The Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP) recognises and supports students who are making a difference beyond the classroom – through leadership, volunteering, work, and community involvement.
The ELP is a flexible, co-curricular programme that helps you reflect on what you’re already doing, build confidence in your leadership, and gain formal recognition for skills that matter for your future.
What the Emerging Leaders Programme offers you
If you’re involved in clubs, volunteering, community initiatives, paid work, or leadership roles, you’re already developing valuable skills. ELP helps you:
- Get recognised for learning that happens outside of your degree
- Build employability by articulating your skills using reflective tools employers value
- Develop as a leader with a strong sense of purpose, values, and social impact
- Connect with community and be part of a growing network of engaged Otago students
ELP is designed to be inclusive and accessible. There’s no single 'type' of leader, and leadership can show up in many forms.
Choose what works for you
You can complete individual category badges, or work towards the Emerging Leaders Award.
To achieve a badge, you’ll:
- Complete a minimum of 30 activity hours in a category
- Submit a guided reflection on what you’ve learned
- Submit a brief impact statement connecting your local actions with global causes
ELP categories include:
- Career Development
- Community Engagement
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Enterprise and Innovation
- Global Citizenship
- Sustainability
- Wellbeing
- Work-related Activity
To achieve the Emerging Leaders Award, you’ll:
- Complete four categories (one must be Career Development)
- Complete three Approved Learning Opportunities (such as workshops or online learning)
Many University-run programmes are Approved Partners, meaning students in those roles can easily use their existing experiences as part of ELP.
Who can join ELP
ELP is open to all University of Otago students, including:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Domestic and full-degree international students
- Students with leadership experience, and those just starting out
If you’re curious about leadership, community, or making an impact, ELP is for you.
Find out more and register for the Emerging Leaders Programme (Unicrew website)
Once registered, you can start logging hours, attending approved learning opportunities, and submitting reflections at your own pace.