About the Blue Hen Leadership Program

Purpose

The Blue Hen Leadership Program (BHLP) is designed to allow students to gain the leadership skills they have identified they need. Our structure lets students choose their path and engage as much as they want. Some students may only choose to do one certificate over their four years. Some will choose to do one or two every semester. The Leadership and Service Office is a resource for students to advance their leadership skills, behaviors, and capacities in the ways that suit their needs.

In addition, BHLP is a well-rounded leadership program that provides students with plenty of opportunities to grow in multiple areas of leadership. If a student wants to deeply engage in the program and complete BHLP, there are five areas of leadership and service that they need to accomplish.

BHLP is grounded in multiple theories and structurally inspired by the Social Change Model for Leadership, which has four components: Personal Values, Group Values, Community Values and Positive Change. Those components were used to create the scaffold of the program. The program can be completed in any order, however it is recommended that students start with Individual Leadership and end with the Leadership Capstone.

Individual Leadership

In an Individual Leadership Certificate, students will gain insight into their own leadership abilities and learn the most effective ways to apply their skills around UD and beyond.

Group or Team Leadership

In a Group or Team Leadership Certificate, students will learn how to adapt their leadership skills to work effectively with others.

Leadership in Community/Context

In a Leadership in Community/Context Certificate, students will explore how leadership impacts particular communities, or how leadership skills, traits and strengths can vary based within different contexts.

Leadership Capstone

The Leadership Capstone Certificate focuses on internal reflection of our student leaders. The capstone is geared toward juniors and seniors who are preparing for life after graduation, and will prepare students to talk about their leadership experiences in job interviews, graduate school applications and more.

Experiential Leadership

Required: Two-page reflection paper

Without application, leadership learning cannot be fully embraced. In the Experiential Leadership component, students will engage and apply their learning while holding a leadership position. Leadership positions may take place within the Leadership and Service office, elsewhere at UD or off campus. Questions about if your position qualifies as Experiential Leadership? Contact the office!

Community Service

BHLP is a part of Creative Leadership, Innovation and Service, and community service is a significant part of leader engagement. Students are required to complete 30 hours of community service to complete BHLP, allowing them to give back to the UD community, Newark or a community they are passionate about. Community service can be completed through the office through programs like UD Alternative Breaks (UDAB) or the monthly service initiatives (Service Saturday), or service can be completed outside of the Leadership and Service office. There is a Service Verification Form available for students to fill out to keep track of their service hours.

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