Colin Powell Fellowship Handbook Dear Fellows The challenges

Colin Powell Fellowship Handbook

Dear Fellows: The challenges we face as a nation and as a global community have never felt more pronounced. Over the last year alone, public attention has focused on problems of racism and hate, climate change and natural disasters, threats to public health, and the rollback of immigrant rights, to name just a few. These moments of anger, fear, and confusion teach us, among other things, that despite important progress on longstanding issues of concern, there’s much more work still to be done. Believe it or not, you are situated on the front lines of these battles. Since it was founded in 1997, the Colin Powell Fellowship Program has brought together the most committed and talented individuals from across communities and disciplines – including each of you – to tackle these problems. Through new partnerships and initiatives with community based organizations, academic conferences, public events with prominent policy experts at all levels of government, seminar instruction, the Powell Fellowship is committed to helping its students devote their energies to developing the skills, the connections, and the creative capacity needed for effective public service. Fellows are the heart and soul of student programming here at the Colin Powell School, and continue to be a source of pride to not only faculty and staff, but to General Powell himself. Each of you has been selected for your talents, your resolve to confront the policy challenges of today (and tomorrow), and your commitment to public service in the future. We are confident that your tenure as Powell Fellows will allow you to blossom, and equip you with the necessary tools to make the most of your potential. Koch Fellows devote 200 or more hours of service each year to nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout New York City. Through the program, students experience first-hand the challenges and rewards of working for the common good, interact with professionals in their chosen field of interest, and see how community organizations work to meet public needs. Additionally, Koch Scholars participate in workshops and discussions that enhance their ability to engage communities in meaningful ways and that provide opportunities for leadership development, reflection and engaged learning. Partners for Change Fellows develop applied research skills and working with community organizations on one of the following focus areas: health justice, college access and success, or human rights. Fellows complete 150 hours of service at their internship sites during the fall semester and, throughout the year, work together with a professional in the field on a high-impact research project. The program instills fellows with a broad range of research and advocacy skills and a nuanced understanding of their focus areas. Community Engagement Fellows work with the Office of Fellowships to deepen their involvement within their communities, by designing and implementing programs and services to address an urgent community need. Fellows advocate for positive change through ongoing work with community organizations and community leaders. Projects intersect with the Powell School’s priority areas including international development and security, community and economic development, education, the environment, and health. Leadership and Public Service Fellows spend their first year developing a common language—in seminars and extracurricular activities—to facilitate thoughtful discussion around critical public concerns, and frame our thinking about shared challenges. Along the way, fellows equip themselves with the knowledge and intellectual tools necessary for understanding and analyzing policy processes and the variety of actors involved in the policy-making cycle. We are excited for what’s in store. You will have the opportunity to meet with established professionals, experienced faculty, and influential policymakers who will share their experiences in a range of different fields and positions of leadership and authority – discussions which will offer a dynamic context for helping you think through issues from a variety of perspectives. In their second year of the program, Leadership and Public Service Fellows will build on lessons learned in the first year, and expand their understanding of policy and process. In seminar, fellows are asked to grapple with key questions and persistent obstacles that arise for leaders and organizations that work and interact in the public sector. You will investigate the complex and sometimes paradoxical nature of public policy, and develop a nuanced understanding of how these policies shape and impact our communities, including our own at City College and its surrounding neighborhoods. You will be asked to apply these considerations to an ambitious, year-long capstone project that will culminate in a presentation to staff, faculty, peers, and possibly outside guests. Graduate New York Life Fellows develop a research project with the guidance of an academic mentor and sponsor working within the public affairs sector. Graduate fellows attend monthly workshops, produce publications on their research for public audiences and conduct workshops for undergraduate students with interests in their field of study. As you can see, each fellowship program promises to be extraordinary in its challenges and opportunities, and we have every expectation that it will be filled with accomplishment and success. As the Office of Fellowships looks out onto the horizon of what is to come, we could not be more excited to work with such a remarkable group of students.

