Launched in 1994, the Professional Development Program (PDP) was created to strengthen UCLA’s leadership pipeline by preparing talented staff to step into future leadership roles. This one-year leadership development experience offers participants meaningful opportunities to grow professionally, expand leadership capabilities, build cross-campus networks, and gain deeper insight into UCLA’s structure, operations, and culture.
By investing in the development of emerging leaders, PDP supports UCLA’s succession planning efforts and helps ensure the University’s continued success. Participants apply what they learn within their current roles, bringing enhanced skills, broader perspective, and the ability to contribute more strategically to their teams and departments.
A strong partnership among participants, supervisors, and the Professional & Career Development team is central to the program’s success. Supervisors can expect participants to dedicate approximately 10–12 hours of paid release time per month to program activities. There is no cost to either the department or the participant.
PDP is offered in a hybrid format, with meetings, workshops, and events conducted both virtually via Zoom and in person on campus. Participants must be able to engage online and travel to campus for select sessions and events.
Program Timeline
Recruitment begins March 2, 2026. The selection committee reviews applications and recommends selected staff for in-person interviews. A final cohort is selected and notified in June.
Orientation and the opening retreats are held in August.
Program activities and events are attended throughout the year and a final celebration is held in June 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
Full-time career employment at UCLA in the following payroll title levels:
Professional & Support Staff (PSS) Grades 2-6
Career Tracks titles in the Professional categories 3-5
Career Tracks titles in the Supervisory 2 category
A list of (many, not all) eligible titles can be found HERE.
At least one year of service at UCLA as of August 1, 2026, is required. At least one year of service in current role is preferred.
Departmental support for participation (direct supervisor and department head)
Selected participants must have access to Zoom, as well as a computer with a camera and microphone, and a private space to participate in remote meetings.
Selected participants must be able to travel to and attend workshops and other events on campus and in person.
Applications from ineligible staff will not be considered.
2027 Professional Development Program
Launched in 1994, the Professional Development Program (PDP) was created to strengthen UCLA’s leadership pipeline by preparing talented staff to step into future leadership roles. This one-year leadership development experience offers participants meaningful opportunities to grow professionally, expand leadership capabilities, build cross-campus networks, and gain deeper insight into UCLA’s structure, operations, and culture.
By investing in the development of emerging leaders, PDP supports UCLA’s succession planning efforts and helps ensure the University’s continued success. Participants apply what they learn within their current roles, bringing enhanced skills, broader perspective, and the ability to contribute more strategically to their teams and departments.
A strong partnership among participants, supervisors, and the Professional & Career Development team is central to the program’s success. Supervisors can expect participants to dedicate approximately 10–12 hours of paid release time per month to program activities. There is no cost to either the department or the participant.
PDP is offered in a hybrid format, with meetings, workshops, and events conducted both virtually via Zoom and in person on campus. Participants must be able to engage online and travel to campus for select sessions and events.
Program Timeline
Recruitment begins March 2, 2026. The selection committee reviews applications and recommends selected staff for in-person interviews. A final cohort is selected and notified in June.
Orientation and the opening retreats are held in August.
Program activities and events are attended throughout the year and a final celebration is held in June 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
Full-time career employment at UCLA in the following payroll title levels:
Professional & Support Staff (PSS) Grades 2-6
Career Tracks titles in the Professional categories 3-5
Career Tracks titles in the Supervisory 2 category
A list of (many, not all) eligible titles can be found HERE.
At least one year of service at UCLA as of August 1, 2026, is required. At least one year of service in current role is preferred.
Departmental support for participation (direct supervisor and department head)
Selected participants must have access to Zoom, as well as a computer with a camera and microphone, and a private space to participate in remote meetings.
Selected participants must be able to travel to and attend workshops and other events on campus and in person.
Applications from ineligible staff will not be considered.