Whitworth University's student leaders focus on building strong peer relationships and a sense of responsibility around shared values so that students become good decision-makers rather than just good rule-followers. In fact, Whitworth students meet each fall to establish their own residence-area policies for living in community and holding one another accountable to the campus code of conduct.

A national residence life organization recognized Whitworth's student leadership program for involving more students in more diverse roles with more responsibilities than most other colleges and universities. In addition to a relatively high number of resident assistants, each Whitworth residence hall has small-group (ministry) coordinators, medics, and cultural diversity advocates, not to mention dozens of leadership positions in student government.

The broad range of leadership positions allows students to receive valuable training and gain experience for careers without crowding out opportunities to participate in other extra-curricular activities. It also expands the network of contact points for engaging students in Whitworth University's active campus life.