Professional Development The Office of Fellowships urges you to be proactive in this program. Beyond our established training program, we have vast resources – connections with some of the most influential public figures in the world, access to premier internships, and the opportunity to work with community leaders and established professionals. The more proactively you engage these opportunities, the more you will benefit from the program. You also have an exceptionally skilled and committed range of faculty and staff at the Office of Fellowships ready to help you. Use these resources wisely – because we are invested in your success. Throughout your time with the Office of Fellowships, and beyond, we highly encourage you to: Attend professional development and networking opportunities on campus, at your internship sites and for junior professionals in your field Submit your resume and/or cover letter for review and feedback; Participate in a mock interview before an interview for a new job or special opportunity; Conduct an informational interview with a professional in your field of interest; Request a letter of recommendation or a reference for a job, graduate school application, or fellowship Get help with a writing sample; Connect with an alumna/us working in your field; Seek help in identifying opportunities in your field of interest; and Ask questions about graduate school, the job search, or your professional future. Develop a comprehensive time management plan each semester as a road map for completing academic goals and professional development goals. Professional development workshops are held throughout the academic “The Colin Powell School Fellowships are absolutely game-changers and reset the trajectory of your career. The mentoring, the opportunities, the conversations and the connections that you will make throughout its duration will you leave you forever in the debt of the school. You will leave campus wanting to help create similar opportunities for others to experience the same. Which truly was the goal to begin with. ” - Etienne Forbes, 2016 -2018 Powell Fellow

Special Events Beyond the formal fellowship program, the Colin Powell School offers a number of opportunities to attend special events throughout the academic year. We strongly encourage fellows to participate in these events, and welcome your suggestions and input on activities that you would like to see offered by the Office of Fellowships in the future. The events listed below are an integral part of your experience as a fellow is your access to special opportunities to engage in conversations with special guests and to come together with your peers for teambuilding, learning, and support. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Teleconferences: The Council on Foreign Relations, one of the country’s premier international policy think tanks, hosts a series of teleconferences that occur bi-weekly throughout the academic year during which CFR’s Senior Fellows and invited guests discuss timely topics in international development and policy. An announcement about the time and topic of each teleconference will be released as it approaches. Alumni Involvement: Over the course of the year, alumni are invited back to campus to speak to and engage with current fellows. Through out the year, the Office of Fellowships will host a series of alumni gatherings where alumni will meet with current fellows to provide advice about life post-college and talk about a variety of topics, including their current professions. All fellows are highly encouraged to meet with alumni to build their professional network. Service Day: Once a semester, the Office of Fellowships will coordinate a day of service that is open to current fellows, staff, and alumni. We encourage all of you to participate and to actively engage with your surrounding community.

