The Panther Leadership Academy is a 20-week leadership development program for Pitt undergraduate students that helps students discover and develop their personal capacity to lead effectively and inclusively.
- Our Foundation
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The foundation of the Panther Leadership Academy is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership which highlights 8 key principles: Consciousness of self, Congruence, Commitment, Collaboration, Common Purpose, Controversy with Civility, Citizenship, and Change.
In the Panther Leadership Academy, we use a hands-on approach combined with large and small group discussions, team building activities, community engagement, and role playing.
- Discussion Topics
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Panther Leadership Academy Discussion Topics Include: Leadership philosophies, the cycle of socialization, the cycle of liberation, communication styles, social identities, social power, group dynamics, values, social media use, career connections, confronting biases, and community engagement.
- Panther Leadership Academy Schedule & Registration
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The Panther Leadership Academy is a total of 20 weeks, but is split into two 10-week semesters, Section 01 (typically completed in the Fall semester) and Section 02 (typically completed in the Spring semester). To graduate from the Panther Leadership Academy, a student must complete both Section 01 AND Section 02.
For Section 01 and Section 02 the Panther Leadership Academy, we offer its 10-week sessions once per week for two hours in a cohort style that allows you to build relationships and grow with a small group of 10-20 peers throughout the duration of the semester. Panther Leadership Academy section availability is below.
- Spring 2025 Panther Leadership Academy Days & Times
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Registration is now open for the Spring 2025 semester! Capacity is limited and so students are encouraged to register early.
Section 01 Registration
If you are interested in registering for Panther Leadership Academy for the first time, fill out our registration form for Section 01 below! The weekly meeting date will be determined based on the majority availability of facilitators and interested students who fill out the form.
Register for Section 01 – spring 2025
Section 02 Registration
NOTE: Students should only register for Section 02 after they have completed Section 01!
Spring 2025 PLA Section 02 sessions will be available to register on the following weeknights:
- 10 Sessions starting January 21, 2025 - meets weekly every TUESDAY from 6-8 p.m.
- 10 Sessions starting January 22, 2025 - meets weekly every WEDNESDAY from 6-8 p.m.
- 10 Sessions starting January 23, 2025 - meets weekly every THURSDAY from 6-8 p.m.
- What will I receive after completing the Panther Leadership Academy?
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- A Certificate of completion from Leadership Development
- Pitt and/or Panther Leadership Academy merchandise
- Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) credit toward the Leadership Development Goal
- Ability to continue taking various classes at Pitt to attain Certification of Leadership through the College of General Studies
- Ability to apply to be a Peer Facilitator for the Panther Leadership Academy
- Facilitator Applications
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To serve as a Peer/Student Facilitator for Panther Leadership Academy, you are required to have completed both sections of PLA. If you meet this requirement, please look for and apply for the position through the Career Center's website!
To serve as a Staff Facilitator for Panther Leadership Academy, you can apply through the following Qualtrics form:APPLY TO BE A PEER/STUDENT FACILITATOR
Interviews will take place in early December 2024 for selected applicants.