Spring 2026 Registration is CLOSED!
Bobcat Leadership Seminar (BLS) is great for students interested in exploring their identities as leaders and getting more involved in leadership at UC Merced & beyond. We welcome all students, whether you are continuing your leadership journey or just getting started. BLS consists of six (6) 1.5-hour sessions.
BLS will have two cohorts for Spring 2026:
Cohort 1: Thursdays 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM starting February 5, 2026
Sessions: Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, Mar. 5, Mar. 12
Cohort 2: Fridays 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM starting February 6, 2026
Sessions: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, Mar. 13
Attend all 6 sessions to receive a certificate of completion.
Interested in joining Bobcat Leadership Seminar?
Please complete our registration form below!
Questions? Reach out to us at lead@ucmerced.edu
Program Structure
- Workshop 1: Define Leadership, Explore Your Multiple Identities, Intro to Kouzes & Posner’s 5 Practices
- Workshop 2: Modeling the Way
- Workshop 3: Leading with Empathy & Cultural Fluency
- Workshop 4: Communication Skills & Self-Awareness
- Workshop 5: Service as Leadership & the Social Change Model
- Workshop 6: Confidence & Resilience in Leadership
What will I do in this program?
- Explore your identity and leadership style(s)
- Reflect on questions like: Who am I? What impact do I want to make?
- Identify leadership strengths and areas for growth
- Develop strategies to build confidence and resilience
- Learn about leadership opportunities at UC Merced and beyond
Who should sign up?
- Open to all UC Merced students (undergraduate & graduate)
- Helpful for both current and future leadership development
What should I expect?
- Facilitated by Andrea Tafolla, Daniel Guel, Sundeep Shyam, and Stephany Barrera
- Includes a short online assessment (~20 minutes)
- Complete assessment to receive your certificate
- Welcoming, supportive environment — come as your authentic self
