ABOUT US
Leadership Programs provides a variety of programs and services to assist students in developing their leadership potential and considering how they can positively influence their individual communities. All students have leadership potential. Leadership Programs' philosophy is based on a new way of thinking about leadership that emphasizes process over position and encourages everyone to consider how they can make a positive change in the world. This philosophy is guided by the Social Change Model of Leadership Development, a leadership model designed specifically with college students in mind.
Prior leadership experience is not required to participate in the programs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of all the programs and services. A strong leadership background will not only enhance students' college experience but will also prepare them for life after college.
Mission: Prepare students to take on leadership responsibilities by helping them understand their strengths and values and how these strengths and values relate to their chosen career fields and leadership roles in the community.
Goals
- Leadership Programs will be recognized as the source of leadership training for students across campus.
- Students will develop self-awareness of their personal strengths and how they can be both an asset and a liability.
- Students will develop confidence in their ability to successfully lead groups.
- Students will be prepared to translate their leadership experience to employers.
Student Leadership Certificate
The Student Leadership Certificate is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to help students grow as leaders while also providing an opportunity for them to keep track of and gain certification for their leadership development experiences. Throughout the certificate program, students will explore individual, group and societal values influencing leadership.
To complete the Student Leadership Certificate, students must complete elements in four domains including:
- Leadership: Individual Values
- Leadership: Group Values
- Leadership: Society Values
- Leadership: Capstone
The program is designed for students to move through at their own pace. Students earn credits by attending workshops, retreats and programs offered by Leadership Programs and other Georgia State offices. Tracking of program progress is managed through the Panther Involvement Network (PIN) where students can view their progress at any time. All current Georgia State University students are automatically enrolled in the Student Leadership Certificate program, so an application is not required. Attend events and sign in to start earning credit.
Certification Levels
Students will be awarded a leadership certificate for each level of the program completed.
- Silver Leader: 30% of requirements completed
- Gold Leader: 60% of requirements completed
- Platinum Leader: 90% of requirements completed
- Diamond Leader: 100% of requirements completed
Individual Values Domain
This component is designed to give students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of self while exploring leadership and involvement on campus.
Requirements for Completion:
- Complete the StrengthsFinder Assessment or a True Colors Workshop.
- Attend ten leadership training programs in the Leadership: Individual Values category.
- Complete five leadership exploration events. Examples include the Student Organization Fair, Meet the Greeks, student organization meetings, or other on-campus events.
Group Values Domain
This component is designed to teach students the importance of working within groups and teams as a leader.
Requirements for Completion:
- Attend ten leadership training programs in the Leadership: Group Values category.
- Complete five experiences leading a group or team on campus. Examples include leading a committee, serving in a student organization leadership position, or planning an event.
- Attend a group development retreat, trip, or experience. Programs include Panther Leadership Academy, Student Leadership Conference, and Natural Leader Series.
Society Values Domain
This component is designed to empower students to be positive citizens in their communities.
Requirements for Completion:
- Attend five leadership training programs in the Leadership: Society Values category including Leadership in the City events, Civic Engagement Coffee Talks, or Cultures, Communities and Inclusion office programs.
- Participate in three community service projects.
- Attend a service project. Programs include the MLK Day of Service, Panther Community Plunge or Alternative StayBreak. If you think you have another way to complete this requirement, contact Ali Khaleel.
Leadership Capstone
This component provides an opportunity for students to think critically about their leadership development experiences to develop their personal leadership philosophy. This domain should be completed only after successful completion of the other three domains in the Student Leadership Certificate.
Requirements for Completion:
- Complete an in-person coaching session with a Leadership Programs staff member.
- Write a personal leadership philosophy and submit it for review.
How do students earn credit?
Start by attending events offered by Leadership Programs and checking in with your Panther ID. Almost all the workshops, retreats and events offered by Leadership Programs earn students credit towards the certificate.
How can students track their progress?
Progress is tracked through the Panther Involvement Network (PIN). Student can check their progress by logging into the Panther Involvement Network, clicking the icon at the top right corner and selecting Paths. If students are enrolled in multiple pathways, make sure the Student Leadership Certificate path is selected. Students can click each domain to see the items they have completed in the domain as well as the overall percentage of the total certificate completed.
What events count towards the Student Leadership Certificate?
Once in the Student Leadership Certificate pathway (see question above), click on the domain and select the requirement you would like to check. The approved events will appear on the right under fulfillment options. Students can sort this section by week or month to show events.
Do students need to complete an application to join the program?
No. All current Georgia State University students are automatically enrolled in the Student Leadership Certificate, therefore no application is required. To verify your enrollment, log into the Panther Involvement Network, click the icon at the top right and select the Paths link.
Upcoming Events
Contact Us
Leadership Programs Office
Office Location:
Student Center West 475
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Leadership Programs Staff
Ellin McDonough
Director, Leadership and Service
Ali Khaleel
Assistant Director, Leadership
LaJoi Boone
Coordinator of Student Engagement
Kirk Johnson
Coordinator of Student Engagement
Mailing Address
Georgia State University
Leadership Programs
P.O. Box 3972
Atlanta, GA 30302-3972
Physical Address
Georgia State University
Leadership Programs
66 Courtland Street SE, Suite 475
Atlanta, GA 30303