Community-Engaged Scholarship Faculty Fellowship Program
The Community-Engaged Scholarship (CES) Faculty Fellowship Program offers participants an extended opportunity to support the institutionalization of community engagement through community-engaged scholarship. The CES Faculty Fellowship is structured as a scholarly professional development program that aligns with the Office of Community Engaged Learning & Leadership’s commitment to advancing the University’s mission and goals, while also strengthening faculty members’ dedication to advocacy, community-based work, and developing critical solutions. Fellows will aim to develop innovative and critical strategies to enhance community engagement efforts and initiatives at the University. With direct guidance and support from the OCELL Director, CES Faculty Fellows can expect to work either independently or in small teams on a project throughout the academic year.
Program outcomes
All CES Faculty Fellowship Program goals align with the six main components of community-engaged scholarship, outlined by Gordon da Cruz (2017) as: identify, investigate, partner, generate, exchange and produce.
It is expected that the work of each fellow will contribute to the implementation and achievement of this engagement opportunity through the following program goals and outcomes:
- Develop a deeper understanding of community engagement and its connection to the University’s overall philosophy, mission, and values, as well as the land-grant mission;
- Improve faculty and student understanding of meaningful community engagement both within and outside the university;
- Advocate for structural support and participation in community-engaged opportunities and programs;
- Encourage mutually beneficial and reciprocal partnerships and collaborations; and
- Advance the institutional need and value of community-engaged scholarship.
Program commitments and requirements
The CES Faculty Fellowship Program is available to any University faculty or staff members interested in community-engaged scholarship and who have completed the Community-Engaged Scholarship Program at the University or an equivalent program at another institution. Those who haven't completed a CES program but have relevant community engagement experience or knowledge may still be considered. Small groups of up to three faculty members are eligible to participate collaboratively. Additionally, fellows can also apply with a representative from their community partner, if applicable.
The CES Faculty Fellowship is a 12-month program that will require selected faculty to commit to the following:
- Devote approximately 30 hours per semester to fellowship activities
- Attend a required orientation and all program meetings with the OSLCE Coordinator
- Submit two critical reflections and prepare a final presentation on your work as a fellow
- Demonstrate full commitment, engagement, and participation in fulfilling all program requirements
There are two primary requirements of this program:
- Fellows will generate interest in and support community-engaged scholarship initiatives or projects on campus. Fellows may be required to do a few of the following tasks during their time:
- Serve as a critical resource, advocate and scholar for the evaluation, evolution, and institutionalization of community-engaged scholarship at the University
- Host an informational presentation, workshop or brown bag for university faculty focused on critical engagement and how it can be applied to your research, discipline, or role
- Present to university leadership (e.g., college leadership, associate deans, faculty senate or the Service-Learning Council) to enhance administrators’ awareness and understanding of community-engaged scholarship across disciplines
- Attend any professional development events organized by the Office of Service-Learning and Civic Engagement
- Perform other duties assigned by the OSLCE Coordinator that relate to the faculty’s interests and scholarly discipline
- Fellows will complete a project focused on advancing the institutionalization of community-engaged scholarship at the University. The OSLCE Coordinator can suggest projects that align with departmental needs and solutions. Fellows will be required to:
- Develop a project proposal aimed at contributing to the sustained institutionalization of up to 3 categories from the Assessment Rubric for Institutionalizing Community Engagement in Higher Education (Furco et al., 2009)
- Present on the project's status at the mid-point check-in and final fellowship meeting
- Complete the project by the end of August, finishing it over the course of the year-long fellowship
CES Faculty Fellows will receive a $1,500 payment for their participation in the program. Funds will be distributed in two installments: $750 at the start of the current academic year and $750 at the end of the fiscal year, upon submission of the final project and reflection. Additional resources for projects may be requested and will be approved at the discretion of OSLCE.
To be considered for the upcoming academic year, please submit your application by Friday, July 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Applicants should provide a brief explanation of their interest in joining the fellowship program, outline their proposed project and goals and attach a current resume or CV. Selected fellows will be notified in the following weeks and will need to sign the Commitment Form with their direct supervisor. If you have any questions, please contact the OSLCE Coordinator.
2024-2025 Fellows
- Lara Katrina Schott, Reference Librarian, Savitt Medical Library
- Lydia Huerta, Department Chair & Associate Professor, Gender, Race, and Identity
- Melody Huslage, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work