Panther Leadership Academy

The Panther Leadership Academy is a 20-week experience designed for Pitt undergrads over the course of two semesters. Through hands-on activities, discussion, and reflection, you'll discover your unique leadership style and learn how to lead with confidence, purpose, and inclusiveness. Whether you're just getting started or looking to further your leadership, this program will help you develop your leadership skills and learn how to implement changes in your communities.

Registration for the Fall 2026 semester will open on Monday, August 3rd. We will offer both Section 1 and Section 2 of Panther Leadership Academy in the fall.

Stay tuned for the registration link on Experience Pitt, which will be posted at 9 a.m. on August 3rd!

You can also follow our Instagram @pittleads for updates when registration opens!

Our Foundation

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

 

Panther Leadership Academy Discussion Topics Include: Leadership philosophies, communication style and skills, conflict resolution, social identities, group dynamics, empowerment, social change model, collaboration, civility, and leadership in practice.

Panther Leadership Academy Schedule & Registration 

The Panther Leadership Academy contains 20 weeks of content and is split into two 10-week semesters. Section 1 and Section 2 will be offered in both fall and spring semesters.

To graduate from the Panther Leadership Academy, a student must complete both Section 1 AND Section 2.

Sessions are offered once per week for two hours in a cohort-style that allows you to build relationships and grow with a small group of peers. 

In the fall semester...

• Section 1 will be offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. In our registration form, you indicate which day(s) you are available, and we will confirm that a seat is available for you to attend weekly on that assigned day.
• Section 2 will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Section 2 is only offered to students who have completed Section 1.

 Week 1 of PLA will begin the week of September 14th. Sessions will conclude the week of November 16th.

What will I receive after completing the Panther Leadership Academy? 

• 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
• Completion of PLA is a requirement for the Leadership Certificate through the College of General Studies
• Ability to apply to be a Peer Facilitator for the Panther Leadership Academy 

Meet the Facilitators

The Panther Leadership Academy Facilitators are a passionate group of leaders on campus, comprised of peer facilitators who have graduated from the Panther Leadership Academy and staff facilitators, who are either graduate students or experienced professionals within the University of Pittsburgh. The PLA Facilitators are trained to lead each class session and can serve as role models and mentors to the participants in the program.