University Fellows are a dynamic team of undergraduate students who provide support, guidance and mentoring to first-year students throughout their first two semesters at Montclair State University. Each University Fellow is assigned to one section of the New Student Seminar and works in collaboration with the instructor and the other Fellows within their assigned College/School.
Each University Fellow will be expected to facilitate small group discussions during class, assist with course instruction, provide support during course selection and registration, and serve as a referral resource for peers. University Fellows are not responsible for grading in any capacity. Each Fellow will have an average of 25 mentees and will be expected to commit to a minimum of three (3) hours of weekly responsibilities in this role. Other responsibilities may include support of college events, programs, and initiatives that may occur in the evenings or on the weekends.
Ideal University Fellows:
- Are patient and supportive of their peers.
- Enjoy public speaking and building relationships.
- Are comfortable with large and small group facilitation.
- Have a collaborative work style.
- Appreciate different learning styles, as well as diverse and inclusive environments.
- Are able to exercise careful, independent judgment, and can work effectively with minimal supervision.
- Are receptive to constructive feedback and seek help when needed.
- Have a strong academic background and desire to mentor first-year students.
- Current, non-graduating undergraduate student
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- GPAs will be verified at the time of application and at the end of each semester.
- Completion of at least one semester and 15 credits earned at Montclair State University.
- Successful completion of GNED 199 (New Student Seminar) with a B- or better.
- In good conduct standing at Montclair with an outcome of ‘Not Responsible’ for University Code of Conduct violations.
- Conduct history will be verified at the time of application and at the end of each semester.
- Ability to take the lead in supporting mentees through an ongoing one-to-one relationship and serve as a positive role model.
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong work ethic.
- Desire to develop leadership skills and become a strong team member.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) or Google Suite, NEST, Navigate, Degree Works, Engage and other student systems.
University Fellows are committed to one (1) academic year of service. This time commitment includes:
Mandatory Training and Meetings
- An introductory training session at the end of the spring semester.
- An All-Team Summer Training scheduled for late August.
- Monthly in-service meetings focused on program updates and personal and professional development.
Expectations for the Fall Semester
- A minimum of three (3) hours per week inclusive of weekly 50-minute New Student Seminar class, meetings with your instructor(s), and interactions with your mentees.
- Support Montclair State and College/School programs and events that may occur in the evenings or on the weekends.
Expectations for the Spring Semester
- A minimum of eight (8) hours per month inclusive of support and participation in University and College/School’s programs and events, meetings with your assigned supervisor, and continued outreach to your cohort of mentees.
- Provide administrative and academic support to the planned activities and initiatives of the University Fellows program and your assigned College/School.
- Paid $400.00 upon completion of role responsibilities each semester;
- A letter of recommendation from the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of University College at the successful completion of your service;
- A certificate of recognition at the successful completion of your service;
- Learn transferable skills that you can add to your resume and market to other employers;
- Networking and mentoring opportunity with Montclair State University, faculty, staff and senior-level University administrators;
- Leadership experience.
Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will open Friday, January 19, 2024 for all undergraduate students. Current graduate students are ineligible to apply.
The deadline to apply as a new applicant is Friday, February 23, 12 p.m.
All returning non-graduating University Fellows who are looking to reapply must do so before Friday, February 2.
Interviews for eligible, new applicants will be held in March, beginning Monday, March 4.
To learn more about the University Fellows program, please contact us at universityfellows@montclair.edu or visit us in the University College suite located in Cole Hall, Suite 300.
You can also learn more about the Program by checking out our upcoming events on Engage or by following us on Instagram @montclair_universityfellows!