What is the Morrill Scholars Program?
As a Morrill Scholar you are part of a community of future leaders. You will receive extensive support and guidance through your first two years of college from faculty fellows, dedicated staff, and savvy peer mentors/tutors. These individuals will be part of your team to help you succeed in college.
You’ll also meet nearly 250 other Morrill Scholars in your cohort. Together you’ll be part of a Bobcat community where you will establish deep friendships over your next four years of college while advancing your education.
FAQ’s
How was I selected for this program?
One or more of your classes are taught by a Morrill Scholar Faculty Fellow which qualifies you for admission to Morrill Scholars Program. This program will shape important engagement and community building opportunities at MSU to ensure you benefit from your time in college.
In addition to your learning from your faculty and spending time with your fellow Morrill Scholars, you'll find that this program will help shape important leadership and career development experiences. Our job is to help you create a sense of purpose and belonging while attending MSU.
What makes this program different?
Not only will you learn from remarkable faculty, but you will also have access to student mentors who will assist you with some of your day-to-day questions that most new student experience. In addition, you'll be able to work with staff at MSU who care about your success and will shape opportunities for you to thrive. Of course, we are also available to help you navigate any speedbumps along the way.
Do I have to pay additional tuition or fees to be a scholar?
No additional payment required. As a public land grant institution, we are here to ensure you thrive at MSU – we can't wait to welcome you into the Morrill Scholar family!
I’d like to be a Morrill Scholar; how can I apply?
If you weren’t invited to be part of the program and would like to learn more just let us know. Email us at morrill@montana.edu
Are there scholarship funds associated with this program?
Currently, no. However, our Financial Coaches will provide you with information on how to apply for scholarships and structure your budget. You'll find the Financial Coaches affiliated with the program to be invaluable as you plan your budget and make decisions regarding loans, grants, and scholarships.
Do I have to take specific classes to be a Morrill Scholar?
Yes, a requirement of being a Morrill Scholar is that you must be registered for at least one class with a Faculty Fellow.
Can you tell me about the block scheduling component of the program?
Some of our scholars are registered for an 8-week block schedule for Math 121 and CLS 101. These means you'll have concentrated time to learn and engage in both your math and seminar classes. We think this learning environment will promote a richness for engagement and excite opportunities to learn.
How long does the program last?
This program will support you through your freshman and sophomore years at MSU. We are here to help you navigate your questions and set you up for success as you become an upperclassman at MSU. We also hope as you become a junior or senior, you'll consider becoming a mentor in the program.
How will I meet my cohort?
Most of the Morrill Scholars are registered for the fall semester "Great Course" - US 210 – Education the World of Work and You. In this course, you will meet and learn alongside many of your fellow scholars and peer mentors.
Other scholars are registered in the Math 121/CLS 101 block, again you'll meet many of your fellow scholars and learn together in your classes.
If you aren't registered in one of these cohort learning environments, know your peer mentor and faculty fellows will reach out and connect with you during your first week of classes to attend some events specific for Morrill Scholars.
What is the "Great Course"?
As part of the cohort model, for your first year Morrill Scholars will, where possible, be registered for a common class that we call the "Great Course." We call this class the Great Course because, frankly, it will be great for many reasons! You'll learn about timely topics that are relevant to your education and your future and you'll also spend time together with your fellow scholars building that important community and developing your sense of purpose and belonging.
For Fall Semester the Great Course is US 210 – Education the World of Work and You. This class is designed to provide you with some important insights for how to approach your college experience. We want to support your college and career planning in the context of growth and decline of industries in the global economy. We'll also spend time discussing the value of education and help you develop strategies to advance your learning. You'll also work in a small group as you think about consequential projects that have or could shape the world around us. Your recitation section will include a Peer Mentor. The mentor is there for you. Not just for the US 210 class, but to answer any questions you might have about college; getting a tutor; meeting with a professor. They have been where you currently are! They understand being a first-year student. Get to know them, it will be beneficial.
For Spring the Great Course is HSTR 282CS-002 - Darwinian Revolution. This class overs the history, philosophy, and our current understanding of the biological sciences, focusing especially on the theory of evolution. Explores Darwin's ideas, the way he came to them, his argument's explanatory power, and the diverse ramifications of evolutionary theory, including the modern debates in science and religion, stem cell research, cloning, sociobiology, and other tricky contemporary issues.
What is a faculty fellow?
Dynamic and innovative faculty that have your academic success as a cornerstone of their teaching because you are enrolled in one or more of their classes you are a Morrill Scholar.
As a scholar, do I get a tutor?
Yes, all scholars will have access to free and carefully selected tutors who have been assigned to the program.
What is Flowzone?
It is a special study table session offered to scholars. It is time to grab a snack, meet with a tutor, and study with your friends. Use your time optimally to get the best grades possible and build relationships.
When will I meet my mentor?
Your mentor will be in your recitation class that is a part of US 210. They will also reach out via a text message and make plans to connect with you.
Can I still register for HSTR 282CS-002 Darwinian Revolution?
Of course, this course will be great, and we want you to take it ;-).
If you have any more questions email morrill@montana.edu