volunteer programs

Freshman Urban Program (FUP)

2013 Coordinator Application

Program Description

The Freshman Urban Program (FUP) is a service-focused community-exploring program aimed at introducing freshmen to MIT and to life in an urban college environment. Participants have the opportunity to get to know each other and their counselors through fun and focused public service activities. Besides acclimating incoming students to their new environment, FUP enables them to explore and begin to understand the needs of the Cambridge/Boston communities, and the role that students can play in meeting these needs through leadership and service. FUP is an MIT Public Service Center program.

Coordinator Expectations

The FUP Coordinator positions are wonderful leadership opportunities. Two coordinators work with PSC staff to plan and lead the program. Coordinators must be continuing their studies at MIT in the fall semester. This means that rising MIT sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students with prior FUP experience are all eligible.

Coordinators have the support of approximately 10-12 upperclassman counselors who assist with student interaction and development.  Counselor applications will be accepted in February 2013. 

The coordinator commitment starts in spring semester 2013, when coordinators will review applications and interview potential counselors (February), organize counselor trainings (March/April), and plan FUP alum community service reunions (March, April or May).  Coordinators will spend approximately 25 hours on these activities over the spring semester.

During summer 2013, coordinators will work closely with PSC staff to plan the logistics of the FUP program, and a commitment of at least 10 hours a week is required for each coordinator, as is attendance at weekly check-in meetings. It is strongly preferred that both coordinators are on or near campus over the summer to be able to attend check-in meetings in person.

It is expected that FUP 2013 will be held August 20-25, 2013, during freshman pre-orientation, and coordinators are expected to have no other time commitments during this period, as well as the week and a half prior during which time coordinators pull together final logistics and lead counselor training.

Applications are due Friday, November 30.

Interviews will be held on December 4-5, and selections will be made before the end of fall semester.

Questions? Email fup-staff@mit.edu.