THE AUSTIN INSTITUTE UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWS PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWS PROGRAM?
College is a time of significant personal growth (exposure to new ideas, experiences, and challenges). Yet, personal growth also comes from ideas, experiences, and challenges that one doesn't find in today's strictly academic environment.
The undergraduates' fellows program at the Austin Institute focuses on a broad understanding of human flourishing and wishes to give you the opportunity to make the most of all that these amazing years have to offer. Our program accompanies undergraduate students at the University of Texas at Austin in their development and growth as fully formed adults. Our program is designed for non-conforming students who want to ask bigger questions—students who know there should be more to college than preparing for a job and more to life than work and screen time.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
​​ We offer a one-year program divided into four sessions per semester. Together, we address topics that seek to help students set broad goals for their transformation and personal growth.
Students who register for the program also have the opportunity to receive individualized mentoring. The mentorship aims to accompany undergraduate students in developing their "Life Project." The tutoring or mentorship session sets a plan for learning attitudes, acquiring good habits for self-evaluation, and planning individual actions to allow comprehensive growth and a commitment to improving themselves and their communities (families, friendships, etc.).
In addition to the content and formation offered, the Undergraduate programs serve as a space for access to a community environment, as students get to meet people from different backgrounds, majors, professions, and age groups, which constitutes an essential component of a healthy life that is not that accessible during the college years
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WHO CAN APPLY?
The program is open to undergraduate students in any field or major currently enrolled in a higher education institution in Austin.
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HOW TO APPLY?
1. Prepare a short essay (400-600 words) answering one of these two prompts:
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a. What is a good life, and how does college contribute?
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b. What does a virtuous person look like in 2025, and why?
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2. Submit your online application and essay using the link above.
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Who should I contact if I have more questions?
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Email Dr. Maria José Ruiz González at mjr@austin-institute.
2023 Sessions
2024 Sessions
Fall 2023
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September: "Self-Knowledge".
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October: "Ambition and Leadership".
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November: "Modernity and its challenges".
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December: "Community and belonging".
Fall 2024
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September: What am I to do with my life? Discernment considerations with Fr. Roberto Regoli, PhD.
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October: Critical thinking or rigorous thinking? With Dr. Ruiz.
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November: "The Ambitious Soul" Dinner with Dr. Shilo Brooks.
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December: "Love your enemies" Dinner with Dr. Orlandi
Spring 2024
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January: "Happiness, Beauty, Nature, and The City".
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February: "The Meaning of Sexual Love and Sexual Purity".
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March: "Infatuation, Friendship, and Love".
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April: "Powerful Women of Christian Europe: An Historical Overview".
Spring 2025
January: "Why Beauty Matters".
Testimonies
" I am so glad a friend reached out and directed me to the UFP! This is a trustworthy place for formation, growth, civil discourse, and genuine friendships. Whenever I meet other students for the first time, I often mention AI and encourage them to look into the program. We all have the same important questions burning inside us and the Austin Institute gives a unique and valuable opportunity to address those questions together."
Juan Pablo, University of Texas, 2024 Undergraduate Fellow
