On-campus immersion Comprehensive curriculum Travel study
FELLOWSHIP TIMELINE
September 2026 to May 2027
NEXT CANDIDACY DEADLINE
December 5
The Design Pathway is an expansive, customizable experience for Fellows who are ready to activate their next chapter of meaning.
This pathway offers a holistic immersion in the University of Chicago’s atmosphere of breakthrough discoveries and new ways of thinking.
LSI Fellows in the Design Pathway embed themselves in the life and community of UChicago by supplementing the LSI core curriculum with opportunities to audit a variety of courses from across the University. Throughout a full academic year, the members of an LSI cohort share enriching experiences like a one-week travel study on one of UChicago’s global campuses and an executive leadership seminar from the Aspen Institute.
The LSI Design Pathway culminates in developing a roadmap that defines the motivation, goals, and next steps for a purposeful and dynamic next chapter.
An experienced counselor meets with the Fellow twice per quarter to define goals for the fellowship, provide structures and strategies for personal reflection, and build a long-term practice of purposefulness.
Academic Advisor
A UChicago faculty member meets with the Fellow once per quarter to share expertise in the societal issues that the Fellow is interested in and refer them to the latest, most relevant research.
Distinguished Mentor
An accomplished executive, who has followed a path of impact and meaning since ending their primary career, meets with the Fellow once per quarter to offer advice based on their own experiences.
LSI can be a super accelerator for someone who’s trying to transition to a new self and a new cause.
Sunil Sanghvi
LSI Faculty Advisor, Helen A. Regenstein Distinguished Service Professor of Classics
Weekly Courses
Fellows complete a core curriculum that features three cohort-based, multidisciplinary courses taken over three academic quarters. Fellows take one course in each of the three LSI learning pillars each quarter. All LSI core coursework takes places in-person on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus Monday-Wednesday.
2026-2027 Key Dates
LSI Orientation September 21-26, 2026
Autumn Quarter Classes September 28-December 9, 2026
Winter Break December 14, 2026-January 3, 2027
Winter Quarter Classes January 4-March 10, 2027
Travel Study March 15-19, 2027
Spring Break March 13-21, 2027
Spring Quarter Classes March 22-June 1, 2027
Closing Symposium May 27, 2027
Audited Courses
The LSI Design Pathway offers the flexibility to explore UChicago’s academic environment of limitless inquiry and breakthrough discoveries.
By auditing two courses per quarter (six in total), Fellows sample from the extraordinary scholarship and teaching that takes place on campus.
Following their own curiosity, Fellows in the Design Pathway select from a curated list that spans the University’s schools and divisions, expanding their knowledge of cutting-edge research in a variety of fields by taking courses from globally renowned faculty in a broad range of disciplines. LSI advisors work with Fellows to identify the courses that fit their interests and manage the course registration process.
Auditing courses puts Fellows in the classroom alongside UChicago graduate and undergraduate students. Participating in class discussions with these up-and-coming leaders opens the door for multigenerational dialogue and collaborations to bring about a better future.
Is the Leadership and Society Initiative Right for You?
Attend an information session to learn how UChicago’s Leadership and Society Initiative helps accomplished leaders design their next chapter of purpose, impact, and connection.
Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice
Technology and Human Rights
Social Sciences Division
Hope in a Theological, Philosophical, and Political Perspective
Divinity School
How to Change the World
Harris School of Public Policy
Electoral Politics in America
Political Science
Travel Study
In our deeply interconnected world, every major societal problem carries global implications. LSI sheds light on the worldwide dimensions of these critical topics through a travel study experience specifically crafted for Fellows. Held during the Spring quarter, this experience leverages UChicago’s international reach to offer meaningful cultural learning and enlightening dialogue with international peers.
By completing a week-long learning experience at one of UChicago’s six global campuses and centers, Fellows gain an expansive perspective on vital issues. They apply a comparative approach to understand how different nations and cultures address pervasive social problems. Spouses and partners are welcome to participate in travel study.
Autumn Orientation
The on-campus immersion in the LSI Design Pathway begins with a one-week orientation prior to the start of Autumn quarter.
This session welcomes Fellows back into an academic setting and previews what they can expect in the year ahead. The orientation plugs Fellows into life on campus while introducing the UChicago and Chicago leaders, places, and institutions that will be integral to their immersion.
As part of the orientation session, Fellows participate in a seminar led by the Aspen Institute. Over three days, the global nonprofit presents a customized program designed to help LSI cohorts begin to think through key topics related to leadership, power, and social responsibility. This seminar initiates Fellows’ journey of discovery, encouraging them to embrace deep reflection and intellectual openness as they explore and experiment throughout the rest of the immersive year.
As part of the Design Pathway’s cohort experience, Fellows complete an executive leadership seminar led by the Aspen Institute.
The seminar features a customized program designed to help Fellows embrace intellectual openness as they think through issues of leadership, power, and social responsibility. Through deep reading and dialogue, Fellows engage with the possibilities for making a significant impact on the lives of individuals, the actions of organizations, and society.
“The Aspen Institute could not be more excited about our partnership with the University of Chicago’s Leadership and Society Initiative. This collaboration connects and draws upon our two institutions’ shared commitment to values-based leadership development in pursuit of a better world, and has the potential for significant impact for individuals, organizations, and society.”
Dan Porterfield
President and CEO of the Aspen Institute
Design Pathway
Next Chapter Roadmap
As a capstone project, Fellows in the Design Pathway work with their Next Chapter Advisors to create their roadmap for an ambitious, impactful next chapter of leadership.
Through developing their Next Chapter Roadmaps, Fellows will:
Analyze their own strengths and accomplishments to discern how they can continue to make valuable contributions.
Gain a deep understanding of a complex topic that interests them through research and critical reflection.
Present concrete steps to maintain personal wellness and mental focus while finding purpose through specific roles, collaborations, and actions.
Establish themselves outside of their previous positions as proactive leaders engaged in meaningful pursuits.
Sunil SanghviLSI Faculty Advisor, Helen A. Regenstein Distinguished Service Professor of Classics
