Inclusive Fellows Initiative | Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership | Temple University

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Start Your Temple Journey with Intersectional Connections and Belonging

The Inclusive Fellows Initiative (IFI) is an 8-week mentorship experience designed to support first-year students through identity exploration, student success, and inclusive leadership development.

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Become a Lead Fellow

Apply by April 8, 2026.

Apply Now

What is IFI?

The Inclusive Fellows Initiative (IFI) is a high-touch mentorship program that supports first-year students in thriving during their transition to Temple University by connecting them to a range of inclusive, intercultural resources.

Through weekly meetups, programs and small group 1:1 with IDEAL Lead Fellows, students build meaningful connections, gain valuable campus knowledge, and develop skills that support their success—inside and outside the classroom.

image of a student sitting on a couch talking to another student whose back is facing the camera

Program Structure

Two Weekly Touchpoints:

Cohort Sessions (1 hour/week)

Interactive workshops, panels, and community dialogues

Small Group Meetings (1 hour/week)

Personalized mentorship with a trained Lead Fellow

Find Your Community

Connect with peers and mentors who support your journey

Navigate Temple with Confidence

Learn how to access resources, connect with faculty, and succeed academically

Explore Your Identity

Engage in meaningful conversations about identity, belonging, and lived experiences

Prioritize Your Wellness

Develop strategies for self-care and psychological safety

Grow as a Leader

Build confidence, self-advocacy skills, and leadership capacity

Participant Expectations

Attend weekly sessions (2 hours total per week)
Engage actively in discussions and activities
Communicate openly with your Lead Fellow
Complete brief reflection surveys
Contribute to a respectful and inclusive community

What You'll Gain

By the end of IFI, you will:

Feel a stronger sense of belonging at Temple
Navigate academic systems with confidence
Identify and use key campus resources
Develop self-advocacy and leadership skills
Build lasting peer connections and community

8-Week Experience

Explore what each week of our program entails.

Week 1: Welcome & Community Building

Kick off the program, meet your cohort, and create Brave Space Agreements

Week 2: Identity & Belonging

Explore who you are and how your identity shapes your Temple experience

Week 3: Campus Navigation

Learn how to connect with faculty, succeed academically and life skill development

Week 4: Intersectionality & Intercultural Inclusion

Understand how identity and systems shape your experience

Week 5: Confidence & Imposter Syndrome

Build self-confidence through affirmation and dialogue

Week 6: Intersectional Wellness

Develop strategies for self-care and mental wellness

Week 7: Inclusive Leadership & Self-Advocacy

Discover your leadership style and how to advocate for yourself

Week 8: Reflection & Celebration

Celebrate your growth and build your path forward

Meet the Mentors: Lead Fellows

Lead Fellows are trained peer mentors who guide students throughout the program.

What They Do:

Provide one-on-one and small group mentorship
Facilitate weekly discussions and activities
Offer support with academic, social, and campus life
Connect students to key resources and opportunities
Model inclusive leadership and community care

Think of them as your go-to peer support system during your first semester.