Valuable Hands-On Experience

The Master of Education in Higher Education Fellowship links graduate study with a nine-month field-based professional experience in a college or university setting.

Fellowship Types and Benefits

The Winston School of Education and Social Policy offers a wide range of internal (on-campus) graduate fellowship opportunities of the following types:

  • Presidential Fellowships provide 100% of your graduate tuition and include a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 25 hours per week.
  • Provost Fellowships provide 50% of your graduate tuition and include a 9-month, unpaid fellowship placement of 15 hours per week.

Featured Fellowship Opportunities

Please note: This list does not include all of our M.Ed. in Higher Education fellowships. Apply to discover additional opportunities!

Coordinator of Multicultural Student Retention, Middlesex Community College (Presidential)

Position Description

The Office of International and Multicultural Affairs is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages dialogue, learning, education and diversity. The role of the Coordinator is to develop and implement educational programs and support services to meet the needs of underserved students from diverse backgrounds. The Coordinator will work collaboratively with other departments to contribute to the college’s overall goal of ensuring that all students feel welcome and part of our campus community. In collaboration with members of the Office of International and Multicultural Affairs staff, the Coordinator will play a pivotal, leadership role in the development and implementation of campus initiatives that focus on academic success and retention of underserved students.

Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 95%

Responsibilities Include

  • Assist with creating and implementing sustainable department initiatives which focus on cultivating multicultural education, leadership development and social justice issues
  • Support the college’s retention efforts through individual retention efforts with students as well as participating in the overall retention plan at MCC
  • Assist with the recruitment and support of students who utilize the services of the Multicultural Centers on the Lowell and Bedford campuses. Work with current MCC Multicultural groups to provide leadership and guidance ensuring that students are served effectively
  • Plan, coordinate and assess diverse programs and activities such as Heritage Months, Social Justice Models and Intercultural Dialogues for students in conjunction with student organizations, departments and community partners
  • Assist International and Multicultural staff in developing and implementing programs focused on supporting students from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds and providing resources to the campus community regarding diversity, social justice and inclusion
  • Work collaboratively with departments, faculty, and staff to improve academic success and retention of students who are from diverse backgrounds including international, multicultural and LGBTQ populations
  • Develop, implement and maintain social media outreach efforts
  • Develop an environment within the Multicultural Center that is welcoming and inclusive
  • Assist with other meetings, programs and events coordinated by SUCCESS program
  • Preferred hours: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Civic & Service-Learning Student Engagement Fellow, Middlesex Community College (Presidential)

Position Description

The Fellow will work collaboratively with the Office of Student Engagement & Civic and Service-Learning Office (Offices are jointly housed together) to support engagement opportunities as well as civic/service-learning needs of the students, faculty and community partners. The Fellow will be working directly with the Coordinator of Civic and Service-Learning, Student Engagement staff and a group of faculty to transform the offerings and engagement of MCC students across these areas. Fellow will gain experience with curriculum creation, establishing community partnerships and working with students and faculty to develop projects that allow them to directly apply what they are learning in their classroom to create solutions to real world problems that impact their community. The fellow will also assist with student club & organization needs from a civic lens offering community service opportunities for these students and assist with other programming as interested.

Estimated percentage of work that involves contact with students: 85%. Contact may be virtual, in-person or hybrid.

Responsibilities Include

  • Manage the Service-Learning department which includes providing ongoing support for students, faculty and community partners while organizing course material and assisting students in locating placements
  • Support the Coordinator and other staff as we work to transform the service-learning program to a more community-engaged, civic learning approach
  • Assist with the management of events sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement and Office of Civic & Service-Learning including the monthly service opportunity, service-learning recognition event, and Alternative Spring Break (if possible)
  • Maintain and update department social media accounts regularly
  • Co-advise, with a staff member, Student Government and potentially other student clubs and help promote and recruit on campus clubs and orgs
  • Responsible for generating reports based on information in the database
  • Respond to emails and phone calls from students, faculty and community partners
  • Conduct class presentations as needed throughout the semester, including evening and online classes
  • Develop an “in-person” presence for service-learning on the Lowell and Bedford campuses including drop-in hours and meetings by appointment (office hours may be virtual)
  • Communicate with current community partners when needed and assist in developing new community partnerships
  • Attend MCC and Campus Compact-sponsored professional development workshops
  • Implement and assess weekly and monthly passive programs such as newsletters and bulletin boards
  • Assist with implementing Engagement and Service-Learning events, programs, and workshops
  • Deepen support for faculty on reflection assignments to meet student learning outcomes

