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JCPenney Leadership Program FAQ's
Each year we receive many questions regarding the JCPenney Leadership Program, the application process, program participation, etc. In an effort to make sure that your questions are answered in a timely manner, we have developed a list of the most frequently asked questions by prospective students. If you do not find the answer to your question listed below, please contact us at (405) 325-2501.
General Questions about the Program
Q. What can this program do for me?
A. See the top 10 reasons to apply to the JCPenney Leadership Program.
Q. Does it cost anything to be in the program?
A. There is a $50 admission fee once you have been accepted.
Q. Do I have to dress up?
A. Yes, fairly frequently. You will need a suit. Add this to the cost of the program if you don't have a suit already. See our dress for success flyer under program requirements.
Q. How can being in this program help me find a job/internship?
A. Membership in the JCPenney Leadership Program is a credential when applying to jobs. Also, through the program, students have the opportunity to participate in networking events with companies such: as information sessions, corporate views, and alumni events. These interactions often can be a vehicle for a future interview and/or internship and job opportunities. Although we cannot guarantee you a job, through your participation in the Leadership Program you will have ample opportunity to make connections that could lead to possible internships and permanent positions upon graduation.
Q. What kinds of events will I be involved in if I am accepted in the program?
A. You will participate in leadership workshops, seminars, a leadership class, the Distinguished Visitor series, philanthropic events, the opportunities mentioned above and perhaps others, all of which are designed to meet the goals and objectives of the Program
Q. Will the activities involve weekend time?
A. Occasionally. However, we try not to occupy student's weekends.
Q. Why is philanthropy a part of the Leadership Program?
A. An important characteristic of a good leader is sensitivity to the needs of others. Leaders have the capacity to make a difference and therefore the responsibility to share their gifts with greater society. Much of the philanthropic work done to help less privileged individuals, protect the environment etc. is a result of the actions and support of leaders. The Leadership Program provides opportunities for students to internalize the need for and the rewards from participating in service type programs. It is our hope that our Leadership Associates will continue to use their talents toward this end in the future when their influence increases.
Questions about the Application Process
Q. Is there a cap on the number of students admitted into the Program?
A. No.
Q.Why do you have a 3.25 cumulative GPA requirement?
A. Leaders know their stuff. To be a credible leader, you must have knowledge and understanding of what you are leading. A strong GPA is an indicator of knowledge. Secondly, as a JCPenney Leadership Associate, you are expected and will want to participate in the myriad of opportunities offered to you. Since academics are the # 1 priority of the College of Business, we accept students whose grades are less likely to suffer with their active participation in the program.
Q.Why do I have to have at least 40 credit hours or 3 semesters left to apply?
A. This gives us a reasonable span of time to help students begin developing some of the skills that we think leaders need. The longer students remain in the program, the more they benefit from it.
Q.If I don't get accepted, can I reapply?
A. Yes, if you meet all of the eligibility requirements.
Q.Is their a certain profile of student that the JCPenney Leadership Center is looking for?
A. No. We love diversity. However, well organized students are likely to do better in the program since it can be demanding.
Q.If I work part-time am I eligible to apply and will I have time to participate in the program?
A. Yes to both questions. We have many working students. It is all a matter of organization. Most events are planned long enough in advance that students should be able to organize their schedules around them. Work is generally not an acceptable excuse for missing mandatory events for which you have been given at least 2 weeks notice.
Q.If I am only in school part-time, can I apply and participate in the Program.
A. No. You must be enrolled full-time to be eligible to apply and participate. The only exception to this rule is for seniors already in the program who are finishing their last semester.
Questions Regarding Program Involvement
Q.If my GPA falls below 3.25 while I am in the program, will I be dismissed?
A. If your GPA falls below a 3.0, you will be put on academic probation, if it falls a second time, you will be dismissed.
Q.What is expected of me if I get into the program?
A. You will be expected to attend all mandatory events and as many other events as your schedule allows. Therefore you are expected to participate actively and be very organized. Students that have consistently low participation are dismissed from the program.
You are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout your tenure and abide by the College's code of conduct.
Finally, you are expected to check your mail folder at least once a week and your e-mails at least every other day and respond to all e-mails from the Center that require a response.
Q.What happens if I miss a required event?
A. You should arrange an appointment with the Director of the JCPenney Leadership Center.
Q.Can I be a member of The JCPenney Leadership Program if I am only a business minor?
A. No.The program is designed for full-time business majors. But you can certainly be in the program if you are a double major and one of these is inside the business college.
