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Vice president for student life John Blackshear is photographed with ESM RAs

Higher Education Fellowship Program

A scholarship covering 60% of tuition costs, plus an annual stipend

For candidates pursuing a master’s degree in higher education. View master’s degree options.

Ready to take your next step in higher education? The Higher Education Fellowship Program at the University of Rochester partners with top university offices, including the President's Office and Student Life, to offer an exciting hands-on fellowship opportunity on campus. With scholarships covering 60% of tuition, a generous annual stipend, and exclusive benefits, this program is designed to support your academic and professional growth.

How to Apply

Explore our master’s programs in higher education. 

All full-time students admitted to our higher education master's programs will be eligible for the Higher Education Fellowship Program. In the application, you will be asked to indicate your interest in consideration.

Apply by our December 15, 2024 deadline.

Fellowship Options

Higher Education Office of the President Fellowship

As a Fellow in the Office of the President, you’ll work closely with all Office of the President staff in a fast-paced, team-oriented, high-visibility environment that requires the need for absolute confidentiality, professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail. You'll learn about the multifaceted work of the Office of the President, including managing operations, relationships, communication, and projects, and be expected to contribute to each of these areas. Major responsibilities include:

  • High-level administrative support. Assist the office in addressing current events that require input or coordination by the Office of the President. Examples of work include benchmarking how other institutions address an issue of interest, polling or gathering feedback from senior leadership, and preparing a report summarizing email communications received by the community.
     
  • Support major office initiatives. Assist with the planning and implementation of university programs that require involvement from a majority of the Office of the President team. Examples of work include providing staffing for on-campus Board of Trustees meetings, assisting with the check-in process for a president-hosted dinner, and testing and providing input on registration links before they are sent to program attendees.
     
  • Explore topics relevant to the university's strategic plans or initiatives. Gather, investigate, research, analyze, or study information to support the internal Office of the President or broader decision-making. Examples of work include taking notes and summarizing perspectives from a community forum on the university’s strategic plan; assisting with preparing a presentation that highlights progress toward one of the tactics for the strategic plan; and participating in a meeting to gather student feedback regarding the University’s commencement ceremony.
Higher Education Student Life Fellowships

These fellowships offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in impactful roles that directly shape student life, leadership, and community standards. Choose the path that aligns with your passion:

  • Student Organizations & Leadership Development Fellowship
    Collaborate with university staff to design and implement leadership trainings, support student organizations, and help foster a thriving, engaged community. 
     
  • CARE & Conduct Fellowship
    Support the University’s CARE Network and Center for Student Conflict Management, helping to promote a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for students and conflict resolution efforts.

Both fellowships offer a platform to build your leadership skills, engage with diverse aspects of student life, and leave a lasting impact on the campus community. 

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support 

Each Higher Education Fellow is eligible for a 60% tuition scholarship. Fellows also receive an annual stipend for 15 to 20 hours per week of work and other amenities.

Graduate Degree 

Fellows earn a master’s degree program in higher education and gain work experience in the field.

Supportive Learning Environment

Each Higher Education Fellow is paired with an academic advisor who helps shape their personalized program of study. Fellows also benefit from course flexibility with in-person, online, and hybrid formats.  

Professional Development

Higher Education Fellows will have access to various career preparation opportunities throughout the course of their academic journey.

Explore Degree Options

Program Director

Andrea Barrett

Assistant Professor (Clinical), Co-Chair Educational Leadership

Questions?

For more information about admissions requirements, academic programs, financial aid, or any other non-Higher Education Fellowship Program questions, please contact admissions.

For more information about the Higher Education Fellowship Program, 
please contact Andrea Barrett.