PDP assignments and projects are intentionally designed to strengthen professional and leadership skills, expand cross-campus networks, and support the development of each participant’s professional identity. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 10–12 hours per month to program activities and assignments.

Each month includes approximately four hours of seminars, with remaining time devoted to networking activities, mentoring, coaching, and capstone project development.

Workshops 

Workshops are held on the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise noted. Most sessions are conducted via Zoom, and participants are required to attend with audio and video enabled.

To ensure full engagement, participants are encouraged to provide advance notice to their department and clients and to set out-of-office automatic replies during workshop hours to minimize interruptions. Workshops follow a high-level, flexible agenda; participants should not schedule meetings during designated break times, as break lengths may vary by session.

Individual Career & Performance Coaching 

Coaching sessions provide participants with individualized leadership and performance support from the program manager. Each participant is required to complete three coaching sessions during the program year; additional sessions may be requested and are encouraged.

Participants are expected to take an active role in coaching sessions by preparing discussion topics, questions, updates, or materials for review—similar to preparing for a performance discussion or team meeting. If materials need to be reviewed or prepared in advance, participants should notify the program manager at least two business days prior to the session.

Common coaching topics include leadership development, assessment interpretation, performance improvement, workflow and time management strategies, capstone project guidance, conflict management, networking strategies, motivation, and preparation for challenging conversations.

Department Presentation 

To broaden participants’ understanding of UCLA’s structure and operations, each participant will deliver a three-minute presentation highlighting their department’s mission, functions, and role within the University. Some participants may also host a virtual site visit.

A presentation sign-up sheet will be shared following Orientation. Five to six participants will present at the start of each workshop, beginning in September.

PDP Mentors 

Each participant is paired with a senior UCLA leader and is required to meet with their mentor for at least one hour per month. Participants will complete a brief survey outlining their mentoring goals, and a campus-wide call for mentors will be distributed to senior leaders. Final mentor pairings will be confirmed in October.

A mentoring orientation event will be held in November to support relationship-building and establish productive, goal-focused mentoring partnerships.

Mentors can guide mentees in the following ways:   

• Coach the individual to enhance behavioral and technical skills 
  • Introduce the mentee to other executives 
  • Involve participants in appropriate special projects or workgroups within their organization 
  • Strategize career goals with the mentee and suggest developmental opportunities 
  • Assess the mentee’s work on special projects, work assignments, etc.

Capstone Project

Over the program year, participants complete an individual capstone project that improves a process, addresses a challenge, or delivers a meaningful benefit to their department. The project is designed to stretch participants beyond their comfort zone, expand professional networks, and build skills aligned with future career goals.

As a capstone experience, the project integrates leadership and professional competencies developed throughout PDP, from planning and execution to final presentation. Participants submit an executive summary of their project outcomes prior to graduation.

Capstone Project Development & Proposal Presentation

 From August through October, participants work with the program manager and their direct supervisor to identify a project that aligns with current responsibilities or represents a reasonable stretch assignment.

In November, participants present a formal project proposal to their supervisor, the program manager, and at least two additional stakeholders (e.g., colleagues, department leadership, or campus partners). Participants are responsible for scheduling the presentation, coordinating logistics, and inviting stakeholders. 

Project Charter, Planning & Execution

After incorporating stakeholder feedback and receiving approval, participants develop a detailed project charter and execution plan. The project charter is due prior to the winter closure. Project execution takes place from January through April 2027.

Capstone Project Consultation Teams

Early in the program, participants are assigned to a small consultation team and meet monthly throughout the year. Teams provide structured peer consultation, support, feedback, and accountability during both project development and execution.

Capstone Consultation Team Presentations

 Consultation teams deliver a final group presentation in May 2027. While each participant completes an individual project, teams identify a shared theme across projects and develop a presentation designed to inform and engage a general audience.

Presentations are 20–30 minutes, and are attended by supervisors, project stakeholders, mentors, and the program manager. The event invitation is extended to staff campus wide.

Cohort Hangouts

To foster cohort connection, networking, and relationship building, each project consultation team is responsible for planning and hosting three social or networking events for the cohort at any point during the program year. These events are intended to encourage informal connection and peer engagement outside of structured program activities. 

At least one event must be held virtually to ensure accessibility. Participation in all events is not required; however, participants are strongly encouraged to attend events whenever possible to support cohort engagement. Participants are required to attend the event hosted by their own consultation team.

Program subject to change.