Office of Fellowships Expectations & Policies Academic Integrity: The City University of New York Board of Trustees enforces strict policies on academic integrity (http: //www 1. ccny. cuny. edu/current/upload/Academic-Integrity-Policy. pdf). In accordance with those policies, academic dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating, falsification of records, obtaining an unfair advantage over others in academic work) is not tolerated. We encourage students to familiarize themselves with the guidelines pertaining to academic integrity, and we require students to abide by them. Academic Performance: Your role as a student at City College is your first priority, and ours. We will make every effort to ensure that you have access to the resources you need to succeed as a student. In acknowledgement, however, of the significant time commitment required by your fellowship we will review your transcript at regular intervals to ensure that your participation in the fellowship is not interfering with your ability to succeed in the classroom. Students with GPAs below 3. 0 will be placed on academic probation and may be withdrawn from the program if the agreed upon academic goals are not achieved. Attendance: Attendance at mandatory events is just that – mandatory. Fellows are expected to arrive prepared and on time for orientation, all seminars, and the end-of-the-year ceremony. Attendance at non-mandatory events is enthusiastically encouraged. We do not expect that any one fellow will have the time to participate in every activity the Office offers, but we do expect that you will make time for activities that interest you and prioritize your participation in lectures or other special events. Harassment and Discrimination: The City College of New York has explicit policies protecting students, faculty, and staff from harassment and discrimination. The Colin Powell School strongly supports those policies and takes affirmative steps to maintain an environment free from all forms of intimidation, intolerance, exploitation and harassment. More information about the College’s position on harassment and discrimination can be found here: http: //www 1. ccny. cuny. edu/facultystaff/aao/index. cfm. Leaves of Absence: From time to time, it may be necessary for a fellow to take a leave of absence from the program for academic, financial, medical, or personal reasons. Such leaves of absence are permissible, in accordance, with the criteria and procedures outlined below. A leave of absence is defined as a sustained period of time in which a fellow is neither participating in program activities nor responsible for seminars or other assignments. During the Leave of Absence, no scholarship payments will be disbursed; scholarship funding will resume upon re-entry to the program. Leaves of absence may be granted for a period of no more than one academic year, and are subject to the approval of the Program Director of the Office of Fellowships. Requests for leaves of absence must be made in advance of any interruption of the program. The Office of Fellowships may also require that students take a mandatory leave of absence due to unsatisfactory performance in the fellowship program. Professionalism: Students will engage in the best practices of professionalism through mandated, regular attendance of seminars, Office of Fellowships events, and scheduled appointments. This includes responding to all Office of Fellowships requests and emails in a timely manner and arriving to class, events, and appointments on time, fully-prepared, dressed in appropriate attire. Program Withdrawal: In extraordinary cases, it may be necessary for a fellow to withdraw from the program. This may occur due to a change in a fellow’s academic program (i. e. early graduation, change of institution, etc. ) or due to a change in a fellow’s personal circumstances. The Office reserves the right to place on temporary probation, required leave of absence or permanently dismiss any fellow from the program for violations of any of the Office’s fellowship policies. In these circumstances, it is incumbent on program staff to ensure that fellows are afforded every opportunity to remain in the program, and that every effort to notify and discuss the problem has been made. Removal of a fellow from the program requires the approval of the Program Director for the Office of Fellowships. Statement on accepting other scholarships: The Office of Fellowships recognizes that students may be already participating in, or may want to participate in other scholarship programs offered through City College. Students should carefully consider whether their participation in another scholarship program will interfere with their ability to engage fully in all aspects of their respective fellowship programs. All students receiving scholarship funds from another City College program must disclose the name of the program and the total amount of the award to Office of Fellowships staff. In most cases, student participation in more than one fellowship is discouraged. Exceptions are rare and require the approval of the Program Director for the Office of Fellowships.

Communications Colin Powell Alumni Colin Powell alumni are an important part of our programming, and play a critical role in our day-to-day work. They support current students by providing informational interviews, serving as panelists for mock interviews, providing advice about graduate school and/or work, and serving as an example of the many possibilities available to talented CCNY graduates. We are happy, when appropriate, to connect current fellows with alumni who can serve as resources for these purposes—and we encourage you to get to know our alumni over the course of the year. The Office of Fellowships and the Colin Powell School are strongly committed to keeping its funders, board of visitors, campus community members, and other stakeholders fully informed about its activities. Reporting on the achievements and related activities of our scholars is integral to our communications efforts. We ask that scholars and fellows keep us up-to-date on their accomplishments and related activities and respond promptly to our communications-related queries. Your assistance will help us highlight your successes and activities in our newsletter, on our website, and in our other communications material. Facebook: @cpowellfellowships Twitter: @powell_fellows Instagram: @cpowellfellowships Linkedin: C. Powell. Fellowships Blog: http: //cpowellschoolblog. org/ For communication ideas or for more information contact Akasha Solis, Program Coordinator.