Visitor Services and Ambassador Program Admission Associate (Presidential)

Position Description

The graduate fellow in the Admission – Welcome Center will be responsible for assisting Admission staff members with all aspects of the effective recruitment of prospective students. As a Visitor Services and Ambassador Program Admission Associate, the graduate fellow will interact daily with prospective students and families, as well as current students, faculty and staff members across campus. The fellow should be an energetic, customer-service oriented self-starter who is comfortable communicating to diverse audiences. The Visitor Services and Ambassador Program Admission Associate will also work closely with the Admission Ambassador program to assist in the growth of the program.

The admission process is cyclical and fellows will have the opportunity to assist with all stages of the admission cycle, including recruitment travel, campus visits, application processing and evaluation, special events, and yield efforts.

Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 95%

Responsibilities Include

  • Meeting one-on-one with students and families
  • Conducting prospective student interviews
  • Giving information sessions about Merrimack and the admission process to groups of all sizes
  • Assisting the Senior Admission Counselor for Visitor Services and Ambassador program with many aspects of the Ambassador program
  • Assisting with the Ambassador application process
  • Supporting the Ambassador program by collaborating on group process days, applicant interviews, and the hiring process
  • Organizing the Ambassador schedule to ensure coverage, emphasizing the diversity of majors and other demographics
  • Collaborate with the Senior Admission Counselor for Visitor Services and Ambassador Program on the mentoring and structure of the Ambassador Executive Board
  • Devising new and innovative ideas to make the program different and successful
  • Greeting guests entering the Arcidi Center (prospective students and families, campus/community members, etc.)
  • Maintaining the Welcome Center facilities that visitors interact with on a daily basis
  • Occasional data entry into Slate
  • Responding to phone or email inquiries
  • Assisting with campus tours as necessary
  • Representing the Office of Admission at special events, such as Open Houses and Admitted Student Days
  • Assisting with special event planning, preparation and execution

Compass Academic Success Coach (Presidential)

Position Description

Compass seeks to foster student success through a program of transformational learning experiences including cohort courses, academic coaching, and coordinated support services. The Academic Coaching team seeks to gradually increase the students’ self-reliance through academic and professional skill building. The graduate fellow for Compass will be responsible for assisting the Compass team in supporting entering freshmen with the academic and social support they need to foster to meet the demands of higher education. The projected student acceptance into Compass for Fall 2024 is 280 incoming freshmen; the graduate fellow will be responsible for providing academic coaching to a caseload of about 25 students.

The Compass Fellow will receive training to help students transition between high school and college and develop skills such as critical thinking and reading, college-level writing, time management strategies, goal setting and self-discipline through one-on-one academic coaching meetings, team-led workshops, and guided study time.

Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 90%

Position Responsibilities

  • Provide support, motivation, and guidance to first-year students in the program
  • Assist in organization/execution of projects geared towards first-year retention and academic readiness
  • Assist in and organize community-building activities and workshops for first-year and upper-class Compass students
  • Assist the Compass Program staff and faculty instructors in delivering critical thinking and writing skills, addressing academic insecurities, test-taking strategies, time management and other academic readiness skills
  • Meet with a caseload of approximately 25 students one-on-one each week for academic coaching meetings, maintaining outreach and communication with the students through e-mail and other electronic communication
  • Attend the cornerstone Compass cohort lecture early in the semester to understand the Compass curriculum
  • Communicate with faculty in order to assist the students and professors with the success of the course
  • Meet regularly with the Compass Program staff, including academic coaching training & team meetings
  • Mentor and support upper-class student peer leaders in order to facilitate their successful contact and support of first-year students
  • Maintain reports and data tracking student progress, student engagement and attendance
  • Assist in planning and delivery of reflection and academic readiness workshops as assigned
  • Maintain a team attitude and complete any and all duties and tasks as assigned
  • Participate in the Academic Success Center as a member of the larger team of student support personnel, including attending staff meetings and special events

Freshman Admission & Recruitment Graduate Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The graduate fellow in Freshman Admission will be responsible for assisting Undergraduate (Day) Freshman Admission staff members with all aspects of the recruitment and enrollment of prospective students. As an Admission Associate, the graduate fellow(s) will interact daily with prospective students and families, as well as current students, faculty and staff members across campus, and should thus be an energetic, customer-service oriented self-starter who is comfortable communicating to diverse audiences. The Admission Associate will also work collectively with the Admission Operation staff, Admission International Team, Admission Transfer Team and Admission Welcome Center Staff on various projects. The admission process is cyclical and fellows will have the opportunity to assist with all stages of the admission cycle, including recruitment travel, campus visits, application processing and evaluation, advising, special events, and yield efforts.

