Application Deadline Approaches: Thoughts from DukeEngage
As we approach the December 15 DukeEngage application deadline for group programs, we recognize that this may be a stressful or confusing period for students who are considering applying or in the midst of doing so. While this time of year is not ideal for such an enterprise—indeed, we know that students are also facing the intense pressures of end-of-semester papers or studying for final exams—given the high number of students we expect to apply for the 400 spots we have available, our application deadline was moved up this academic year to allow for thoughtful review of applications by faculty and staff and the opportunity over several weeks in January to schedule interviews with students before final determinations are made in early February.
I often get the question from students and parents about what kind of student DukeEngage hopes to attract to our program. Given how increasingly competitive DukeEngage has become, I tell them that with great intentionality we are seeking students who are inquisitive, earnest, genuine, and deeply committed to assisting a community that could benefit from their summer of service. Students who are applying should recognize that while DukeEngage provides a unique educational opportunity during which students will learn much about themselves through the experience itself and regular reflection, they may also be asked to assist community partners in ways that may not seem exciting or immediately beneficial to the experience. Given the thoughtfulness and selflessness we expect to find among a new class of DukeEngages, we trust that students will be able to navigate through these situations with maturity and humility. We are, after all, in communities to help as needed.
I’ve also heard some questions and concerns expressed among students about a change in DukeEngage policy that limits the number of sites to which students can apply to two—and that if students choose to apply to two programs, one of those must be domestic. During last year’s application season, when students could apply to up to three programs, it became apparent to us at DukeEngage that while students had greater flexibility in choice, we were not helping them to focus on which specific program could best benefit from their potential involvement. Nor were we helping students see the equal value in the domestic programs offered through DukeEngage—programs which have doubled in number this year and which offer fantastic opportunities to engage a community a bit closer to Duke’s campus. There are, in fact, many U.S. communities facing immense challenges comparable to what we see in our international locations—poverty, social injustice, environmental distress, educational inequity and so forth. Last year, our largest program was hosted right here in Durham, and we expect that trend to continue, benefiting from the commitment of students who recognize one need not go far to do the greatest good and learn from such service.
DukeEngage is still very new to Duke, but we already face an unfortunate reality: not every student who applies will be selected to participate—due to the great number of applicants and the limited number of opportunities we can extend. This year, we anticipate roughly 800 will apply this year for 400 group program and independent project slots. Still, I’m emboldened by the clear dedication so many Duke students have to making a difference in the communities we’re serving, and we will do our best to fold as many students as possible into DukeEngage during the course of their Duke experience.
On behalf of all of us at DukeEngage, I want to express my deep appreciation to all students who choose to apply to one of our programs. We look forward to meeting many of you and finding a meaningful way for you to connect to a community that needs your service.