School of Music Community Fellows Program

The School of Music (SoM) Community Fellows Program seeks undergraduate and graduate students to provide leadership and develop opportunities for the school, with a focus on building a healthy and vibrant community. Fellows work with faculty and staff at the school-level to identify and support academic, social, and professional development needs and provide resources, mentorship opportunities, and specialized programming for students across the school. Additional efforts will be made to sustain leadership funding awards and build a strong and supportive student community. For questions about the Community Fellows Program, please contact Anna Paradis or Asher Suski.

2026-2027 Music Community Fellows & Advisors (coming soon)

Applications open for the 26-27 Music Community Fellows Program.

Deadline to apply is September 1, 2026. Fellows will be announced in late September.

Eligibility Requirements

This Fellowship opportunity is available to all students admitted and enrolled in the School of Music who identify as an undergraduate or graduate student in the School of Music. Fellows should have strong leadership and communication skills and possess a desire to support fellow students and the school in promoting community values and advocating for student needs related to accessibility, safety, and belonging. Students must make good academic progress and be enrolled full-time to participate in this fellowship opportunity.

Program Learning Outcomes & Goals

The Community Fellows Program seeks to:

Increase student-to-student engagement in recruitment efforts.
Enhance the prospective and current student experience.
Support the transition and retention of new students.
Highlight diverse pathways and opportunities within the School of Music.
Develop leadership, communication, and professional skills among participating fellows.

Expectations & Responsibilities

Music Community Fellows serve as student ambassadors for the KU School of Music and play an important role in welcoming, supporting, and engaging prospective and current students. Fellows represent the School of Music at recruitment and outreach events and help foster a strong sense of community among students. Benefits include School of Music promotional apparel and a fellowship award.

Fellows serve one-year appointments and may reapply for a second year of service, for a maximum term of two years. Fellows who are selected for renewal must complete the annual application process. A fellowship award of $1,000 (or revised amount) will be distributed in equal installments during the fall and spring semesters.

Primary Responsibilities:

Work collaboratively with program coordinators to support School of Music recruitment, outreach, and student engagement efforts.
Serve as a welcoming point of contact for prospective students, current students, visitors, faculty, staff, and guests.
Attend all required program meetings (typically one meeting per semester during the academic year).
Create and maintain a student profile, introduction video, or other outreach materials as requested.
Respond to prospective student inquiries and share personal experiences related to academic, artistic, and student life opportunities within the School of Music.
Participate in at least two on-campus recruitment events and one off-campus recruitment event annually.
Assist with tours, student panels, workshops, presentations, audition days, and individual meetings with prospective students and families.
Provide mentorship and peer support to incoming students while promoting engagement with School of Music programs, resources, and opportunities.

Position Requirements:

Current degree- or certificate-seeking student enrolled in the KU School of Music.
Enrolled full-time during the fall and spring semesters.
Remain in good academic standing within the university throughout the appointment period.

Preferred Qualifications:

Active involvement in School of Music programs (examples: student organizations, research activities, internships, campus employment, study abroad, or other co-curricular experiences).
Comfortable engaging with prospective students and families in both individual and group settings.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills.
Dependable, professional, and punctual.
Enthusiasm for sharing the KU School of Music values by promoting the student experience.

Application

Prospective Fellows are required to complete a short application which includes profile information, short essay questions, a statement of purpose, and a class schedule for the fall. The application is available online, and the deadline to apply is September 1st. Based on the completed application, students will be selected for a personal interview in early September.