FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The program sounds intimidating; will I still have time for my school work?

As Fellows, students undertake in substantial and demanding projects; however, they do this within a time frame of 8-10 hours per week. Fellows are students, first and foremost, and the program coordinators recognize that academics come first. Being a Fellow will in no way interfere with academic obligations. Should a student need to put more of an emphasis on academics, the IT Fellows Coordinators will gladly evaluate their schedule and cut back their hours, if necessary.

Will I be compensated in any way for my work?

While the program is comparable to an internship, Fellows are compensated monetarily for their work. Pay rates vary by tenure and are competitive with some of the best jobs on and around campus. Fellows do not receive course credit for their work.

I am majoring in a liberal arts field. Will being an IT Fellow benefit me?

Please don’t get caught up in the archaic stereotypes about technical programs. With the demands for technology permeating every field and occupation, students who work as IT Fellows will be setting themselves apart from their peers no matter what their major. Being comfortable with new technologies is no longer a trait that is necessary amongst those in the hard science fields.

My technical skills are limited, but I’m interested in the program; should I apply?

If you’re highly motivated, eager to learn, and have excellent leadership abilities, the IT Fellows program is for you. The IT Fellows program has extensive training sessions and a highly structured mentoring program to ensure that even those students who enter the program the least technically inclined can become technical masters.

I like the idea of the program, but I really only want to work in a certain area. Can I just apply to work directly in that one area?

During your freshman year as an IT Fellow, you will rotate through the various departments of IT to gain a well-rounded knowledge base. Often, Fellows who think they have a predisposition to a certain area and will dread another, find the inverse to be true. This rotation system will give you a taste of each area, so you can make a well-informed decision when choosing what specific area you would like to work in each subsequent year.

What happens after I apply?

While the application deadline is still TBD at this point, after applying, you should receive a contact within 10 days letting you know when the interview period will occur. After interviews are complete, the program coordinators will begin contacting those who will be extended offers to join the ranks of IT Fellows. 

I'm considering transfering to Valpo, will I be able to become a Fellow even if I'm not a freshmen?

At this point, there is an opportunity for lateral entry. Spots are limited, but current and transfer students who feel they are the caliber of individuals the program seeks are encouraged to apply.