Process & Key Dates
Ready to join our Industry Fellows Program? This page outlines our streamlined application process and provides a complete timeline of key dates for program activities throughout the academic year.
Key Dates for Fall 2025
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Notification: August 5, 2025
- Onboarding: August 18-22, 2025
- Training: August 26 & 28, 2025
- First On-site Event: September 1, 2025
Application Process
Step 1: Application Submission
Complete our comprehensive application form covering:
- Professional background and technical expertise
- Availability and commitment preferences
- References and background information
Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority deadlines 6 weeks before each semester.
Step 2: Application Review
Our selection committee evaluates applications based on:
- Technical Expertise: Relevance and depth of professional experience
- Mentorship Commitment: Demonstrated interest and availability for student development
- Program Alignment: Fit with current student project needs and program goals
- Communication Skills: Ability to effectively guide and support student learning
- Professional References: Endorsements from colleagues and supervisors
Timeline: Initial review completed within 2 weeks of application submission.
Step 3: Pre-evaluation Survey
Selected candidates participate in:
- Phone/Video Q&A: Optional session for participants to better understand the program's processes, objectives, and expectations
- Technical Assessment: Pre-evaluation survey enables better matching and provides clear understanding of expertise areas and project experience
- Mentorship Scenarios: Discussion of hypothetical student situations and guidance approaches
- Program Fit Evaluation: Assessment of alignment with program culture and goals
Timeline: Completed within 2 weeks of application approval.
Step 4: Background Check
All selected Fellows undergo:
- Professional reference verification
- Background screening appropriate for university environment
- Confirmation of eligibility for university access and privileges
Timeline: Processed concurrently with Step 3, completed within 2 weeks.
Step 5: Onboarding and Training
Accepted Fellows complete:
- Orientation Session: Program overview, expectations, and resource introduction
- Mentorship Training: Evidence-based techniques for effective mentoring relationships
- Campus Integration: University systems training and facility access setup
- Team Matching: Introduction to matched student teams and project briefings
Timeline: Occurs around the start of each semester.
Program Timeline
Fall Semester (August - December)
- Early August: Fellow onboarding for new participants
- Late August: Comprehensive training sessions for all Fellows
- September: Team matching and initial project meetings (on-site event)
- October/November: Mid-semester mentoring sessions and progress reviews
- December: End-of-semester presentations (on-site event) and feedback collection
Spring Semester (January - May)
- Early January: Spring orientation and refresher training
- Mid-January: New team assignments and project kickoffs
- February/March: Mid-semester mentoring and progress reviews (Note: Most students actively job searching during this period)
- Late April: SSE undergraduate student showcase and project presentations (on-site event)
- May: Program evaluation and Fellow recognition ceremony (on-site event)
Summer Engagement (June - August)
- June: Fellow development workshops and training updates (Optional)
- July: Program planning sessions and curriculum development input (Optional)
- August: Preparation activities for fall semester
- Ongoing: Continued mentoring for summer projects (Optional)