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We are looking for students who want to be active participants in discussions about social issues of our times; who want to strengthen their research, critical thinking, analytic, problem-solving, and communication skills; and who have the desire and capacity to create a vision for social change and lead others to make that change.

Jump to a section: Eligibility Criteria • Application Requirements • Post-Award Requirements • Scholars' Tips on the Application

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Eligibility Criteria

The Alfie Scholars are selected from a pool of diverse students. Diversity includes a broad range of people including those from diverse ethnic, racial, and non-traditional backgrounds, as well as those who have socioeconomic disadvantages, have physical or learning disabilities, and have overcome significant other obstacles.

To be considered for an Alfie Scholarship, applicants must have submitted a completed application to Seattle University undergraduate programs through the normal transfer application processes and must have the following additional minimum qualifications:

  • Enrollment in a community college during the current academic year.

  • Direct Transfer and/or an A.A. degree by August 1

  • A minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.5

  • A rising junior at Seattle University and a minimum of 4 quarters completed at the time of application (students with a previous bachelor degree are not eligible for consideration)

  • Leadership skills that will enable her or him to serve the community and foster civility in her or his chosen profession

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following:

  1. A completed application form

  2. A resume/curriculum vitae

  3. A one-and-a-half to two-page personal statement discussing your background and why you feel you are a match for the Alfie Scholars Program at Seattle University

  4. Social Issue Essay  – Because our mission is to cultivate civility leaders, the program's curriculum helps students use their voice and skills to make an impact on a social issue. In one page or less, please answer the following questions:

    1. What social issue do you plan to impact?
    2. How does the issue relate to civility?
    3. Why is the issue important to you?
    4.Why should the greater community care about it?

  5. Two-page response essay – After reading the article “Embracing Our Shared Humanity: Civility for Our Times”, please answer the following questions:
    1. In what ways does incivility cost our collective society and individuals?
    2. In what ways does civility benefit our collective society and individuals?
    3. In what ways do you foster civility?

  6. One letter of recommendation that speaks to your intellectual ability and capacity to act as a leader in fostering civility specifically, in your major or prospective profession, or in general if you have not yet chosen a major or prospective profession. If possible, the letter should be from a professor at your community college.

After the application has been submitted, the selected prospective Alfie Scholars will be interviewed by the admission committee. The application date is April 30th, 2024. The interview dates are in the first two weeks of May 2024.

Post-Award Requirements

Alfie Scholars serve as role models of leadership in fostering civility in their respective academic and personal communities. In addition, Alfie Scholars will be required to:

  • Sign the Alfie Scholars Acceptance Agreement to maintain good standing at the university, to participate in the academic programing, and to complete other requirements as determined by the program director.

  • Attend the Alfie Scholars Junior Summer Program that includes the Philosophy of the Civil Person core course as well as Alfie Scholars curriculum. *

    • Please note that it is crucial that the time commitment for being an Alfie scholar is considered in your decision to apply for our program. To retain your scholarship, it is mandatory to attend the summer programs. During the first summer, Alfie Scholars attend a two-day synchronous orientation, one-day-a-week synchronous class sessions from the end of June through July, followed by five days a week of classes (with most Tuesday and Thursday classes virtual) from the end of July through August, as well as two full-day conferences. Furthermore, Alfies are expected to complete asynchronous course modules throughout the summer during their time outside of class.

  • Attend day-long Civility Leadership Retreats the first Saturday each quarter.

  • Attend the Alfie Senior Summer Program Core Course, Ethics of Civility, in the 2024–2025 academic year.

  • Participate in extra-curricular programing.

  • Meet with the Alfie Scholars Program Director once each quarter.

  • Maintain good academic and social standing.

  • Attend regularly scheduled individual meetings with program staff.

  • Apply and maintain eligibility for other scholarship funding, if applicable.

  • Allow staff to monitor academic performance and university records.

  • Abide by all university standards for appropriate conduct and community behavior, including campus housing policies.

SUMMER 2024 PROGRAM DATES

During the first summer, Alfie Scholars attend a two-day synchronous orientation, one-day-a-week synchronous class sessions from the end of June through July, followed by five days a week of synchronous classes through August, as well as two full-day conferences. Furthermore, Alfies are expected to complete asynchronous course modules throughout the summer during their time outside of class. The Alfie Scholars Juniors’ schedule for 2024 is as follows:

May 29, 2024
     Alfie Scholars Junior Virtual Meet & Greet: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m
June 28, 2024
     Alfie Scholars Program: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
June 29, 2024
     Alfie Scholars Program: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
July 10, 2024
     Alfie Scholars Program: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
July 17, 2024
     Alfie Scholars Program: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

July 24, 2024 (Virtual - Synchronous)
     Alfie Scholars Program: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Summer Course

  • July 29 through August 30, 2024

    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Most Tuesday and Thursday are Virtual)

    • Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Summer Conferences

  • August 10, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • August 30, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Civility Leadership Retreats (Quarterly)

2024 – 2025
Fall Quarter September 28, 2024
Winter Quarter January 11, 2025
Spring Quarter April 5, 2025