Academic Resources for Undergraduate Arts and Sciences Students

Sarah Rancic, Class of 2025, at Spring Conference of the American Chemical Society in San Diego

The Arts and Sciences Dean's Office is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 undergraduate research offerings. For the first time, students from Fordham College at Lincoln Center and Fordham College at Rose Hill can apply to each of the grants being offered.

Our grants support student-driven research for Fordham College students, backed by a faculty mentor. We strive to support and aid students in these experiences, whether by strengthening students' research through faculty mentorship or providing funding for student projects or conferences.

Summer research offerings will continue to be aligned across both campuses — a summary and timeline for those will be announced shortly.

Grant Categories

Apply for Travel Grants

Research Grants

Allows students from any discipline to pursue a research project during the academic year from November to April, under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Requirements: 250-word abstract, 3–4 page detailed research proposal, itemized budget, research schedule, faculty/mentor recommendation letter.

Len Blavatnik Fellowship for STEM research: We are excited to offer additional funding for STEM undergraduates again for the upcoming grant cycles! These grants are for $2500 each, and we expect to award five of these to both FCRH and FCLC students.

Deadline: October 16, 2026.

Conference Travel Grants

Support students' travel and accommodations to present their research at conferences or symposia.

Requirements: Official letter of invitation from the host institution/organization, 250-word abstract, itemized budget.

Deadline: October 16, 2026.

Senior Thesis and Capstone Project Grants

Supports the completion of, reproduction of, or dissemination of a senior thesis project. Examples of supported capstone projects are the duplication and binding of theses, tri-fold presentation boards, or materials needed for an exhibition or media presentation.

See past senior theses and projects funded by this grant (You must have a fordham.edu account in order to access).

Requirements: One-page proposal, itemized budget.

Deadline: December 11, 2026.

Information Sessions

To answer questions on application criteria, funding amounts, deadlines, and the process, an information session will be held on each campus. Attending one is highly recommended to avoid common application mistakes.

Rose Hill: Monday, September 28, 12:00 pm, in the Flom Auditorium (in the lower level of the Walsh Family Library)

Lincoln Center: Tuesday, September 29, 4:00 pm In the South Lounge, located in the Plaza Level Cafeteria

Questions: [email protected]

The FCLC & FCRH Dean's Offices offers proactive academic coaching services to students who would like to improve their organizational skills and course performance. Students may also be referred for these services when the Dean's Office is alerted by an instructor to a student's repeated class absences or poor academic performance. We help students:

• Organize a calendar/academic planner

• Practice workable and efficient study and reading strategies

• Bolster executive functioning skills and academic motivation

• Utilize the appropriate University/College resources to assist them with personal, psychological and financial issues

• Understand their progress in a course in a complete and constructive way

• Avoid further class absences

The Dean's Office strongly encourages students of all class years and majors who are experiencing academic difficulty, or are interested in strategies to bolster their academic skills to discuss this with their advisor or class dean. They will offer guidance or refer you for additional assistance from one of our academic coaching team members.

Students in all courses at FCRH or FCLC can receive free tutoring on Knack. Knack Tutoring allows Fordham students to:

• Connect with trained Fordham peer tutors for live tutoring sessions either in person or online.
  
  
• Have sessions in an online environment with video, audio, and a shared, virtual whiteboard.
  
  
• Ask questions for feedback or guidance related to learning strategies, in addition to course content.

How to Access Knack Tutoring:

• You can access Knack Tutoring at fordham.joinknack.com
  
  
• Enter your Fordham credentials to be taken into the platform.
  
  
• Submit a tutoring request for any of the supported courses and all tutors for that course will be notified and encouraged to respond to your request. Please note that requests with a short turnaround time might not be accommodated.
  
  
• Chat with any responding tutors to see who has the best availability for your schedule.
  
  
• Select a tutor who you connect with and who can meet at a time you’re available.
  
  
• To connect with a specific tutor, feel free to search for their name and request them directly.
  
  
• Option to invite other students for a group tutoring session so students can collaborate with classmates
  
  
• User Support via live chat or email (this is especially helpful for any technical issues you may encounter)
  
  
• 24/7 access to the Knack Help Center
  
  
• Informational Knack Video for Students

Departmental Tutoring (in addition to Knack)

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Writing Center

Students who are part of the HEOP and CSTEP cohorts may also have access to tutors through those programs.

Before Classes Start - Getting Ready!

• Review the previous semester
• Check-in with your advisor if you have any questions about course selection
  • Do I need to make any changes based on prior coursework or interests?
• Purchase your textbooks and class materials
  • If you have readings and exams, you need the textbook!

Beginning of the Semester - Start Strong!

• Read course syllabi carefully
  • Record all deadlines and key dates in your planner
• Determine where to access course materials (for example, Blackboard)
• Make note of instructors' contact information
• Review reading requirements and plan sufficient time in your schedule to complete
• Review instructors' grading policies
• Review attendance and participation policies
• Find out how assignments are to be submitted

Throughout the Semester - Keep it up!

• Always check announcements and course emails
• Participate in class discussions
• Begin your assignments early
• Plan strategies and timing to study for exams and quizzes
• Ask questions when you need clarification
• Check your grades frequently
  • If you are missing grades, make sure your instructor has all of your assignments
• Use feedback received to improve future performance
• If you start to fall behind, immediately consult with your advisor
• Access support quickly!
  • Do you need help with the course content? Reach out to your instructor and check out our tutoring resources.
  • Would you like a second look at your writing? Need help with citations? The Writing Center is the place to be!
  • Are anxiety and/or depression getting in the way? Your advisor and instructor will so happily help you problem-solve and connect to resources. We are here to make anything we can easier for you.