Position Responsibilities

  • Provide exceptional customer service, by establishing channels of communication with prospective students to introduce them to and inform them of Merrimack College; facilitate their relationship with the institution throughout the admission process – inquiry through enrolled students. • Counsel students and families throughout the application process by answering questions, as well as providing general support and advice.
  • Represent Merrimack in local territories by attending college fairs, individual visits to secondary schools, and other recruitment and yield events. (in-person & virtually)
  • Represent the Office of Admission at special events, such as Open Houses and Admitted Student Days
  • Lead information sessions, conduct interviews, and engage in 1:1 meetings with students & families
  • Assist with application evaluation and review
  • Staff Mack, Merrimack’s text-bot, to support text based communication initiatives
  • Respond to phone & email inquiries
  • Other responsibilities as required

Clubs & Organizations Graduate Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The Clubs & Organizations Graduate Fellow is critical in supporting the activities of the Clubs & Organizations and Fraternity & Sorority Life at Merrimack College as well as the events and programs within the Office of Student Involvement. This position involves handling administrative tasks, event coordination, and supporting student organizations alongside the Clubs & Organizations Coordinator. They will assist with event management, recruitment, group dynamics, workshops, and training initiatives. This position will contribute to the success of leadership and programming initiatives within student organizations and recreational programs, and will support programs planned by the Office of Student Involvement.

Position Responsibilities

  • Assist the Coordinator of Clubs and Organizations with semesterly trainings, workshops and events to support Clubs and Organizations as well as Fraternity & Sorority Life.
  • Hold office hours each week for Club & Organization student leaders to discuss progress made on event planning, any upcoming events, and ideas for future events.
  • Assist in maintaining databases, rosters, and paperwork related to clubs and organizations.
  • Collaborate with the Coordinator of Student Clubs & Organizations in planning and executing the Fall and Spring Involvement Fairs.
  • Assist in managing the Clubs & Organizations and Fraternity & Sorority Life social media accounts.
  • Assist with budget and fundraising management keeping financial paperwork current and correct, including deposits, reimbursements, and budget requests.
  • Manage logistics for off-campus events: reserving transportation (school-owned vans or public transportation- school bus), contacting the venue to book a room or party event.
  • Provide onsite management and support for events which include some evenings and weekends.
  • Work all Office of Student Involvement large-scale events: Block Party, Macktoberfest, Pumpkin Palooza, Light and Hope, 100 Days, Merrimack Royalty, Spring Concert, and some events through our Weeks of Welcome and Spring Weekend.
  • Coordinate and facilitate programming efforts such as but not limited to Community Coffee, Trivia Nights, Lunch & Learns, and Scavenger Hunts
  • Responsible for the co-coordination with other Office of Student Involvement Graduate Fellows the execution of the Cram Jam, Merrimack Royalty, and Easter Egg Hunt events.
  • Collaborate with other offices including but not limited to; Residence Life, International Student Support, Campus Ministry, Wellness Education, Community Standards, and more on programming efforts
  • Update and maintain Office of Student Involvement Social Media channels and departmental email accounts
  • Participate as a member of the Student Affairs division in campus wide events such as commencement, orientation, move-in, and other campus-wide events throughout the year.
  • Complete day-to-day office and event-related tasks and special projects as assigned.
  • Support multicultural initiatives within the Office and in collaboration with Intercultural Initiatives
  • Other duties as assigned.

Community Standards Graduate Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The graduate fellow in the Office of Community Standards will gain knowledge in and assist with the facilitation of the student conduct system, including holding administrative hearings and acting as the chairperson for student conduct hearing boards.

The fellow will also work in collaboration with offices on campus on health and wellness initiatives and programs. Additionally, the graduate fellow may be called upon for administrative support of the Merrimack College CARE system.

