and within their communities.  


   ![Students working on laptops](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_1_1__960x960_scale/public/dso/files/i-3ddvv2x-x5.jpg?itok=Oii0Y4Bt) 

 

First-year students will be inspired to take their leadership skills to the next level and dig deeper into a variety of leadership styles, engage in dialogue, and put theory into practice during this robust week-long program. The program is focused on ensuring that participants with untapped leadership interest and potential have the tools to fully engage in intellectual, social, and personal leadership opportunities available to them at Harvard. We will be talking about leadership grounded in the framework of Character, Collaboration, and Common Purpose. We are excited to talk about what this means in your own personal leadership journey!

Students will meet a wide range of change-makers, interact with small groups of first-years and explore what leadership means to them-with social elements sprinkled in!

LIFE will run in-person from **August 20-25, 2025** during Pre-Orientation. All first-year students are eligible to register. Welcome to LIFE!



 

##  About the LIFE Program 

 





###    What sort of activities can I expect during this program?  expand\_more  

We are excited to have a range of ***Change Makers*** who will be presenting our main content. Ranging from politicians to local business owners, these speakers will deliver engaging talks, and then you will join in activities around the content. During the program, you will spend time in conversation within small family groups, sharing in fun one-on-one "get to know you" activities and social experiences!

 

 



###    What are the dates and format of the program?  expand\_more  

LIFE runs in-person from **August 22–27, 2024.**

 

 



###    Who are the other participants?  expand\_more  

 

There will be a large group of other first-year students who you will get to know well throughout the week. There will also be a team of upper-level student leaders who will guide you throughout the program! 

 

 

 



###    Do I need to have previous leadership experience in order to participate?  expand\_more  

 

No! You are welcome to simply be a student looking to explore more about your own personal leadership style and how you can make change within your communities. 

 

 

 



###    How do I apply?  expand\_more  

 

 Registration for all pre-orientation programs begins on **Monday, May 6** and closes on **Monday, May 20**. On **Friday, June 7**, you will be notified of your program placement, and you have until **Friday, June 14** to confirm your spot in the program.



 

 

 



 

 

 

 

##  Staff 

 



  [### Andy Donahue

 ](/people/andy-donahue) [andrew\_donahue@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:andrew_donahue@fas.harvard.edu)Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership

 

 

 As Assistant Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership, I work with the Student Engagement team to support student involvement initiatives on-campus. From advising the Harvard Undergraduate Association to working with student organizations, I work with... 

 

 

      ![Photo of Andy Donahue](/sites/g/files/omnuum7076/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/dso/files/img_1567.jpg?itok=Ohgplg3S)