2026-27 Awards Campaign
Our 2026-27 awards campaign will kick off in late spring. Stay tuned for more information on how to nominate an exceptional student for the Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship.
Overview
The purpose of the fellowship program is to advance the leadership skills and knowledge base of undergraduate students so that they may in turn use what they learn at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience to enhance and encourage first-year student development on their respective campuses.
What Recipients Will Receive
- Complimentary registration to the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, to include all conference sessions and meal functions
- Hotel (room and tax) for up to four nights over the conference dates
- Recognition at the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, including the presentation of a plaque during the conference
- Recognition in the spring issue of the Center's online publication, Insights for College Transitions
- Recognition on the Center's web page, social media channels, email blasts, and press releases
Who Should Submit an Application?
The Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowships program is open to all undergraduate students who are enrolled for the academic year in which the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience occurs.
Previous winners of the fellowship are not eligible to apply. Applicants must be enrolled undergraduates during both the fall and spring semesters of the corresponding academic year. Fellowship recipients must be able to attend the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience. Multiple students can be nominated from the same institution but if multiple students from the same institution are nominated and become finalists only one can receive the fellowship.
How We Select Recipients
The selection committee will use an evaluation rubric to rate nominees’ efforts in several categories. The selection committee will include a panel composed of members and former members of the Advisory Board of the National Resource Center, past Excellence in Teaching award recipients, and other leaders in American higher education.
What Is Required of the Application Process
In order to be considered for the award, applicants must:
- Answer the provided questions in whole
- Attach a letter of nomination
- Attach an updated resume