FIRST YEAR FELLOWSHIPS
The First-Year Fellowship Program is a selective student leadership opportunity that engages exemplary students as student mentors and role models in the First Year Experience. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, First-Year Fellows (FYFs) serve as peer mentors and role models to First-Year Students (FYS) over the arc of their first weeks and months as Denisonians. They assist Faculty Advisors during summer orientation and registration, actively participate as peer mentors in August-Orientation (Aug-O), support and co-lead FY Advising Circles, and remain engaged as a resource to students throughout the first year. Fellows facilitate FYS’ understanding of Denison’s mission, the breadth and diversity of our curriculum, the nature of our General Education program, the path to selecting a major, and how their academic journey supports life and career goals. Critically, as well, FYFs will help new students become acclimated to the various aspects of social life of the campus when they arrive in August. During this unique experience, FYF will develop leadership and mentorship skills and enhance their own understanding of the Denison journey.
The fellowship opportunity emphasizes community building, peer mentorship, and fostering a welcoming environment for new students. The fellowship opportunity offers leadership development elements such as:
- Education and training opportunities on topics such as active listening, strength-based advising, and intercultural competency.
- Educational workshops to build skills in advanced teamwork, communication, and community-building.
- Participating in enriching conversations centered on maximizing the value of undergraduate experiences, addressing college adjustment issues and providing student support, all through the lens of liberal arts values.
As ambassadors for the Denison community, Fellows will:
- Develop a rich understanding of institutional mission and core learning goals
- Partner with faculty advisors to articulate the purpose of the liberal arts in alignment with Denison’s mission
- Encourage students’ academic development and aid students in navigating FY course schedules
- Help new students make connections to student groups and organizations to foster a sense of belonging
- Promote engagement in the campus and wider Granville community
- Introduce students to on-campus resources to help them academically thrive
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive community for first-year students
- Be available for all components of the First-Year Fellowship
Commitments:
- Approximately 35 hours of training: 3-4 hours in April and May; 2-3 hours remote the week of July 8- July 12; 20-25 hours between August 19- August 20 and August 23- August 26; and 4-5 hours in the fall semester related to course registration
- Interest in partnering with Faculty Advisors in approximately 20 hours of online advising sessions with entering students in mid-July; the commitment includes 12-16, 45-minute advising sessions with individual students as well as preparation time with the faculty partner
- Move onto campus early on August 18
- Support for August-Orientation (Induction and Pre-departure support for Pre-Os, August 21- August 22) and August 26- August 28
- Support for fall 2024 Advising Circles or alternative forms of FY academic advising support, approximately 1.5 hours per week for 14 weeks
Timeline for Applications and Minimum Requirements for Applications
- Rising sophomore, junior, or senior with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Submission of Fellowship Application deadline March 25
- Rolling Interviews starting March 18
- Final interviews on April 5
Additional Information
- Educational Stipend, total $2000 paid over through installments [stipend is taxable]
- Early access to residence hall room
- Complimentary meals during the training and work period before meal plans begin
- Receive Denison apparel to serve as a uniform during August Orientation
