Program Overview
Leadership Certificate Program
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.
Program Structure
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.
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
Program Domains
To complete the Student Leadership Certificate, students must complete elements in four domains:
- Leadership: Individual Values
- Leadership: Group Values
- Leadership: Society Values
- Leadership: Capstone
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, such as the MLK Day of Service, Panther Community Plunge, or Alternative StayBreak.
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.
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, such as 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, such as leading a committee, serving in a student organization leadership position, or planning an event.
- Attend a group development retreat, trip, or experience, such as Panther Leadership Academy, Student Leadership Conference, and Natural Leader Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
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). Students can check their progress by logging into the Panther Involvement Network, clicking the icon at the top right corner, and selecting the Student Leadership Certificate path.
What events count towards the Student Leadership Certificate?
Once in the Student Leadership Certificate pathway, 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 Student Leadership Certificate path.