Position Responsibilities

  • Participate in the review of weekly cases through the Advocate Discipline database
  • Conduct administrative hearings and participate on student conduct board
  • Facilitate student conduct board process
  • Review best practices in and assist in the development of creative sanctioning including Bystander Intervention Workshops
  • Assist in database management through student conduct checks
  • Manage police reports through the Advocate Discipline database
  • Conduct CARE outreach and manage student CARE files
  • Facilitate CHOICES/BASICS alcohol prevention program
  • Work to support wellness programming, covering topics such as substance use/abuse, mental health, sexual assault/relationship violence, general safety, and other topics, development and execution.

Graduate Ambassador and Admission Associate (Presidential)

Position Description

The Graduate Ambassador and Admission Associate will work with the Sr. Asst. Director of Graduate Admission to support recruitment efforts and manage the Graduate Ambassadors. They will work closely with the admissions team on day-to-day operations, including reaching out to prospective students, reporting and process enhancement, event planning, and supporting other important initiatives. They will also manage the Graduate Ambassadors program. Graduate Ambassadors are a select group of students dedicated to the positive promotion of the College. Graduate Ambassadors will have a profile on the Merrimack College website which allows prospective students to reach out with questions about our graduate programs, Merrimack’s campus, and other concerns. The Graduate Ambassador and Admission Associate will also have the opportunity to engage in additional projects as needed by the Office of Graduate Admission that are of interest to them.

Position Responsibilities

Graduate Ambassadors:

  • Assist with the Ambassador application process
  • Organize the Ambassador schedule to ensure adequate coverage for tours, events, etc.
  • Plan monthly meetings and training sessions
  • Devise new and innovative ideas to make the program different and successful
  • Host an episode of the Merrimack College Podcast Grad Chat
  • Participate in recruiting events such as graduate fairs, open houses, and virtual info sessions

Graduate Admission:

  • Participate in recruiting events such as fairs, table time, open houses, and info sessions
  • Support students as they enroll into graduate programs
  • Meet regularly with the Sr. Asst. Director, participate as a team member of the Office of Graduate Admission, attend staff meetings and special events, and contribute to team projects as needed
  • Research successful college/university graduate programs to identify policies, practices, procedures, and new marketing initiatives; make recommendations based on best practices identified through research
  • Assist with data tracking and document management
  • Participate in program assessment, as needed

Academic Progress Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

This position focuses primarily on supporting students who are currently on academic probation. The graduate fellow will work one-on-one with students for weekly academic coaching and co-teach a related one-credit course in growth mindset, student development theory, and practical applications for academic improvement. As part of the Academic Progress team, the graduate fellow works with other graduate fellows, an Academic Progress Coach, and the Academic Progress Coach and Coordinator. In this position, the grad fellow will collaborate with offices across campus including the Writing, Tutoring, and Math Center, Compass Program, Austin Scholars Program, Accessibility Services, First Year Experience Program, School Advising Centers, etc. This position reports to the Academic Progress Coach and Coordinator for professional development and supervision. The Academic Progress team is part of Student Success which serves Merrimack College students across all majors by providing academic support for building, strengthening, and maintaining the academic skills needed to perform at the college level.

Position Responsibilities

  • Be a contributing member of a fast-paced, high-touch team with direct contact and impact on students
  • Serve as a one-on-one academic coach for a caseload of students, primarily those on academic probation
  • Build coaching relationships with students grounded in trust and support
  • Implement accountability practices, goal setting, and progress monitoring with students
  • Maintain reports and data tracking of student progress, interaction, and attendance
  • Attend and contribute to team meetings prepared with caseload updates and a willingness to share creative solutions
  • Co-teach a one-credit course designed to improve and build students’ confidence and academic skills
  • Become familiar with campus-wide resources in order to promote academic and personal growth of students

Career Education & Preparation Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The Fellow will be responsible for a variety of efforts and initiatives designed to develop, deliver, track and evaluate professional and skills development training for students. The Fellow will also assist in managing the digital badging initiative, meeting with staff and faculty across campus to design and issue digital badges for non-credit bearing professional development and specific skills training. In collaboration with OCCD professional staff, the Fellow will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting data for programs, events, center engagement, technology engagement and usage and post-graduation success from a variety of sources to enable data-driven decision making.

Within this position, the Fellow will have the ability to present workshops on career development topics as designated by the professional staff and experience. Finally, the Fellow will support students, faculty and staff in using technology platforms currently in place and will help to evaluate and implement new technology platforms and initiatives.

Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 40%

Position Responsibilities

  • Support the digital badging initiative and meet with various stakeholders to develop badges and issue badges to participants
  • Collaborate with staff on building or revising career development curriculum and workshop offerings available to Merrimack students, staff and faculty
  • Lead workshops or provide occasional assistance to students with: resume and cover letter reviews, networking and LinkedIn, internship and co-op questions, interview preparation, job search strategies, and other career-related needs
  • Export engagement and activity data from multiple technology platforms in use in OCCD. Complete data management procedures (import/export data across platforms, clean data, and code raw data). Maintain all center records, reports, and files for long term storage and access
  • Perform basic quantitative data analysis as directed for multiple projects. Proof all reports comparing input to output for complete accuracy of data. Produce summary reports with Excel, PowerPoint, and/or data visualization software as appropriate
  • Work cooperatively and collaboratively with various constituencies outsides the OCCD to promote the academic/personal development of Merrimack students
  • Ability for the fellow to self-direct special initiatives and programs based on individual interests and professional goals

Pioneer Scholars Graduate Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The Student Engagement and Program Manager will facilitate a program to support the Pioneer Scholars by building community, cultivating a sense of belonging, managing student development and success workshops, and providing holistic mentoring for the Scholars. The program manager will check in regularly with Pioneer Scholars, both as individuals and as a cohort. They will work to ensure a smooth transition to college for the Pioneer Scholars, and will help to support the student’s personal, intellectual, and professional journeys. This position will collaborate with multiple stakeholders on campus, including the Provost’s Office, the Academic Success Center, The O’Brien Center for Career Development, Office of Admission, and Student Affairs.

Position Responsibilities

  • Mentor, support, and advocate for all Pioneer Scholars throughout their college career.
  • Develop trainings, leadership workshops, and programs that will assist in enhancing students sense of belonging, commitment to our mission and values, connection within our community, and to assist in academic progress, and career readiness.
  • Manage a student caseload that will provide academic support, time management, study skills, individual needs, personal development, and social engagement.

Commuter Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The commuter lounge is a place for students to go and feel like they have a home on campus. The Commuter Student Engagement Fellow reports directly to the Assistant Director of Residential Programs & Off-Campus Services. The Commuter Student Engagement Fellow co-supervises a Student Ambassadors for Commuter Engagement (SACE) staff making sure they are meeting the needs of their students while offering a variety of programs. In conjunction with their supervisor, they are responsible for overseeing the commuter student lounge, creating a welcoming space for commuters.

Position Responsibilities

  • Be available and visible to the commuter population, and engage commuters on a regular basis
  • Supervise the Student Ambassadors for Commuter Engagement (SACE) staff alongside the Assistant Director of Residential Programs & Off-Campus Services
  • Oversee Commuter Advisor programming, making sure that SACEs are creating, implementing and evaluating their programs, in addition to overseeing some off-campus events, and large-scale events
  • Attend and help implement weekly SACE staff meetings
  • Co-advise the Commuter Student Association
  • Contribute to hiring and training of Commuter Advisors
  • Oversee daily operations of commuter lounge
  • Report any facilities issues that may be happening in the commuter student lounge
  • Support the Office of Student Involvement planned/supported events such as Cram Jam, Involvement Fair, Orientation and Welcome Week(s), and Spring Concert
  • Collaborate with other offices including but not limited to; Residence Life, JCMR, International Student Support, Campus Ministry, Wellness Education and more on programming efforts
  • Other duties as assigned

Academic & Career Advisor, School of Arts & Sciences (Presidential)

Position Description

The Academic & Career Advisor will work with the Advising team on recruitment and retention initiatives in the School of Arts and Sciences specifically with Science students. They will work collaboratively with the Dean’s office, and various academic department faculty and staff. They will provide pre-advising information to first-year and sophomore students. This additional layer of communication and support for underclassmen is designed to maximize the student-faculty advisor relationship and is aimed at guiding students to make timely and informed decisions about course selection and registration. The Academic & Career Advisor will also be a part of the College’s Retention Intervention Team. (Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 50-60%)

Position Responsibilities

  • Assist with programming, communication, and outreach through social media and group activities for first year students.
  • Develop and deliver group pre-advising sessions in advance of Fall and Spring semester advising time.
  • Assist with follow up for students who do not register to assist the registration process and enhance retention, with a focus on first year students.
  • Refer and guide students to academic departments or other campus resources based on their needs and their desired program of study, and encourage student motivation and success.
  • Create and publish content for social media and technology displays to promote the School of Arts and Science.

