Experiential Learning Fellowship
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) welcomes applications for our Experiential
Learning Fellowship (ELF). This funding supports CAS students participating in otherwise
unpaid mentored research, practicum placements, or internships related to their field
of study.
Awardees will be enrolled in a non-credit Canvas course and must track hours. To receive
the award, recipients must submit a testimonial upon completing their fellowship hours
that reflects on their experience.
Awardees may submit written (~150-200 words), video or audio (~1 minute) testimonials.
Those who record video testimonials at their field site must seek permission from
their site supervisor and individuals appearing in the video. Your submitted testimonial
may be shared with advisory board members or donors and used in promotional or fundraising
materials.
Additionally, we would love to post your headshot alongside your testimonial when
promoting this fellowship. If you don't have an updated headshot, please visit the
Professional Headshot Photo Booth in the Student Involvement Zone in the University Center to have a professional headshot
taken. Once you have it, please upload it to Canvas or email it to fgattuso@memphis.edu with the subject line "ELF Headshot + [Your Name]."
We are currently accepting applications for Spring 2027. The application deadline
is Monday, Nov. 2.
Note: This Fellowship award is contingent upon funding.
Eligibility
Applicants must have declared majors in the College of Arts and Sciences and be participating in
a minimum of 65 hours of unpaid mentored research or practica placements or internship placements related
to their field of study to receive the full award amount. Prorated awards are available for experiential learning opportunities
between 30 and 64 hours.
Applicants must identify a sponsoring UofM faculty member who has reviewed and approved the research
or internship proposal and will monitor the placement.
Selection Criteria
- Declared major in a College of Arts and Sciences program and in good academic standing
- Relevance of proposed experience to program of study
- Relevance of proposed experience to planned career pathway after degree completion
- The imminence of planned graduation date
- Confirmation of placement by sponsoring faculty member
Selection Process
The awardee will be selected by a committee composed of members of the Dean's staff.
All candidates will be informed of the committee's decision.
Support the Experiential Learning Fellowship
Your generosity can fuel futures! A donation to the College of Arts and Sciences ELF
Fund helps support students in gaining vital, hands-on experience in their field of
study.
"I'm inclined to support the Experiential Learning Fellowship because I've seen firsthand
how transformative experiential learning can be. My daughter earned an MBA, began
a business career and later discovered that it wasn't where her heart was. Through
real-world experiences, she found her passion for education. She returned to school,
earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and has now dedicated more than ten years
to serving as an administrator in elementary education. I hope other students have
the same opportunity to discover the work they are truly meant to do through experiential
learning."
—Gayle Shiba, ELF Donor
