Community Fellows FAQs

Q: How will the Community Fellow fellowship work?

 

A: An application will ask you to describe your project in detail, the length nad cost of the project and the benefits expected to both the College and the community agency with whom you'll work, among other questions. You will be required to demonstrate familiarity with the intended area of interaction with the community and your readiness to proceed, how the project/product will be delivered and how, exactly, the College and community will benefit from the project.

 

Community Fellows will design proposals that intend to deliver a needed service and strategies for delivering this service. The Community Fellow is responsible for taking the work produced at the end of the fellowship and disseminating it throughout the college community, as appropriate, via workshops, division meetings, campus kick-offs and professional development activities, etc. Community Fellows are encouraged to go beyond the campus community and reach a wider audience where appropriate. For example, a CPCC Community Fellow could publish findings in an academic journal, write a League for Innovation abstract, publish through the CPCC Press, or create a program that could be covered by The Charlotte Observer and other local media.

 

Q: Can you suggest community-based organizations with whom Community Fellows might work?

 

A: Yes. Below are community-based organizations appropriate for Community Fellows projects:

  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Mecklenburg-area health care agencies
  • The small business community
  • Local organizations serving the homeless
  • Language acquisition organizations
  • City and county government

Q: I would like to partner with a colleague or two. Can a "team" submit a proposal?

A: Yes. The College Fellows Program welcomes team efforts. Designing a proposal with one or two other colleagues, within or outside your division, is welcome.

Q: How much reassigned time will be awarded to me as a Community Fellow?

A: It depends upon your project. Generally, you can expect anywhere from half to full release for the semester. You are required to give an estimate of the time required for your project in the Community Fellow application. The Vice President for Instruction makes the final award of released time.

Q: Who will be responsible for covering my responsibilities during my fellowship?

A: Your Division Director is responsible for finding your replacement. Of course, you may know the best possible people for the job and you are encouraged to make appropriate recommendations to your Division Director.

 

Q: What about my salary and any extra funds I will need to complete my project?

 

A: You will retain your salary and benefits and accrue leave as usual.

 

Q: Has anyone put together a suggested list of budget items?

 

A: Yes. It is a piece of the application. It is not all-inclusive, but it will be a guide in determining the actual costs of your proposal. There may be other line items that will require consultation with other CPCC departments, faculty or staff. The list is based on qualitative- and quantitative-based research. Experience from previous fellows shows that it is wise to be as detailed as possible to increase the accuracy of the final dollar amount. Contact the chair of the College Fellows Program Committee to review effective examples of budgets.