SUNY Oswego’s Pluralism Committee invites students, faculty and staff to apply to serve as a Pluralism Fellow.
Pluralism is about engaging in constructive conversations across differences by respecting, relating and cooperating with people who hold diverging perspectives. SUNY Oswego is committed to fostering a community where a diversity of ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds can thrive. This commitment is possible through a multitude of initiatives and groups that exist on campus - the Civic Engagement Coalition, the Being Bold Dialogue series and the Provost’s Panels on Civic Engagement.
To further support this work, the university is launching the inaugural Pluralism Fellowship program. The Pluralism Fellows will strive to embed these principles across the university's academic, administrative and engagement spaces. The fellowship program seeks to bring together faculty, staff and students interested in working collaboratively on initiatives to advance pluralism at SUNY Oswego.
Fellowship responsibilities
The inaugural fellowship cohort will include two faculty members, two professional staff members and two students. This is a unique opportunity for individuals who are passionate about making a lasting impact on Oswego's university culture. While specific duties will vary based on role and preferences among the fellows, general expectations for those serving as Pluralism Fellows are as follows:
- Participate in a workshop where fellows learn more about pluralism and potential university implementation strategies (i.e., a “train the trainers” model)
- Advocate for pluralism at the university and coach others on pluralism practices
- Connect pluralism with larger civic engagement initiatives
- Support CELT (the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching) and other programming related to pluralism
- Faculty Fellows: Work directly with other faculty members to help them infuse pluralistic practices into their courses
- Staff Fellows: Collaborate with colleagues to develop and implement new initiatives for students and staff that incorporate pluralism
- Student Fellows: Act as a vital link between the student body and the Pluralism Committee, advising faculty and staff on effective strategies and serving as a liaison to the student population
Commitment and compensation
In addition to the workshop described above, faculty and staff fellows are expected to commit approximately 40 hours of work across the spring 2026 and fall 2026 semesters. Compensation for faculty and staff fellows will be through professional development funding up to $1,500. These funds can be used for any professional development opportunity that you believe will enhance your role as a fellow, both within and outside the program.
In addition to the workshop described above, student fellows are expected to work approximately 1.5 hours per week across the spring 2026 and fall 2026 semesters (note: applicants for the student fellowship must anticipate returning to SUNY Oswego in fall 2026). Compensation for student fellows will be through a direct stipend of $750.
How to apply
The committee seeks applicants from across the university who are eager to contribute to this important work. The fellowship will begin in spring 2026 and continue through fall 2026 (with no expectation of summer work). If you are a faculty member, staff member or student with a deep commitment to creating a more pluralistic campus, apply by Friday, Nov. 17, through the Pluralism Fellowship Google Form.
Applications will include:
- Information about the applicant
- A brief statement that discusses the applicant’s interest in pluralism and their preliminary thoughts on what projects or initiatives they would be interested in pursuing as a fellow (500 words or less)
The fellowship program is supported through a grant from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and Interfaith America.
-- Submitted by the Pluralism Committee