Panther Leadership Summit

The Panther Leadership Summit is a one-day leadership conference held in the spring semester for graduate and undergraduate students. Student participants will explore a range of critical leadership development-based topics and methods to become more dynamic, resilient and reflective leaders, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Panther Leadership Summit will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Save the date!

This year’s theme is Ignite Purpose, Inspire Change. Get ready to fuel your passion, spark your influence, and walk away ready to create change that matters!

Register today! Registration closes on February 18, 2026.

Check out the overview of the Summit schedule. More details will be available in January 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! This leadership development experience is open to any student 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! 

How much does Panther Leadership Summit cost? 

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

Are meals provided?

Yes, a full lunch will be provided. Additional snacks and beverages will be available throughout the Summit as well.

What should I bring with me to the Summit?

You are not required to bring anything with you, however, you might consider a pen and notepad or device to take notes on. 

What is the appropriate dress for the day?

Business casual is the preferred attire for this leadership experience, however, students are encouraged to dress comfortably.

Is it possible to arrive late or leave early?

When registering for Panther Leadership Summit, you are committing to the 10:00-2:00 schedule. However, we understand that unexpected conflicts may arise. If this occurs, please email leadership@pitt.edu so that we can assist.

How will attending the Summit help me? What are the benefits?

• Past participants in the Summit have indicated that as a result of attending Panther Leadership Summit they…
  • Understand how their values and beliefs connect to their personal leadership style.
  • Know how to navigate difficult conversations or situations
  • Can better identify strategies to work through adversity and difficult experiences
  • Feel more open to hearing perspectives different than their own.
  • Have an understanding of what they want to grow in as a leader and how to get there after attending the Summit.
• Student participants in the 2026 Summit will have the opportunity to develop leadership knowledge and skills such as navigating change, understanding your why, preventing burnout, inclusivity, addressing conflict and providing feedback, and more depending on the breakout sessions chosen. 

All students will have the opportunity to network with University staff, Summit speakers, and other student leaders. In all, attending the Summit will help you develop skills that will benefit you as a student leader on campus and in your chosen career path.

I'm a graduate student. Will there be sessions for me?

Yes! A graduate track of breakout sessions has been carefully curated by current graduate students and University staff to help optimize your experience for you.

Can I get OCC credit for attending?

OCC and Honors OCC will be offered at the Panther Leadership Summit! There will be a QR code to scan during the event.

Will there be an opportunity to network with others?

Yes, there will be two optional formal times scheduled for networking as well as informal networking over the scheduled lunchtime.

The Leadership Circle Networking session is an optional networking session for Pitt undergraduate and graduate students held before the Summit from 10:00–10:30 a.m. It provides an opportunity for students to connect with each other and discover opportunities for collaboration and knowledge growth. Students who wish to participate should select this option on their registration form. All participants will receive a small token of appreciation.

The afternoon networking session takes place immediately after the Summit and offers time for students to connect with the Summit’s TEDTalk speakers, breakout session presenters, and fellow attendees. Students do not need to register for the Summit to participate in this networking opportunity.