Fellows and Study Groups

The Fellows and Study Groups Program (FSG) has been a cornerstone program since the founding of the Institute of Politics in 1966. FSG connects Harvard students with individuals who are leaders in the fields of politics and civic engagement. Each semester, the IOP invites a cohort of residential Fellows to spend a semester at Harvard, during which they share their expertise and experiences with students. Fellows' experiences range from elected office, public service, journalism, activism, and the intersections of politics and media. Fellows will serve as a resource to the Harvard community through weekly Study Groups, office hours, student group events, and liaison team meetings.

Each residential Fellow hosts eight not-for-credit study groups throughout the semester in their area of expertise. Study Groups are all off-the-record, with formats ranging from traditional Q&A-based discussions and skill-building workshops to open conversations between Fellows, students, and special guests. Undergraduate students serve as liaisons to each Fellow, helping produce study groups and integrate their Fellow into the Harvard community. This Liaison opportunity offers students and Fellows a chance to build personal and professional relationships that often last for years to come.

Student Liaisons

The liaison program offers Harvard undergraduates a unique opportunity to interact with and get to know one of our Resident Fellows — public figures with exceptional careers and experiences in politics and public service — in an intimate and personal setting. Liaison teams of six help plan, produce, and publicize a study group each week. Students often describe the experience as one of the most memorable they've had at Harvard, and we encourage everyone to apply!

We recommend you attend the IOP's recruitment events, including the Open House at the beginning of each semester to meet the new Resident Fellows and review their study group outlines.

Complete the online application, which asks questions about interests, special skills, and relevant experience. Students can apply to be a liaison, a member of the Fellows Search Committee, or a member of the Leadership Team. More about those positions will be posted closer to the application deadline.

The student co-chairs, in consultation with IOP staff, carefully review the applications under name-blind conditions and inform applicants of decisions shortly after the application deadline.

If you have any questions about the process, or about the program in general, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Contacts: