Panther Leadership Summit

The 2025 Panther Leadership Summit will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in the William Pitt Union.  Participant registration will open in January 2025.

The Panther Leadership Summit is a one-day leadership conference held in the spring semester for graduate and undergraduate students. Student participants will learn about a variety of critical leadership development-based topics and methods through which they can become more dynamic, resilient and reflective leaders which in turn guides them to make an impact in the community. 

Registration for the 2025 Panther Leadership Summit is now open!  Spots are limited and we encourage you to sign up early!

Register Here

Abbreviated Schedule for Saturday, February 1, 2025 (A more detailed schedule will be coming soon!):

9 - 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast & Check-In

Check in will be located in the Tansky Lounge on the main floor of the William Pitt Union. Please follow directional signs once you get to the building.

9:30 - 9:40 a.m.

Welcome

Let’s get started!  Hear an overview of the day and other pertinent logistics from the Leadership Development Team.

9:40 - 10:35 a.m.

Morning Activity

Engage in a group activity that will set the tone for the day.

10:35 - 10:45 a.m.

Break

Take a quick break to refresh yourself—just be sure to be back in time for the next session!

10:45 - 11:25 a.m.

Ted Talks

Hear from 3 engaging speakers about their leadership journey through discourse and dialogue and how they worked to develop a sense of belonging in their community.

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Lunch

During lunch, engage with our panel of local alumni, who will be on hand to answer questions about their experiences in leadership, both as a student and beyond.

12:20 - 1:05 p.m.

Breakout Session #1

Two separate tracks for undergraduate and graduate students will be provided.  Each track will offer students 2-3 options of workshops to attend.

1:10 - 1:55 p.m.

Breakout Session #2

Two separate tracks for undergraduate and graduate students will be provided.  Each track will offer students 2-3 options of workshops to attend.

2 - 2:30 p.m.

Closing & Departure

Visit with a special speaker and end the day with a chance a winning one of our prizes!

Callout for Presentation Proposals: Panther Leadership Summit

Calling all staff, faculty, and students!  Leadership Development would like to invite you to submit a proposal to create and facilitate a 45-minute breakout session during the 2025 Panther Leadership Summit! The Summit is a one-day leadership development conference for both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh and will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025. 

This is a great opportunity to hone your presentation/activity-creation skills, build facilitation and communication skills, and contribute to high-impact experiences for students looking to learn and grow as leaders. 

You can learn more about the selected topics and expectations for breakout sessions, timing for sessions, and timeline for proposals in our proposal submission form here! Applications are due Wednesday, January 8 at noon.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have a leadership role on campus, can I still attend? 

Yes! This leadership development experience is open to anyone on every experience level. If you have an interest in further harnessing and reflecting on your personal leadership toolkit then this program is for you! 

What is the schedule for the day?

View the current abbreviated schedule above.

What will I learn from this experience?

 

This year’s Summit will challenge students to explore their own values and beliefs and how these concepts connect to their own personal leadership style.  Students will be given tools to navigate difficult situations and conversations, using a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Please see the schedule for the day for more information and specific opportunities.

 

What time should I arrive? 

Breakfast and check in start at 9 a.m.

What is the suggest attire for the day?

 

​​​​​​​Leadership Development aims to create a comfortable atmosphere for students while still maintaining a sense of professionalism for the day.  Students are encouraged to dress in smart casual attire (think business casual with tennis shoes).

How much does Panther Leadership Summit cost? 

Panther Leadership Summit is free for all Pitt graduate and undergraduate students. 

Are meals provided?

 

​​​​​​​Yes, a light breakfast and full lunch will be provided.  Additional snacks and beverages will be available throughout the day as well.

Whom do I reach out to for accommodations? 

Please add any needs you might have for the program into your registration. You can also send an email to leadership@pitt.edu as well. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?

 

​​​​​​​You are not required to bring anything with you.  A pen and paper will be provided for taking notes, but you may choose to bring a laptop or other electronic device for taking notes if you wish.

I live on upper campus.  Will a shuttle be provided?

 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Yes!  New for 2025, we will be providing a shuttle from upper campus to the William Pitt Union.  Times and specific location for pick up will be shared with students who register for the Summit.