It is the goal of the First-Year Leadership Academy to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment that prepares the next generation of leaders on the campus of West Virginia University by promoting:
- Self-understanding
- Courage to step outside their comfort zone
- Cooperation with peers
- Personal growth
- Authentic leadership
- Community engagement
- The true Mountaineer way!
By the end of the program, it is hoped that participants will be able to:
- Utilize their strengths and weaknesses to better lead
- Possess the confidence to lead on the WVU campus and beyond
- Look at the greater environment with a better sense of diversity
- Take on the role of a leader at WVU, in the community, and after their time as a WVU student so that they can lead (be a part of) change
Registration for the Fall 2026 cohort is now open!
Registration link: https://wvuengage.wvu.edu/submitter/form/start/722848
After your application is submitted, a $30 committment fee and program interview are required to secure your spot in the academy.
The committment fee payment is due by Monday, August 31, 2026.
Payment link: https://secure.touchnet.net:443/C20389_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6282&SINGLESTORE=true
Interviews must be scheduled by 12:00pm (noon) on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Students will participate in 6 weekly meetings from 6pm-8pm. Academy dates are listed below.
- Kick-Off - Friday, September 11, 2026, 4-6pm
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Weekly Cohort Meetings:
- Tuesday, September 15, 6-8pm or Wednesday, September 16, 6-8pm
- Tuesday, September 22, 6-8pm or Wednesday, September 23, 6-8pm
- Tuesday, September 29, 6-8pm or Wednesday, September 30, 6-8pm
- Tuesday, October 6, 6-8pm or Wednesday, October 7, 6-8pm
- Banquet - Wednesday, October 14, 2025, 6-8pm
We are committed to providing an amazing development opportunity for all first-year students!
Any questions? Please contact us at SEL@mail.wvu.edu.