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.
PLA registration is now open and will remain open until September 15, or when all seats are filled (whichever comes first). Students will need to log in with their Pitt credentials to fill out this registration link through ExperiencePit.
Click here to register for Panther Leadership Academy
- 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, 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
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The Panther Leadership Academy is a total of 20 weeks, but is split into two 10-week semesters. Section 1 will be offered during the Fall semester, and Section 2 will be offered in the Spring semester. 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 throughout the duration of the semester.PLA registration is now open and will remain open until September 15, or when all seats are filled (whichever comes first). Students will need to log in with their Pitt credentials to fill out this registration link through ExperiencePit.
- Fall 2025 Section 1 Days & Times Offered
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Registration for Section 1 in Fall 2025 will open this summer. Capacity is limited, so students are encouraged to register early.
Early Bird registration will be available for residents living in Irvis Hall who are members of the Education, Leadership & Social Change Living Learning Community. Members of this community will receive an Early Bird registration email on July 15. Early Bird registration will be open from July 15 to August 15.
Registration will open to the entire campus community on August 15. Registration will close once all days/times offered are filled.
Section 1 will be offered on Tuesdays 6-8 PM, Wednesdays 6-8 PM, Thursdays 6-8 PM, and Fridays 1 - 3 p.m. for Fall 2025. Participants will be assigned one day/time to attend weekly throughout the semester. Section 1 will run the week of September 15 through the week of November 17. - 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
- 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.