General Colin L. Powell About the Colin Powell School Inaugurated in 2013, the Colin Powell School, builds upon an exceptionally strong tradition in the social sciences at City College, and offers students a living laboratory in which to study and conduct research in their chosen fields. The Colin Powell School’s hallmark values of service and leadership permeate every aspect of our work and animate City College’s unflagging and historic commitment to access and excellence. Located in the vibrant Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership (formerly the Division of Social Science) comprises the five departments of: • Anthropology, Gender Studies, and International Studies Economics and Business Political Science Psychology Sociology and dynamic interdisciplinary programs including: • International Relations, • International Studies, • Latin American and Latino Studies, • Mental Health Counseling, • Public Service Management, • Women’s Studies, • Skadden Arps Honors Program for Legal Studies General Colin L. Powell, founder of the Colin Powell Center and later the Colin Powell School, was born in Harlem and raised in the South Bronx. He graduated from The City College of New York in 1958, went on to earn an MBA from The George Washington University, and to build a distinguished military career in Vietnam, Korea, and the United States. His military career includes service as President Ronald Reagan's National Security Advisor, and as Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Army Forces Command. • • General Powell was the first African-American and the youngest officer ever to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest ranking officer in the United States military, under both President George H. W. Bush and President William Jefferson Clinton. In 1995, General Powell wrote and published his autobiography, My American Journey, and in 1997, founded America’s Promise, a collaborative network that builds on the collective power of communities and volunteerism to assist American youth to meet their potential. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him Secretary of State, a position that placed him at the head of America's foreign policy and in which he served from 2001– 2005 At the Colin Powell School, faculty and students promote the highest standards of intellectual inquiry while examining patterns in our cultures, worldwide economic activity and reasoning, the relations and institutions of power, and the dynamics of cognition and social interactions. They study why individuals, groups, governments, institutions, tribes, and classes do what they do and their knowledge to push for powerful, positive change. The internationally recognized scholarship of the Colin Powell School’s diverse faculty addresses critical topics of societal concern from multiple intellectual perspectives. The School offers a wide variety of traditional and interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees and houses the Dominican Studies Institute and the Ph. D. program in Clinical Psychology offered by the CUNY Graduate Center. Our students constitute one of the most unique academic communities in the country. Intellectually curious and highly motivated, they come from broadly diverse national and ethnic backgrounds, united in the mission to improve the world they will inherit. Colin Powell School students are characterized by the desire to dedicate their education to the service of others and to contribute to progress through their endeavors. They connect aspiration to inspiration, undertaking challenging internships – from the White House to the country’s leading think tanks. They serve in community clinics, international development projects, local advocacy organizations, and communities at home and abroad. They also matriculate at top law schools and pursue graduate degrees at highly ranked universities around the globe.

Staff Guide: Getting Assistance at the Office of Fellowships We anticipate that, throughout your time as a fellow, you’ll have questions that cannot be answered in a handbook. We encourage you to reach out to Office of Fellowships staff with your questions and concerns when they arise. Your first point of contact at the Office will always be the staff member responsible for your seminar. Your seminar instructor will meet with you, one-on-one, at the beginning of each academic semester to talk with you about your goals for the year, your academic program, and the expectations of the program. Throughout your experience in the program, however, you will likely come across the many other staff members working at the Office – either because you will have questions for them, or they will have questions for you. Please reference the list below for individuals you might want to contact for help. Visit the fellowship webpage for important documents. https: //www. ccny. cuny. edu/colinpowellschool/current-colinpowell-fellows Questions about… Alumni affairs, including connecting with fellowship alumni, or opportunities and expectations for fellowship alums Scholarship payments, internship stipends, and other financial transactions Contact… Akasha Solis, Program Coordinator Office of Fellowships Anasa Scott , Director, Office of Fellowships aiscott@ccny. cuny. edu Sherri Urena, Specical Projects Coordinator and Office Manager wmercado@ccny. cuny. edu Utilizing academic support services or joining the City Tutors Academic Advising (Powell School Majors Only) – other majors, please inquire within your respective departments Garri Rivkin, Director, City Tutors grivkin@ccny. cuny. edu Colin Powell School Advising Office NAC building, Room 6 -293 Scarlett Farray, Academic Advisor sfarray@ccny. cuny. edu Maria Moran, Academic Advisor mmoran@ccny. cuny. edu Aldonsa Tejada, Adacemic Coordinator atejada@ccny. cuny. edu Herbert Seignoret, Academic Advisor hseignoret@ccny. cuny. edu

Office of Fellowships Colin Powell School Shepard Hall 550 Program Director, Anasa Scott Program Coordinator, Akasha Solis Special Projects and Operations Coordinator and Opera, Sherri Urena Fellowship webpage: https: //www. ccny. cuny. edu/colinpowellsc hool/current-colin-powell-fellows