Inclusive Fellows Initiative

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.

Inclusive Fellows Initiative

Signups will begin April 15, 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. Learn more about the IDEAL Lead Fellows role.

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

Belonging is at the heart of our work in IDEAL, empowering students to navigate and define ‘who they are’ as they begin their academic journey. It fosters a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and every student feels seen, heard, and connected.

Dr. Nu'Rodney T. Prad

Senior Director of Student Engagement

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

Why Join IFI?

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

IDEAL's 8-Week Experience

IDEAL’s Student Engagement Unit provides a structured eight-week curriculum at the start of the fall semester designed to help Fellows transition into campus life and achieve student success. Explore what each week of the program includes.

Week 1: Welcome & Community Building

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

Week 2: Campus Navigation

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

Week 3: Identity & Belonging

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

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

Your Experience Starts Here

The images below offer a glimpse into the experience Fellows can expect. During the first week, we host several signature programs, including OuTU, Tha’ Cookout, Beyond the Belltower: North Philly Tour, and Black and Brown Joy @ TU. Follow us below to stay connected and be part of the experience.