Transfer & Bachelor Degree Completion Admission Associate (Presidential)

Position Description

The Transfer & Bachelor Degree Completion Admission (BDC) Associate will work closely with the Assistant Director of Admission to help prospective students with their application, admission and enrollment at Merrimack College. This role will provide you with experience working with prospective students and families, traveling to local Community Colleges, conducting information sessions, co-managing overall communication with our prospective transfer students, management of the transfer credit system and more!

Position Responsibilities

  • Travel to local Community Colleges for Transfer Fairs and Table Visits
  • Create and complete Transfer Credit Evaluations (includes making updates as they come in)
  • Manage the Transfer Inbox Email
  • Conduct Information Sessions for Prospective Families and Students
  • Conduct Interviews for Prospective Students
  • Attend/Assist in Large Admission Events (Academic Preview Days, Open House, Admitted Student Days)
  • Review Applications (Calculate and Evaluate)
  • Conduct Transfer Tuesday Meetings with Prospective Transfer Students and Families
  • Conduct Phone-A-Thon Campaigns
  • Step-in to assist in any Admission related needs

Warrior One Stop Student Services Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

Warrior One Stop Graduate Fellows play an important role in Merrimack’s retention of students and overall student experience. Enthusiasm and willingness to share knowledge of Merrimack is what helps retain bright and talented students. Students feel like they can relate to our fellows, as they are students too, and thats what makes this role so impactful. Not only are they impacting students directly, but also learning what goes on behind the scenes in such an operational area allows them to gain knowledge of how things work, which helps better serve our students.

Position Responsibilities

  • Managing all steps pertaining to processing student refunds
  • Process all transcript requests
  • Posting payments to student accounts
  • Assist in answering Warrior One Stop emails and phone calls
  • Assist in projects office wide when needed whether that be for financial services, registration, parking or even student employment

Graduate Fellow for Orientation and New Student Programs (Presidential)

Position Description

The graduate fellow for Orientation and New Student Programs will assist with the coordination, execution and oversight of our Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Orientation programs as well as our student leader selection processes. They will also assist with overall matriculation and retention initiatives for undergraduate students.

Please note that the Orientation Fellow begins their position early (August 1).

Position Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the selection and hiring of Orientation coordinators, leaders and team staff for 2024
  • Plan and facilitate trainings for Orientation coordinators and leaders
  • Plan and assist in the facilitation of Orientation programs in August, January and June
  • Lead weekly Orientation Coordinator meetings Assist in the supervision of 5-6 Orientation Coordinators and 60 Orientation Leaders
  • Assist in the facilitation and data review of orientation assessments
  • Create, edit, and oversee printing of relevant departmental documents including orientation schedules, flyers, student planners, calendars, and posters specific to New Student Orientation
  • Assist in implementing incoming student matriculation initiatives
  • Develop, create and lead first-year initiatives that connect students to Merrimack and beyond actively seeking campus partnerships and responding to the needs and concerns of first-year students. This can include weekly programming opportunities, highlighting different involvement opportunities for students and small group opportunities
  • Coordinate and implement the First Year Transition blackboard site to provide resources for new students and opportunities to connect
  • Coordinate and executive select student retention initiatives including but not limited to: Dishes with the Dean lunches, 1:1 meetings with students struggling to find their fit on campus and other programs as needed
  • Participate in College activities outside the usual M-F 8:30- 4:30 p.m. workday

Applied Human Development & Community Studies Department Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

Located in the Winston School of Education and Social Policy, the Department of Applied Human Development and Community Studies (AHDCS) seeks a Community Engagement Coordinator. The department includes Master’s programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Community Engagement, Higher Education, School Counseling, and Social Work. It also includes an undergraduate program in Human Development and Human Services and coursework and an emerging graduate program in Speech Language Communication.

