NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program

NUFP fellows and mentors

Nominate a Student for NUFP

Each year NUFP at UC Davis supports undergraduate students in their exploration of the field of student affairs. Students, staff, and faculty members can all nominate a student.

Apply for NUFP

Applications for the 2023-24 are currently open!

About NUFP

The NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) at UC Davis is a semi-structured mentoring program and cohort experience for undergraduate students that are interested in or exploring the field of student affairs. It is tied to the national organization, NASPA, which is the leading association for the advancement, health and sustainability of the student affairs profession.

Mission

The mission of the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program is to increase the number of historically disenfranchised and underrepresented professionals in student affairs and/or higher education. This includes, but is not limited to, those of racial and ethnic-minority background, those having a disability and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Benefits of Joining NUFP

  • Gain clarity for future goals. Want to work in higher education or with college students? Considering a graduate degree? Want to get more involved in student affairs throughout your UC Davis undergraduate career? We'll help you find your path. 
  • Take advantage of professional development opportunities. At Cohort meetings, you will learn transferable skills in relation to the graduate search and future careers in student affairs. 
  • Attend conferences. A select amount of Fellows are able to travel to national or local student affairs related conferences each year. 
  • Get a mentor. Fellows will be paired with a higher education professional on campus as their mentor. 
  • Build your professional network. Meet staff, faculty, and other students. 
  • Make new friends. 

Learning Outcomes

NUFP activities are structured around a set of learning outcomes, which are reflected in the curriculum, training and institutes for the program. NUFP fellows develop:

  • Writing, research and presentation skills
  • Ethical decision-making skills
  • Cultural competency skills
  • Professional networking skills
  • The ability to identify and develop personal, academic and career goals
  • An awareness and understanding of engaged citizenship and service
  • Understanding about multiple relationships to power and privilege
  • Understanding of the history, mission and purpose of student affairs and the various institutional types and structures within higher education
  • Understanding of NASPA’s organization and structure

Program Elements

Once selected, fellows must remain involved in a number of ways. Program requirements include:

  • NUFP Orientation (October)
  • Professional development workshops (monthly)
  • Cohort check-in meetings (monthly)
  • Mentor-fellow meetings (monthly)
  • Mid-year NUFP evaluation 
  • NUFP project (spring quarter)
  • State of the NUFP Symposium (May)
  • End-of-year NUFP evaluation 

NUFP participants may apply for funding and support to attend one NASPA-sponsored event per year. These events include:

  • Western Regional Conference
  • NASPA National Conference
  • The Dungy Leadership Institute

For more information