Farmer Fellows Program
The mission of the program is to provide education to enhance awareness and cultural competency in the UMW community as students engage in the campus environment, in their current classroom spaces, as well as our society at large. The uniqueness of the Farmer Fellows program is that sessions, workshops and activities will be led by students for students. The Farmer Fellows will also serve as ambassadors and assist with major UMW events, such as Orientation, New Student Arrival, Admissions Open Houses, etc. The FFs will strive to help the University increase awareness of the ASPIRE values wherein members of the campus community will embrace and live these values in their everyday interactions. This program further seeks to help the University move towards the goal of inclusive excellence where all students feel welcome, respected, and valued in all aspects of their college experience.
Apply here to be Farmer Fellow!
Application Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025
Goals
1: To create a space where students are able to acquire cultural competence which is a skill set that will enable them to contribute to an inclusive excellence community, as well as become better prepared global citizens.
2: To create safe spaces for UMW students to explore their own identities along with others who may possess identities different than their own and the importance of finding common ground.
3: To engage the UMW community in meaningful dialogue concerning cultural sensitivity, social justice issues, respect and inclusion
4: To provide students with appropriate language when discussing and/or speaking with members of marginalized identities.
Learning Outcomes
1. To increase general knowledge and understanding of the marginalized identities discussed
2. To engage in personal reflections which will enhance learners’ understanding of their positionality as it relates to power and privilege
3. To demonstrate cultural sensitivity to other voices
FF Selection Criteria
The requirements for consideration are as follows:
- Must be a rising sophomore, junior or senior
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to values of diversity, inclusion and social justice
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Must be in good academic standing with the University
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstration of leadership potential
- Community service involvement
- Participated in cultural, diversity, and/or social justice programs and activities
- Taken classes in the social justice minor
- Declared social justice as a minor
- Attend at least one Civic Engagement and Leadership Summit
Expectations of Farmer Fellows
- Commitment to the work of diversity and social justice education
- Attend and participate in intensive, interactive training prior to facilitating sessions
- Attend ongoing training sessions that will take place on a regular basis throughout the year
- Facilitate diversity/social justice workshops and programs each semester
- Embrace and embody the community values of UMW at all times
- Complete an evaluation of the program at the end of each semester
- Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.25 grade point average
- Comply with the University’s Principles on Diversity and Inclusion, Statement of Community Values, Honor Code and Code of Conduct
- Support the mission and operation of the JFMC throughout the year
Incentives for Farmer Fellows
The benefits of becoming a Farmer Fellow are as follows:
- Enhanced leadership and organizational skills of facilitators
- Gain valuable skills in public speaking, facilitation, group development, and working with diverse populations
- Increase opportunities to educate and impact the student body on topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
- Participate in and contribute to a program that further honors and uplifts the legacy of Dr. Farmer
If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete and submit the Farmer Fellows application!