Position Responsibilities

  • Outreach and recruitment support of student field placements across the department’s programs
  • Support of new courses across the department with field experiences
  • Create and maintain databases for tracking contacts with prospective field placement sites
  • Attend meetings and programs on- and off-campus to promote field placement opportunities and other community-focused initiatives of the department
  • Identify, develop and execute communications strategy for field placement opportunities and other community-focused initiatives of the department. This includes a timeline and specific contacts and resources for dissemination of information
  • Create, distribute, and maintain social media, advertisements, flyers, and other promotional materials focused on field placement opportunities and community-focused initiatives of the department
  • Coordinate and execute various department and program events (e.g., interview day, field placement orientation programs, community events, alumni events, etc.)
  • Determine benchmarks for success prior to each assigned event, evaluate their effectiveness after the event, and incorporate improvements in future planning
  • Maintain master event files and documentation to aid in planning and executing future events.

Discover Advisor and Retention Specialist (Presidential)

Position Description

The School of Arts and Sciences works closely with the Academic Success Center on retention efforts, including: a) advising undeclared students in the Discover Program, b) major & career exploration/academic coaching, c) working with campus organizations to promote programs & support to students, d) working with the retention efforts on outreach to at-risk students. Every year, approximately 130 first-year students are Undeclared majors. If counted as a major, undeclared would be one of the largest majors in the first-year class. Undeclared students experience anxiety about not having a major and often doubt whether they should be in college. Academic advising is a major tool for retention of undeclared students. Discover students are often confused about major offerings and the trajectory of the college career and beyond. They need specialized guidance toward areas of academic interest, careers, professional development, and how one discovers a major that is the right fit. They require individually focused advising on possible majors and minors. Advising with the Discover Team enables students to meet with their assigned Discover academic advisors with a preliminary schedule already filled out, thus creating time for deeper conversations. Throughout the year, this retention specialist would also work closely with the supervisor on the Proactive Case Management on identifying Arts and Science students at risk of dropping out of college or transferring and then reach out to them on an individual basis.

Estimated percentage of work that involves in-person contact with students: 85%

Position Responsibilities

  • One-on-one advising with Discover students in the fall and spring terms, under the supervision of the Assistant Dean of Arts and Sciences. This includes academic advising training. Graduate Fellows must have excellent communication and organizational skills and be familiar with Core Requirements, as well as all school’s major requirements
  • Organizing and hosting welcome and information sessions for undeclared SLA students, including a large session for all Discover students early in the Fall term, Open Houses, & study sessions during midterms and finals in both semesters
  • Coordinating advising sessions and student folders with Assistant Dean of School of Arts and Sciences, SAS/Discover Advisor, and appropriate Academic Success Advisor; working closely with the Assistant Dean of SAS and the SAS/Discover Advisor on all aspects of student retention including individual outreach to at-risk students
  • Collaborating with the O’Brien Center for Student Success, Honors Program, Compass Program, Phoenix Program, Austin Scholars, and advising specialists from the other schools
  • Conducting regular check-ins via email and scheduled meetings with assigned Discover students
  • Participate in on-campus groups such as Merrimack’s Professional Advising Committee and retention team with regards to campus programming and student support
  • Opportunity to create programs for support of Discover students
  • Serve as a Student Success Coach in conjunction with the Academic Success Center (ASC)
  • Willing to share and help implement ideas to enhance the Discover Program

Accessibility Services Graduate Fellow (Presidential)

Position Description

The Accessibility Services Graduate Fellow will work closely with Accessibility Services staff, the Academic Success Center staff, and the college community. Over the course of a year-long experience, the Accessibility Services Graduate Fellow will gain an understanding of college disability services and be involved in the process of accommodations from the initial stage of “Requesting for Services” through ongoing student support. The Accessibility Services Graduate Fellow will collaborate on projects that are of interest to the Graduate Fellow and that benefit the Office.

Over the year, the Accessibility Services Graduate Fellow will be responsible for learning the process for outreach to students, faculty and staff on behalf of the general office workflow and our Testing Center as well as maintaining a caseload of students as an Academic Success Coach. Throughout the year, the Fellow will gain a basic understanding of the FERPA and ADA laws that govern college-level accommodations and communication with students and families. The Fellow will begin to have a deeper understanding and working knowledge of the ADA and other legislation to interpret how accommodations are translated into the college environment. Should there be any special career interests for the Fellow, there will be opportunities to work with the supervisor on exploring these goals, such as gaining supervisory experience, specialized groups/programs, and/or participation in other accommodation areas/trainings/presentations.

