Presidential Fellows

The ICUF Presidential Fellows Program 2008-2009

Students who actively engage state government are good for the state, their communities and independent higher-education. The Presidential Fellows program can train and engage 28 campus leaders during the academic year to boost ICUF’s impact in Tallahassee. It will also provide those students with a unique and potentially life-changing experience.

College students are increasingly influential in Tallahassee. College students energized the debate about changes to the Bright Futures and Prepaid Tuition Programs. Funding increases in public university tuition and the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) are affected by college students’ efforts. The Department of Education is enticing college students to help solve teacher and nurse shortages. Six years ago, student leaders from Flagler College, Stetson University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and other institutions worked together to get students active in Tallahassee. Four years ago, the Presidential Fellows Program began to build on this trend. The original twelve ICUF Presidential Fellows were trained and followed the Legislative Session. They organized campus efforts to support the FRAG through letter writing campaigns and became a part of the ICUF team as we worked to secure an additional $14.1 million for ICUF students that year. The 2005-2006 program built on that successful pilot. Their campaigns energized students, parents and alumni to be active citizens in their government’s decisions and resulted in a large increase in funding for the FRAG raising the amount to $3000 per recipient. The 2006-2007 group worked with a legislature that included many new members and a new Governor. The ICUF Presidential Fellows has become as essential part of the ICUF lobbying strategy in Tallahassee. It enables us to build our own grassroots to “make more noise” in this process.

The goal of the Presidential Fellows program is to organize and lead a campus campaign in support of independent higher-education. ICUF will host a fall orientation for the fellows to introduce them to Tallahassee decision-making. A second session in Tallahassee will bring the fellows in to advocate ICUF issues to the Legislature. Each of the fellows will work with their president’s office or mentor and their student governments to promote involvement in ICUF’s agenda on their campus. The fellow will serve as an agent on campus to highlight state government issues and decisions that affect students. Their main charge will be to organize and run letter writing campaigns and editorials. ICUF will provide resources, material, and training to support each fellow.

For a look at our current and previous programs click the link to the Fellows' pages: ICUF Presidential Fellows

ICUF Presidential Fellows Program Requirements

Full-time sophomore, junior, or senior student at an ICUF institution who will be on campus for the entire 2008-2009 term.
Florida resident, receiving the FRAG.
Each institution may nominate up to three candidates for consideration. The application should be submitted through the president’s or mentor’s office.
A letter of recommendation from either the president or the school official serving as the student’s mentor.
A letter from the candidate that answers each of the following questions:
- What government decision would most benefit your institution and why?
- What is your most significant personal achievement to date and why?
- Why do you want to be a Presidential Fellow?
- What would you like to be doing 10 years from now?
Commitment to work with their presidents or mentors to guide issue campaigns on their campuses.
Commitment to work with ICUF staff.
ICUF will cover the costs of 28 fellows which will include: 2 meetings; ICUF staff time and training; campaign materials; fellows’ travel expenses.
Each institution may have a fellow this year.
Applications should be submitted by August 1, 2008.
Return applications to:
Jennifer Mock
ICUF Presidential Fellows
542 East Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Fellows Program Resources

2008-2009 Information Packet