Required activities and expectations of the MMUF for fellows

The selection process of the Fellows will take into account overall GPA, evidence of special competence and success in the Mellon-approved field of study, quality of thinking as evidenced in a two- to three-page statement of interest, a one-page articulation of a prospective research proposal for guided summer research before the junior year, a level of understanding of what graduate school means and entails, and two letters of recommendation from members of the College community, especially faculty who have had them as students in the classroom.

Candidates are selected the second-semester of their sophomore year. There is an application and an interview process. The MMUF committee will select up to 10 students to complete the cohort.

It is expected to be the primary extracurricular activity, including work-study (for which it is designed to replace), and thus Fellows should organize their lives on campus in order to fully participate in the MMUF program.

Structure of Summer Program aka Boot Camp

After being accepted into the program during the Spring semester of the sophomore year, fellows will quickly begin to make plans for the upcoming summer. Upon consultation with and approval by the co-coordinators, it is expected that during the first summer of the fellowship that fellows will enroll in a two-week program that is organized to prepare fellows for graduate study. The Summer Boot Camp includes sessions in intensive writing as well as how to begin undertaking research. These sessions will also cover information to assist fellows in becoming familiar with the requirements for applying to graduate school and an introduction to various aspects of academic life.

In order to attend graduate school, fellows must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardized test used as a factor in determining admission. Given its continued importance, the MMUF program also provides financial support to fellows to enroll in a GRE course.

During the second summer, in consultation with the faculty co-coordinator and their faculty mentor, fellows are expected to design their own independent research program, which will aid in the development of their research project. Such activities can include visit to archives, language acquisition, or enrolling in courses that provide specific knowledge needed to carry out the research project.

Academic Year

During both academic years, fellows are required to enroll in a year-long course (one-credit each semester) taught by the faculty co-coordinator. With the exception of an occasional dinner and public lecture, as well as the Northeast Regional Conference, most of the activities related to the fellowship will occur during the class time. Following up on themes related to graduate school preparation, there will be class sessions on writing, conducting research as well as visits by those who can speak about their experiences in graduate school and/or the professional life of an academic. Fellows will also be expected in the class to present on their research, and at the end of each semester to submit a final paper that summarizes and updates the state of the research essay/thesis/project. Thus, class will require regular attendance, short writing assignments, oral presentations, and a final papers. Fellows will receive a grade of satisfactory or non-satisfactory.

Fellows must maintain a GPA of 3.5 to continue in the MMUF program.

The Northeast Regional Conference

Each fall (usually the third or fourth weekend of September) the MMUF programs in the Northeast region gather for a two-day conference at one of the participating universities. At the conference, there are panels, discussions, and plenary speakers. Fellows are expected to present on their research, usually after completing research during the second summer. All fellows are expected to attend the conference.

End of the Year Celebration

After the end of classes during the Spring semester and before final exams, a celebration will be held to acknowledge the accomplishments of the graduating senior MMUF cohort. The junior cohort will be introduced while the senior fellows are required to present on the final projects. The incoming MMUF cohort is also invited. Faculty Mentors and Board Members also are invited.

Other Activities

During the academic year, there will be other programming events to create a cohesive community among the fellows. Fellows will be expected to attend all activities.