Dean's Business Fellows Program FAQs

Any student who meets the eligibility criteria may apply, regardless of whether the student received an invitation. 

Students must meet the eligibility requirements in order to apply by the deadline.

If you have any questions about eligibility, please email businessfellows@ku.edu or Dean’s Business Fellows Program Director Josh Arpin at jarpin@ku.edu.

Find information about how to apply, including the deadline, on the Apply to the Dean's Business Fellows Program page.

The Dean’s Business Fellows Program operates on a small-cohort design to ensure deep personal connections, high-impact mentorship, and focused academic growth. Each incoming class is organized into small, cohort‑based groups that move through the program together. Cohort assignments are made at the discretion of the program director, with a deliberate focus on balancing gender representation, academic and professional interests, and geographical backgrounds to foster a diverse and collaborative peer network. 

As a Business Fellow, you will experience the program on two levels: 

1. With your designated cohort: You will take a core sequence of courses and attend exclusive programming with your small group, which allows for highly tailored mentorship and deeper peer discussion. 
2. With the full Business Fellows community: You'll come together in shared signature lecture courses, along with co‑curricular events and networking opportunities that connect all cohorts. This ensures you complete the program with a strong network of standout peers. 

We intentionally keep our cohorts small because the future of business relies on collaborative leadership. A smaller group ensures you are not just a face in a lecture hall. You will build authentic relationships with your peers, faculty and staff; receive direct mentorship from peers, faculty and leadership; and find a supportive home base within the larger School of Business the moment you step onto campus. 

The Business Fellows Program is built around a cohort-based experience designed to accelerate your personal, academic, and professional growth. While specific offerings will continuously evolve to align with industry trends and student interests, the program will feature extensive, exclusive opportunities designed to ensure your long-term success. Key pillars of the Business Fellows co-curricular experience include: 

• Case competition: All Business Fellows will participate in a required case competition. Working in teams with your peers, you will tackle a real-world business challenge, apply your classroom learning under pressure, and present solutions to a panel of judges.  
• Exclusive global experiences: KU Business Fellows will receive invitations to apply for short-term international programs. These specialized global travel experiences are reserved for Business Fellows students, offering early exposure to international business dynamics. 
• Targeted professional development: Engage in exclusive lunch-and-learns, career readiness workshops, and professional development sessions tailored specifically to the needs of your cohort.
• Networking and industry access: Connect directly with corporate leaders and alumni through corporate site visits, guest speaker series, and dedicated professional networking events. 
• Community and cohort impact: Build deep connections with your peers while making a tangible difference through collaborative community impact and service projects. 

Yes. Students must meet the program requirements after the fall semester to receive the second half of their first-year scholarship.

Feel free to contact the Business Fellows Program Director Josh Arpin at jarpin@ku.edu or email the program at businessfellows@ku.edu.

Absolutely. Current students involved in similar first-year programs have successfully balanced the classroom and co-curricular requirements. Being associated with either or both programs at KU will enhance your educational experience. However, you do not need to be admitted to the University Honors Program to apply for the Dean's Business Fellows Program. 

No. Students will typically apply to the Jack Dicus Business Honors Program during the second semester of their freshman or sophomore year.

While participation in the Business Fellows can certainly help students build a strong application, Business Honors admission is an independent process, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic achievements and experiences at KU.  

Yes. The Dean's Business Fellows Program is designed as a one-year program spanning a student’s freshman year. The School of Business offers several leadership and development program opportunities, primarily starting during a student’s sophomore year. Learn more about these opportunities.

Prior to 2027, the Business Leadership Program served as a four-semester leadership program for the School of Business. Since the launch of the Dean's Business Fellows Program, the Business Leadership Program has transitioned to a three-semester program beginning during the spring semester of a student’s freshman year.

Applications for the Business Leadership Program will open during the fall semester, and all first-year students directly admitted to the School of Business are eligible to apply (including those admitted to the Business Fellows Program). Learn more about the Business Leadership Program.