Every student has the capacity to contribute to the Pratt community. At Pratt Institute, every effort is made to ensure that students develop into leaders that can successfully affect change in any environment. Student organizations, clubs, groups, and activities and programs give students the ability to exercise essential student leadership skills, develop relationships, and gain an understanding of personal and group dynamics that parallel real-world situations.
Apart from the many activities and organizations that the school offers, a number of leadership development opportunities exist to promote student growth. From new students to seasoned student leaders, from first-year students to graduate students, Pratt encourages leadership development.
Contact Student Involvement about any of the programs/events offered below at involvement@pratt.edu
Student Commencement Speaker
Traditionally, the Commencement Ceremony includes at least one student speaker. Applications will be available in the spring semester and a committee will convene to select 1-2 students. Being chosen is a great honor and carries tremendous responsibility.
Student Leadership Awards
The Office of Student Involvement facilitates the process for the annual Student Affairs Leadership Awards program. The ceremony is held in the spring and the awards are given on behalf of the entire Division of Student Affairs.
Students, faculty, or staff may make nominations. All nominees will be provided with more detailed award criteria and asked to complete an expanded nomination form.
Award categories are usually as follows:
- Outstanding Campus Program
- Unsung Hero
- Outstanding Involvement in the Residential Community
- Chris Kasik Outstanding Service to the Residential Community (Student Staff Member of the Year)
- Seraphin Bernard Award (Student Leader of the Year)
- Outstanding Student Organization
- Helen Matusow-Ayres Student Worker of the Year
- Emerging Leader
- Thomas F. Schutte Senior Leadership
- Graduate Leadership
- John Morning Award for Art and Service
The Art of Leadership Conference
Primarily for new student leaders, the Art of Leadership Conference is offered during spring semester, and gives student leaders the opportunity to learn from peers through interactive workshops, and connect with Pratt alumni in your field for leadership insights! Participants can choose to attend a variety of workshops facilitated by seasoned Pratt student leaders throughout the conference.
Connections
Connections is an opportunity for students to learn about themselves, meet other like-minded students and get involved at Pratt. The five-week, not-for-credit class is during the first part of the Spring semester and addresses: communication skills, organizational skills, identity and diversity awareness, decision-making, and problem-solving. Students may apply for Connections towards the end of fall semester.