Leadership Fellows

Leadership Fellows is PSU Student Activities and Leadership Program's year-long development program for student group leaders. Students are placed in small group cohorts of up to 30 and attend four meetings/classes on consistent dates and times during the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms, totaling eight hours per term.

Program Benefits

The program is designed to provide you with skills to better serve your student organization, prepare for your career, and connect with other student leaders to share insights and build community. Enrolled students are eligible for a $600-per-term Educational Leadership Service Award and may also receive three 400-level credits per term. Please refer to the SALP ELSA Policy and Leadership Fellows conditions below for eligibility and enrollment information.

Eligibility Requirements

To become a Leadership Fellow, you must currently hold a leadership position in a student organization. Undergraduate students must maintain a 2.5 PSU GPA and plan to take 6 or more credits per term. Graduate students must have a 3.0 PSU GPA and take five or more credits per term. To succeed in the program, you’ll need to be open to new experiences, motivated and hardworking, service-oriented, and have a desire to develop as a leader.

Earn PSU's First Microcredential!

As a Leadership Fellows participant, you will also be eligible to earn a microcredential badge in Reflective Leadership Practice. Microcredentials are endorsements that confirm you have met specific learning outcomes aligning with PSU's mission, and provide tailored learning experiences to enhance your academic and professional development. Upon earning a microcredential, you will receive a digital badge that can be displayed on LinkedIn, other social media platforms, portfolios, or resumes. A microcredential in Reflective Leadership Practice demonstrates your intentional commitment to leadership development and can help you stand out to potential employers.

To earn your digital badge in Reflective Leadership Practice, you'll need to meet the following criteria:

1. Submit an enrollment form no later than May 1, 2026
2. Attend all Leadership Fellows sessions in-person. Makeup assignments are not allowed.
3. Complete and pass all three consecutive terms of Leadership Fellows for the 2025-26 academic year.
4. Submit an additional microcredential assignment during Spring term, which is due no later than June 1 before midnight.

If you have any questions about the microcredential, please reach out to SALP's Associate Director, Angela Hamilton, at ahamilt@pdx.edu

2024-25 Class Times 

If you are admitted to the Leadership Fellows Program for 2024-25, you will receive a confirmation email to indicate the meeting time for your cohort. Classes meet on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks of Fall, Winter, and Spring term.

• Tuesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
• Thursdays from 4-5:30 pm.

SALP ELSA Policy

Students may hold multiple leadership roles, and usually may only receive one ELSA managed by Student Activities and Leadership Programs. If you have a position that already includes an ELSA or hourly pay, we encourage you to apply and we will follow up with the options depending on your role.

Leadership Fellows Conditions

Credits earned are for PA 409. Credits are not free and will be charged to the students account like any other academic credits. Students should talk to their academic advisor to determine if the credits fit into their academic plan.

Students in ASPSU, Student Leaders for Service, the Portland State Events Board, and Student Sustainability Center will automatically be placed in Leadership Fellows and are not able to enroll twice.