Position Responsibilities

  • Front desk coverage to support with drop-in questions from students and faculty and to assist with the Testing Center
  • Advise/coach students who are registered with the Accessibility Services Office
  • Maintain the Testing Center process including: working with students and faculty, and maintaining tracking
  • Responsible for the office email triage process and email responses
  • Administrative tasks that include updating and maintaining the Accessibility Services student roster and student follow-up/outreach (including student newsletter)
  • Collaborate with the staff on projects that are of interest to the Graduate Fellow, including co-facilitating workshops, developing student groups, or other retention initiatives
  • Collaborate with the staff with formatting alternate texts, training students on the use of assistive technology, and hiring peer notetakers
  • Attend meetings with the team of Accessibility Services staff
  • Participate in Open Houses, Accepted Student Days, and Orientation events
  • Attend New England AHEAD & other disability-related training programs

Academic Advising and Program Coordinator, School of Engineering & Computational Sciences (Presidential)

Position Description

Interested in student advising, support and development – this forward facing position will allow you to interact with students in a busy and challenging academic support office. A science or engineering background is not necessary – a willingness to mentor and support students is!

The Program Coordinator will work on with the Advising team on recruitment and retention initiatives in the School of Science & Engineering, working collaboratively with the Dean’s office, and various academic department faculty and staff. The coordinator will provide pre-advising information to first-year and sophomore students. This additional layer of communication and support for underclassmen is designed to maximize the student-faculty advisor relationship and is aimed at guiding students to make timely and informed decisions about course selection and registration. The coordinator will also be a part of the College’s Retention Intervention Team, and may represent the School at various Open Houses and Accepted Student Days.

Position Responsibilities

  • Assist with programming, communication, and outreach through social media and group activities for first year students.
  • Develop and deliver group pre-advising sessions in advance of Fall and Spring semester advising time.
  • Assist with follow up for students who do not register to assist the registration process and enhance retention, with a focus on first year students.
  • Refer and guide students to academic departments or other campus resources based on their needs and their desired program of study, and encourage student motivation and success.
  • Create and publish content for social media and technology displays to promote the School of S&E.

Higher Education Fellowship Process

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Click the “Apply Now” button below or go to gps.merrimack.edu/apply to begin or resume your graduate application.
  2. Within your app, select “Yes” for “Are you applying to a fellowship?”
  3. Submit your application. Be sure to complete the required Fellowship essay.
  4. Receive your admission decision. If admitted to the master’s program, you’ll receive further instructions about the fellowship process.
A screenshot from an iPhone displaying the question about fellowship interest on the graduate application.

Important Information for the 2024-2025 Higher Education Fellowship Program

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis!

Interviews with Supervisors: Until all fellowship positions are filled

Courses Begin: May 20, 2024 (Summer I)

Fellowship Training: August 12 – August 23, 2024

Duration of Fellowship Placement: August 26, 2024 through mid-May 2025

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for your best chance at a preferred placement. Applications will be accepted until all fellowship positions have been filled.

The process is as follows:

  1. Submit your online application. Be sure to indicate that you are interested in the fellowship within your application (check the box).
  2. Students who are accepted for admission and invited to interview for a fellowship will be eligible to review and rank their preferred positions. If you are invited, your invitation will include a deadline for submitting your selections. Please note: we do not guarantee that you will be invited to interview for your top selections.
  3. Complete your site interviews. The first round of interviews will take place from February 27-March 1. 
  4. Submit your post-interview rankings. After the interviews, both students and sites must complete and submit their post-interview ranking forms, ranking their preferences for final placement.
  5. Receive your match notification. Match letters will be sent to all students and supervisors.

Please note: Participation in the fellowship placement process is NOT a guarantee of a fellowship.

Questions? All interested students should email Callie Friant-Bulens in Graduate Admissions for further information.

After Merrimack

You’ll find Merrimack graduates making a difference in positions at prestigious institutions such as:

  • Northeastern University
  • University of Massachusetts, Boston
  • Merrimack College
  • Sacred Heart University
  • Syracuse University
  • Washington State University
  • Middlesex Community College
  • Providence College
  • Wentworth Institute of Technology
  • Fordham University
  • Harvard University
  • University of New Hampshire
  • Boston University
  • Tufts University
  • University of Georgia
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • American University

Dean and Alumni Scholarships

Dean and Alumni Scholarships are available to students who do not receive a fellowship. No additional application is needed.

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