Fellows Programs Application Portal

Application Questions

Q: What should the letter from the department chair or supervisor look like?
A: This document is not a formal letter of recommendation. It should indicate that the applicant has the support of their chair or supervisor and that they are aware that it may take the applicant away from other responsibilities. A paragraph that includes a very brief statement about why the applicant is a good fit for the program and that the chair or supervisor is supportive of the application is sufficient.  

Q: Do I need a Google account to apply?
A: Yes, a Google account login is required.  The application requires upload of documents and provides the applicant with an email confirmation, necessitating a Google account login.

Q: Where is my submission receipt?
A: All submission receipts are sent to your email account used for login. Please check your Gmail spam folder if you have not yet received it. If you still don’t see it, you can contact us at the corresponding program email listed on our webpage. 

Q: Are applicants permitted to submit applications for more than one of the fellows programs?
A: No, applicants must not apply for more than one fellows program.

Logistical Questions

Q: What is the time commitment for the fellows?
A: The fellows programs are grounded in achieving the goals for the academic year, rather than in hitting a certain number of hours of work each week. Some weeks will be busier than others and, certainly, there is an understanding of the rhythms of the academic calendar. The meeting schedule will be figured out in collaboration with the fellows but, typically, there are hourlong whole group meetings every other week and smaller groups of fellows will meet in the off weeks for the whole group meeting. So, fellows will expect a meeting a week. There is an expectation that fellows will be working to complete projects throughout the year but the fellows cohort will be working in collaboration to figure out project assignments and timelines.

Q: Will the stipend be counted as extra service or can it be used to pay for a course release?
A: The stipends will be distributed according to campus, SUNY, and state policies and procedures. System Administration will release the funds to the fellow’s campus and the campus will decide whether it will be counted as extra service or be used to provide a course release. It will be up to the campus to make this decision. Applicants are encouraged to check in with their HR and finance offices if they have any questions about how their campus will distribute the stipends. Generally, however, fellows’ stipends have been counted as extra service. The stipends cannot be paid until the work has been completed.

All extra service forms and the appropriate approvals must be completed before the fellows’ term begins.

Q: What are the travel demands of the program?
A: All meetings will be held on Zoom. However, we have learned, from earlier cycles of the fellows programs, that campuses prefer in-person workshops and consultations. Any travel burden would be spread out over the fellows cohort and we would take into account people’s schedules, geographical locations, and preferences. There is no expectation of frequent travel; it would be occasional and based on interest and schedule. Travel reimbursement would be for approved service-related travel as deemed appropriate by the fellows program. There will likely be an in-person gathering in the spring in Albany and SUNY will reimburse fellows for travel to participate. All travel will follow and be reimbursed in accordance with SUNY policies.

Q: Is it possible to hold more than one fellows position (such as a position in the other SUNY fellows programs like Academic Momentum and the Accessibility Advocates and Allies)?

A: We advise against carrying overlapping fellows positions. One key reason is that your campus might not allow it and it may also hit against extra service maximums. All the fellows programs require significant time commitments and focus.

For further questions, please email the corresponding program email address found below.