Arizona Blue Chip Program
To get a full description of the Bluechip Program, download the PDF!
Overview of the Arizona Blue Chip Program
The Arizona Blue Chip Program welcomed its first class on August 22, 1999. Dr. Likins, President of the University of Arizona welcomed 238 freshmen to the program and the beginning of their university experience. Subsequent classes have been added to bring the number of students having participated in Blue Chip to over 2000.
The Arizona Blue Chip Program is a 4 year co-curricular leadership education experience under the auspices of the Blue Chip Center for Leadership Education. Blue Chip is designed to help students gain self-awareness and an awareness of the world around them. Blue Chip does not define leadership as positional, but as a relational process. For that reason we believe everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow into a leader regardless of past experiences. The Mission of Blue Chip is to build leaders who will make a difference.
The four core values of our program reflect the program's components and the way in which leadership is viewed within the program:
- Integrity: Knowing the difference between right and wrong and doing the right thing all the time... even when no one is watching.
- Diversity: Leaders are inclusive, first through awareness of self, expanding to include awareness of others, and becoming multiculturally competent.
- Service: It's not about me, it's about us. Leaders care about people and seek to enhance the lives of those around them. By serving others, leaders serve themselves.
- Excellence: Understanding your capabilities and limitations and then doing your best all the time... accepting nothing less.
How does Blue Chip differs from other university activities? Blue Chip is a university program (which is different from a student club). It is housed within the Arizona Student Unions and is staffed by approximately 3-4 professional staff members. Blue Chip is designed to help you focus on developing as a leader and learning about leadership, whereas other involvement opportunities are designed to have you lead (without necessarily learning about the best way to lead). We strongly believe that the best combination is being involved with Blue Chip ALONG WITH other activities on campus such as student clubs or student government. The two experiences greatly complement one another-where you learn about leadership in Blue Chip you get the opportunity to practice it in other activities. Many prominent student leaders here on campus are also in Blue Chip.
Getting Involved in Blue Chip at Pima Community College
Through a collaboration with Pima Community College, students can complete Phases I and II while attending Pima Community College through the Pima Leadership Institute. Click here for more information. www.union.arizona.edu/csil/bluechip/pli.php
Living on Campus with Other Blue Chip Students
Phase I and II Blue Chip students can apply to live in Pima Blue Chip Leadership Lodge - A living-learning community in Pima Residence Hall for Blue Chip students.
www.union.arizona.edu/csil/bluechip/pimalodge.php
Black Opal Leadership Program Exchange in Australia
Blue Chip has a partnership with the University of Wollongong Black Opal Leadership Program in Australia. Blue Chip students can apply to participate in a semester-long study abroad and participate in the Black Opal Leadership Program. www.union.arizona.edu/csil/bluechip/blackopal.php
To Get Involved in Blue Chip
Who is eligible for the Blue Chip Program?
Any University of Arizona or Pima Community College student.
What does it take to be in the Blue Chip Program?
A student must be open to personal growth in the development of their leadership skills and willing to participate to the maximum extent possible. A good attitude helps.
Involvement in the program ranges from one to four years depending on student interest.
What does it cost to be in the Blue Chip program?
Incoming Blue Chip students pay a nonrefundable fee of $150/semester to participate in the program. This fee is used in its entirety to offset the administrative cost of
running the program. There are several financial need scholarships available. We often get questions about why there is a fee for Blue Chip and "What do I get for my
money?"
This fee is an administrative fee that helps offset the costs to run the Blue Chip Program. The fee does not necessarily cover individual costs to be a member of the program. We are fortunate to get funding from other sources besides fees to make the cost to participate more affordable than if we charged the whole cost to each participant. It
costs us about $250 per semester to have someone in Blue Chip. The fee helps cover some expenses, but not all. We also have a commitment to offering scholarships to those
students who show the desire to develop themselves as leaders who demonstrate a financial need. We would say that what you get for your money is priceless-friends, networks,
leadership skills, leadership opportunities, to mention just a few things!
When can I apply?
Applications are available on-line at www.union.arizona.edu/csil/bluechip/appl.php. Applications are accepted yearly by July 1st for the upcoming academic year.
Where do I apply?
Applications may be picked up in the Center for Student Involvement & Leadership in the Student Union. To receive an application by mail, call (520) 621-8046. Applications
may also be completed online.
Why should I apply?
Leadership skills are life skills. The Blue Chip Program will enhance your success at school and enrich your overall college experience. It will also better prepare you to
achieve your career ambitions.
Contact Us
If you ever have any questions or concerns about the program, please feel free to come talk to any Blue Chip Staff members about it-that's what we are here for! We are
located in the Student Union Memorial Center Room 404 or can be reached at 520-621-8046.
