Faculty Fellowship Program

About Faculty Fellows

The Fellows Program Community Engagement is a year-long faculty development initiative designed to support selected faculty members in mastering best practices in community engagement and service learning. This program empowers participants to incorporate community-academic partnerships and engagement; the pedagogy of service-learning; frameworks addressing social determinants of health, health equity, and social justice; and competencies in interprofessional education. 

During the one-year Faculty Fellows will engage in a series of self-paced online modules, complemented by group workshops and individualized consultations. Applications for each new cohort open in May, with participants notified at the start of the fall semester. Fellows receive a stipend upon completing the online training modules and attending in-person networking workshops, along with an additional funding to support project expenses. 

What is Service-Learning?

Service-Learning at Methodist University is a form of experiential education that integrates meaningful community service with academic coursework. Through this approach, instructors and students apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings by collaborating with communities or public organizations. Activities may include identifying and analyzing community needs, as well as designing and implementing solutions to address those needs. This process is enriched by reflective activities throughout the course or project, fostering deeper learning and engagement. 

Program Requirements

Commitment to full participation in the program activities is essential and is required for consideration as a Methodist University Service-Learning Fellow.  

Applicants must commit to the following activities in order to be considered for selection: 

• Participation in mandatory six virtual Fellows meetings. 
• Fellows are required to develop a service-learning project throughout the Fall semester and implement this project or course in the Spring. 
• Fellows are asked to share their materials with the current and future Faculty Fellows. 

 Project Guidelines

The Service-Learning Fellows Program is a faculty development initiative, not a grant or funding source for projects. Each Fellow is expected to develop and/or implement a service-learning project during the program. While most projects are carried out within the Fellowship year, some may extend beyond this timeframe, depending on the scope and nature of the project. 

Mission

To create a Faculty Fellowship Program focused on fostering community engagement and a sense of belonging within both the campus and broader community. The program will support faculty members in developing initiatives that bridge academic learning with community needs, while promoting inclusive practices and diverse perspectives.

1. Program Framework & Structure

1.1. Program Purpose & Goals

• Encourage faculty to integrate community-based learning and civic engagement into their teaching and scholarship.
• Build a culture of inclusivity and belonging, both within the campus and in partnerships with the surrounding community.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty to address real-world challenges through community engagement.
• Promote the development of faculty leadership in civic and community engagement initiatives.

1.2. Fellowship Duration

• Year-long program (12 months) with a combination of workshops, collaborative projects, and research.
• Fellowship opportunities are extended to faculty across all departments.

1.3. Number of Fellows

• Select 4-6 faculty members per cohort annually to ensure quality engagement and collaboration.

2. Key Components of the Fellowship Program

2.1. Orientation & Training

• Community Engagement Workshop: Provide initial training for faculty fellows on best practices for community-based learning, cultural competence, and fostering inclusivity.
• Belonging and Inclusion Seminar: (CIC) Belonging
• Offer insights into how faculty can create inclusive environments, both in the classroom and in community interactions, to ensure that all participants feel a sense of belonging.

2.2. Mentorship & Coaching

• Mentorship Pairing: Each fellow will participate in the CIC Belonging micro credential 8-week program.
• Ongoing Support: Fellows will have access to support from The Office of Engagement, Community, and Belonging.

2.3. Project Design & Implementation

• Community Partnership Development: Fellows will identify and establish collaborations with local organizations or community groups relevant to their academic field of study.
• Project Proposal Submission: Fellows will submit project proposals outlining their plan for integrating community engagement and promoting belonging in their courses or research.
• Funding Opportunities: Provide small grants or stipends to support community-engaged projects that require resources such as materials, travel, or partnership development.

3. Timeline & Milestones