Sapphire Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the Sapphire Program?

Corporate Relations

• Exclusive networking opportunities
• Exclusive professional development opportunities
• Exposure to a variety of major corporations
• Executive Insights with top companies

• Involvement with the Smeal Alumni Society Board and  Sapphire Alumni Network

Sapphire Classes

1. Fall First Year Seminar (PSU 006S) – Intro to majors and getting to know your cohort classmates
2. Fall Sophomore/Junior Leadership Seminar (BA 297C) – Developing leadership and your leadership project
3. Capstone Senior Class (In Development) – touching base with your cohort before graduation

Peer Networking

• An easy way to meet people
• Knowing others in your classes
• Supportive, like minded peers with similar values and career goals
• Membership in the student governed Sapphire Leadership Council

Individualized Sapphire Faculty support

Leadership development and team building outings, partnering opportunities with the broader Smeal and Penn State communities, and civic engagement opportunities

Familiarity with Business Building, resources, faculty, deans, etc.

If applying before my first year, do I have to accept Penn State’s Admission’s Offer to attend Smeal in order to receive acceptance into the program?

No.  You must have applied to Penn State for acceptance and be interested in a Smeal Business Major.  You should be in either offered or accepted status.  Your application to the program will be considered as long as you meet the requirements.  Student who are strongly considering Penn State, but have not made a final decision, are encouraged to apply.

What can I expect during my Sapphire FTCAP?

The morning presentation from the Division of Undergraduate Studies focuses on University information such as housing, over view of curriculum and general information.  After lunch families and students will report to the Smeal College of Business Building for a presentation about our entrance to major process and entrance to major requirements and some information about the Sapphire Leadership Program.  After the presentation, students will join advisors in a computer lab to review the scheduling system and schedule classes for their first session at Penn State.

Note: Due to the size of our incoming first year class, we do not meet with first year students individually for scheduling.

Do I have to attend the March or April Visitation Day in order to be considered?

No. We do, however, encourage you to come spend the day with us. You can learn more about the Smeal College of Business and the unique opportunities available through the Sapphire Program. This visit replaces the Undergraduate Admissions Office Campus Visit – all information is covered.

Can I apply and participate in both the Sapphire Leadership Program and Schreyer Honors College?

Yes, you may do both.  Sapphire looks to produce a well-rounded student offering different opportunities not available in the typical classroom, such as a leadership project geared toward your interest, Sapphire networking, corporate opportunities, etc.

What is the Sapphire First Year Seminar?

The First Year Seminar is taken with the same group of Sapphire students. All of the incoming Sapphire students are considered a cohort. The first semester of the freshman year, students will take a Sapphire First Year Seminar course so they get to know their peers inside the classroom as well. These early relationships serve as a strong academic and social community throughout your education and turn into real-life networking opportunities after graduation.

Note: If you are accepted in to the Sapphire Leadership Program through the Junior Entry process, the Sapphire First Year Seminar is not a requirement.

What is the Fall Sophomore Leadership Seminar?

Through active engagement in and outside the classroom, students are provided with a practical model of leadership that is both valid and understandable.  Students learn how to think about and develop their own leadership capabilities.  By learning this set of skills and abilities, students develop the expertise necessary to respond to leadership challenges that are an inevitable part of formal and informal organizational life.  This class culminates in each student’s development of a self-directed, multi-semester leadership project proposal – a core component of the program. 

Note: Students will take this course either during their third or fifth semester, depending on when they enter the program.

What is the leadership project?

The Leadership project is a self-directed, multi-semester project specifically tailored to the member’s own interests that synthesizes learning from various components of the program and expands each student’s leadership heuristics.  The leadership project begins during the Sapphire Leadership Seminar (taken in the fall of your sophomore or junior year, depending on when entering program) with the formation of a proposal and ends at the close of the 7th semester.  Students will develop and implement the project with guidance from the faculty director.

Is the workload hard for the program?

Sapphire classes are worth one credit each and therefore offer helpful information without being overwhelming.  The Leadership Project will be one of your biggest commitments.  This typically starts in the beginning of your sophomore year and is completed by the end of your 7th semester.

What if I am undecided on a major?

Some indecision is understandable, as long as the major you are considering is within the Smeal College of Business (Accounting, Actuarial Science, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Supply Chain).

Is there a minimum GPA to participate?

Sapphire students must maintain a strong grade point average to continue in the program. All students are expected to have a 3.5 cumulative grade point average by the end of the freshman year.

Can Sapphire guarantee an Internship or Co-op?

The Sapphire Program cannot guarantee placement into an Internship/Co-op experience. However, our students are held to high academic standards and are exposed to several leadership opportunities, so often they are attractive to potential employers. The Smeal Career and Corporate Services Office will work with students to find an internship that meets with their personal career goals.

Are there required Sapphire events?

Yes. There are two Sapphire Leadership Program Meetings per month.  Freshmen and Sophomores must attend at least 5 of these meetings per semester. These students are also required to attend two volunteer opportunities, two professional development opportunities and two fund raising opportunities per year. Each semester members have a wide array of corporate and special events from which to choose, including company visits, reserved seating at the Executive Insights series, business etiquette dinners, the PSU – Michigan State Blood Donor Challenge, just to name a few.  There will also be program sponsored events that are mandatory, such as the Orientation Breakfast, Leadership Day, and Team Building at Shaver's Creek.

What are Executive Insights?

Smeal sponsored corporate events bringing in top industry leaders to discuss and answer questions regarding future business, economy trends and any other pertinent information they can share to help students achieve their career goals.  Sapphire students are given priority seating and often companies offer lunches and business round tables with just Sapphires.

What is a Roundtable Discussion?

A Roundtable discussion us an exclusive opportunity for a small group of Sapphire students (8-15) to sit at a conference table with high level executives and ask questions.  Questions can range from advice, to questions about their company, industry or the economy as a whole.  These sessions are usually one hour long.  Only Sapphire students can attend these sessions.

What is the role of a Sapphire student?

Sapphire students are considered leaders of the Smeal College of Business.  Sapphire duties include the completion of a self-directed, multi-semester leadership project, as well as attending meetings and fulfilling the general requirements of membership.

Do all Sapphire Students study abroad?

No.  Study Abroad is offered to all Penn State students.  Although it is encouraged, it is up to the individual student to make that decision.