NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) - University of Houston
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Center for Student Empowerment

Events and Programs

NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP)

What is NUFP?

NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) seeks 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. Through its mission, NUFP creates possibilities and changes the landscape of student affairs and higher education.

NUFP at University of Houston

The NUFP program at the University of Houston will serve as a semi-structured mentoring program sponsored by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), for students wishing to explore and better understand the field of student affairs and/or higher education. If accepted into the program, students may receive a complimentary NASPA Undergraduate Student Membership, as well as access to conference programming, scholarships, and internships.

The Center for Student Empowerment will help coordinate the UH NUFP student group and assist with facilitating the process of seeking mentors, identifying prospective students, hosting information sessions, assisting with application processes, coordinating mentoring identification processes and assisting with attending professional development events.

NUFP Program Elements

On-Campus Mentorship

Mentors serve a critical role in executing the goals and objectives of NUFP by engaging Fellows in mentoring and networking experiences, providing Fellows with knowledge, insight, and understanding of the professional opportunities available in student affairs and higher education, and creating developmental experiences. Mentors meet with Fellows in informal sessions at least once per month to help develop an understanding of student affairs and higher education as a career.

Regional and Annual Conference Programming

Fellows are provided specific professional development opportunities as a part of the NUFP program. There is funding available to sponsor Fellows to attend NASPA Conferences around the nation.

Summer Internships

Fellows are offered the opportunity 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 perspective on student affairs and higher education.

Dungy Leadership Institute

Fellows are invited to apply to and attend the Dungy Leadership Institute (“DLI”), a six-day leadership institute offered twice during the summer and focused on developing leadership skills, enhancing cultural competencies, and preparing students for careers in student affairs.

2018 – 2019 NUFP Fellow Application Information

Requirements

To be considered for the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program at the University of Houston, each applicant must meet the requirements listed below:

  • Identify as a member of a traditionally underrepresented or historically disenfranchised student population, i.e. Black/African American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino(a), 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.
  • Have a NASPA member, who is a full-time student affairs professional, serve as your mentor (CSE can help with finding you a mentor if needed).
  • Be an undergraduate student of at least sophomore class standing.
  • Have at least one year of undergraduate education left at time of application.

Application Process

To participate in NUFP, you must apply to become a NASPA member (FREE membership). You should follow the step-by-step process outlined on the NASPA website. You will be required to submit the documents below:

Application Deadlines

  • Spring Deadline: Friday, May 11, 2018
  • Fall Deadline: Friday, September 14, 2018
  • Careers in Student Affairs Month (CSAM) Deadline: Friday, October 19, 2018

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the NUFP Mission, NUFP Fellows develop:

  • writing, research, and presentation skills
  • ethical decision-making skills
  • cultural competency skills
  • professional networking skills
  • an ability to identify and develop personal, academic, and career goals
  • an awareness and understanding of engaged citizenship and service
  • an understanding of multiple relationships to power and privilege
  • an understanding of the history, mission, and purpose of student affairs and the various institutional types and structures within higher education
  • an understanding of NASPA’s organization and structure.

Information Sessions

The next Information Session will take place in the spring 2019 semester. The dates and locations will be forthcoming. During this session, we will provide students the opportunity to learn about the student affairs profession, introduce them to the NUFP program, as well as share how they will be supported by CSE if selected upon application.