Loyola University Chicago

Office of the Dean of Students

Division of Student Development

NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program

 

NUFP Mission

The mission of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators ("NASPA") Undergraduate Fellows Program, or NUFP, is to increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and/or higher education, including but not limited to those of racial and ethnic-minority background; those having a disability; and those identifying as LGBTQ. 

NUFP Fellows Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to NUFP, each applicant must meet the requirements listed below, have a NASPA member agree to serve as a mentor, and have the support of their institution's most Senior Student Affairs Officer. At Loyola, this program is administered through the Office of the Dean of Students ("DOS"), who can help interested students secure the necessary institutional support.

NUFP Applicants must...

  • Identify as a member of a traditionally underrepresented or historically disenfranchised student population, including, but not limited to Black/African American, Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander/Desi American, Hispanic/Latinx/a/o, Indigenous (Native American, Alaskan, Hawaiian), Multiethnic, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or as having a disability;

  • Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application (applicants with a 2.7 cumulative GPA will receive preference in the review process);

  • Have a NASPA member who is a full-time student affairs professional serve as your mentor (the DOS can help with finding you a mentor if needed; contact Samantha Maher Sheahan at smaher1@luc.edu); and

  • Have at least two more semesters of undergraduate education left at time of application (Note: December graduates must have applied by the previous summer's NUFP application deadline).

Fellow and Mentor Applicants: Please contact Samantha Maher Sheahan, Associate Dean of Students, if you are interested in applying. The Office of the Dean of Students will assist in supporting our applicants through the process, as needed. For your information, the application can be found here. (Applicants should note that current transcripts and a letter of recommendation are required with the application; so please plan accordingly and consider whom you might ask to recommend you.)

NUFP Program Components

On-Campus Mentorship: Fellows and their Mentors participate in an ongoing exchange designed to provide the Fellow with a chance to develop a sense of what a career in student affairs or higher education might be like. Meetings should be taking place, at minimum, once a month for at least one hour. Topics that should be discussed will be provided to both the Mentor and Fellow to maximize the mentoring experience.

Regional and Annual Conference Programming: Fellows are provided specific professional development opportunities at NASPA’s Regional IV-East Conference, as well as NASPA’s national conference. There may be funding available to sponsor up to four Loyola NUFP Fellows to attend Regional and/or National Conferences, pending budget approvals. Fellows interested in applying for funding must apply for the NUFP Scholarship online by NASPA's due date. Fellows who are in senior standing at Loyola University Chicago will be given priority selection to attend NASPA’s national conference when they submit their application for conference sponsorship.

Summer Internships: NUFP Fellows are encouraged to apply and participate in a paid summer internship in student affairs or higher education at an institution other than their own as a means of broadening their experience base and their perspectives on student affairs and higher education. (Additionally, Loyola University Chicago will sponsor one Fellow, not attending Loyola University Chicago, with a paid summer internship opportunity. A stipend and living arrangements on-campus will be provided.)

Dungy Leadership Institute: Fellows are encouraged to apply to and attend the Dungy Leadership Institute ("DLI"), a five-day workshop offered twice during the summer and focused on skill building and career development. 

NUFP Learning Outcomes and Example Activities

Writing, Research, and Presentation Skills

  • Maintain a journal of their NUFP experience

  • Develop a reflection paper based on a scholarly journal

Ethical Decision Making Skills

  • Discuss ethical situations and experiences with their Mentor

  • Attend at least one professional development session

Cultural Competency Skills

  • Attend at least one on-campus event related to social justice and inclusion

  • Research and discuss social justice and inclusion issues with Mentor

Professional Networking Skills

  • Coordinate informal interviews with SA professionals

  • Explore ways to get involved with professional organizations in the field

Personal, Academic, and Career Goals

  • Develop goals and plans of action with Mentor

  • Attend workshops sponsored by the Career Center

Engaged Citizenship and Service

  • Participate in Loyola’s Alternative Break Immersion or similar program

  • Partner with a local organization and help out

Power and Privilege

  • Read articles about different definitions of diversity, social justice, and pluralism

  • Engage in activities that increases awareness and sensitivity about multiple identities

Student Affairs History, Purpose and Mission

  • Develop understanding of Loyola’s organizational structure

  • Review mission statements within the Division of Student Development and discuss with Mentor

NASPA’s Organization and Structure

  • Discuss the criteria for being NASPA president with your Mentor

  • Join a KC (Knowledge Community) and interact with the leadership team