First-Year Fellows Program
The First-Year Fellows Program offers motivated, emerging student leaders the opportunity
to serve as peer mentors and teaching assistants during their second year. Fellows
also assist with programming hosted by FYSY Advising to foster community among first-year
students.
This two-semester commitment begins in the spring of Fellows’ first year with enrollment
in SBU 275: First-Year Fellows Seminar. After completing the seminar, students are
fully recognized as Fellows and begin their service by assisting with New Seawolf
Welcome Week and participating in a Fellows Training Day over the summer. In the following
fall semester, Fellows serve as teaching assistants for SBU 101. Enrollment in a concurrent
teaching practicum during the fall semester is required.
Required Coursework
SBU 275 - Spring Semester
This course has been designed to prepare students for their experience as a First-Year
Fellow. Content discussed in this course will provide the basis for the learning that
will take place outside of the classroom throughout students' Fellows experiences
and in interactions with department leadership, 101 instructors, new students, and
peers. Topics include: leadership identity and vision, active listening, inclusive
communication, application of developmental theories to mentorship scenarios, and
resources within the University community.
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SBU 276 - Fall Semester
This experiential learning course serves as an organizing principle around students’
experiences in the First-Year Fellows Program. Students assume higher responsibility
and are given opportunities to apply teaching theories and concepts as learned in
SBU 275 while serving as Teaching Assistants in SBU 101 courses.
Learn More
Application Information
Ready to Apply?
- Current first-year student
- Students who began their time at SBU in a spring semester are eligible to apply for
the program in the fall following their first semester
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Clean SBU conduct record
- Grade of “S” in SBU 101
- Note: Fellows must also attain a grade of A-C in SBU 102 to continue in the program
- Completed application & interview process
The 2026 application cycle has closed. Please check back for information about the
2027 application cycle during the Fall 2026 semester!
The general application timeline is as follows:
- October: Applications open
- November: Applications and letters of recommendations due
- December: Interviews
Transfer Success Mentors Program
The Transfer Success Mentor Program is designed to support the academic, social and
personal transition of incoming transfer students through peer-mentoring, leadership
development and intentional connection to campus resources. Transfer Success Mentors
gain expereince as TAs and mentors for newly enrolled transfer students in the Transfer
Student Seminar ADV 101. Mentors will also participate in ADV 475 (spring) and ADV
476 (fall) seminars to strenghten leadership, communication and professional competencies
relevant to future careers and graduate study.
Required Coursework
ADV 475- Spring Semester
This course is designed to prepare students for their expereince as a Transfer Success
Mentor. Transfer Success Mentors serve as peer mentors and teaching assistants for
the ADV 101 transfer seminars. Topics include leadership development, classroom facilitation
techniques, presentation skills and lesson planning.
Learn More
ADV 476 - Fall Semester
This experiential learning course builds on students' foundational expereinces in
the Transfer Success Mentor Program. In their second semester, mentors take on increased
responsibility as an active Mentor and TA in their assigned ADV 101 course.
Learn More
Application Information
Ready to Apply?
- U3 or U4 standing (or successful completion of ADV 101)
- Minimum GPA of 2.8 or higher
- Complete application including:
- Written application
- 1 professional reference
- Resume
The 2026 application cycle has closed. Please check back for information about the
2027 application cycle during the Fall 2026 semester!
