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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;
    We will evaluate additional applicants on a rolling basis
  • Notification: August 5, 2025
  • Onboarding: August 18-22, 2025
  • Training: August 26 & 28, 2025
  • First On-site Event: September 8, 2025

Spring 2026 Cohort​

  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
  • Notification: December 10, 2025
  • Onboarding: December 15-19, 2025
  • Training: January 6-10, 2026
  • First On-site Event: January 12, 2026

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)