Application & Selection
The DI Fellows Program accepts KSU student applicants from any major, class level, or Kent State University campus. DI Fellows Program students are selected annually based on their demonstrated willingness to engage with, and advocate for, Design Innovation at Kent State. Learn more about the application and selection process below:
Application Process
The application process – which includes an online application and prompt response – is open from May 1st to August 1st of each year. Once applications close, DI staff will review all submissions and invite final-round candidates to a short, informal interview. Selected candidates for the upcoming academic year will then be announced in mid-August.
The application deadline for acceptance into the program for the 2024-2025 academic year is August 1.
Initial Selection
Participation in the DI Fellows Program is limited to 20 students per academic year, with an anticipated 5-6 new students selected each year. Because of this, selection into the program is highly competitive and based solely on an applicant’s prompt response and interview. Successful DI Fellows candidates will be those that demonstrate:
A commitment to actively participate in the program, attend all mandatory meetings, and meet all program responsibilities and requirements.
An interest in becoming part of a community of diverse makers and problem-solvers.
A willingness to engage in a series of facilitated experiences and volunteer opportunities that help to promote cross-disciplinary collaborative design thinking.
A willingness to work in teams to collaboratively solve problems by developing innovative projects, instructive programs, and challenge-based innovation events.
A willingness to act as mentors for their fellow DI Fellows and to serve in leadership roles within the DI Fellows Program.
Reselection
DI Fellows Program students who demonstrate sustained engagement with, and progression through, the program are eligible to reapply each year they are enrolled as a full-time student at Kent State University. The reapplication process, open from May 1st to August 1st of each year, includes an additional online application and prompt response. At minimum, returning students must have met the requirements to “level up” at least once over the course of the previous academic year to be reselected for another year.
