What is Panther Leadership Academy?

PLA is a two-section program 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.

The program is split into two 10-week sections, helping students to develop leadership skills in an approach that moves from foundational skills to advanced and impactful conversations about creating positive social change as students.

You can learn more about our program here: https://www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/leadership-development/panther-leadership-academy

Registration will open on August 3rd at 9 AM and will close on September 13th at 11:59 PM in Experience Pitt. You must be logged into the platform in order to register.

In registering for PLA Section 1, you are committing to attending a session once per week from 6-8 PM over the course of ten weeks (week of September 14-week of November 16). Sessions will be offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.

PLA must be completed sequentially; you must complete Section 1 before participating in Section 2.

PLA is a great way to:

• Build community
• Challenge yourself to learn more about your values and how to live by your values
• Develop relationships with student leaders across campus
• Learn of opportunities to become an involved student leader on campus
• Learn important leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution, team building, advocacy, empowerment, navigating free speech, and so much more!

PLA contributes to multiple other opportunities on campus as well, including:

• Completing Section 1 and 2 are a requirement to complete the Leadership Certificate within the College of General Studies.
• Both Section 1 and 2 include 75 OCC points for each section. This totals to 150 OCC points towards the Civic Leadership and Community Action pathway.
• When you complete Section 2, you gain the ability to apply to be a Peer Facilitator for PLA! This is a paid opportunity on campus in which you can become a student leader in the program, mentor others, and practice the skills you learned in the program.
• PLA is a great resume-builder for other student leadership roles on campus!

You receive the following throughout the Panther Leadership Academy:

• PLA Swag (t-shirt, pullover, and padfolio)
• OCC Points
• An official Certificate of Completion of the program during the final session of Section 2