The mission of the Scholar Leader Community at Miami University is to establish a proactive, supportive community dedicated to enhancing leadership and scholarship among its members and the broader university community.

Scholar Leader is an upper-class residential living-learning community involving a one-year residence in Elliott or Stoddard Halls - two of the most historic residence halls in the nation. Endowments for each room provide a partial scholarship to those students selected to live in the community. Each year, approximately 75 students are invited to join the Scholar Leader Community after a multi-stage application and selection process. The Scholar Leader Community encourages resident-guided programming, academic involvement, service learning projects, and the opportunity to explore leadership through intensive group engagement. The Scholar Leader Community is advised by staff in Miami's Wilks Leadership Institute and Office of Residence Life.

How To Become a Scholar Leader

Thank you for your interest in joining the Scholar Leader Living Learning Community (LLC)! We are excited that you are considering applying to join! Being a Scholar Leader is a great opportunity to get involved in community, service, leadership, and equity work on Miami’s campus and beyond. Next year’s cohort is open to rising sophomores and above.

As a Scholar Leader, you have the opportunity to live in the heart of Miami’s campus in either Stoddard or Elliott Halls, Miami’s two most historic residence halls. By joining the Scholar Leader community, students have the opportunity to engage in and build community with one another through programming, cluster meetings, community meetings, retreats, and even take class together in EDL 290W, our Educational Leadership course!

In addition to learning about and growing as leaders and change makers, Scholar Leaders receive a scholarship for their involvement in the program, are able to complete service hours or projects, and plan events for both their halls and the larger Miami community.

About the Application

The application for the Scholar Leader LLC for the 2023-2024 academic year opens on November 6, 2022 and will be accepting applications through February 12, 2023. Below is the link to the application.

Apply to be a Scholar Leader! 

Within the above application, you will have the opportunity to provide basic biographical information, a resume, and tell us more about yourself and your interest in the program through a series of short essay prompts. These prompts are meant to help you reflect on your experiences thus far at Miami and allow us to learn more about you and your potential candidacy for the Scholar Leader LLC. Once your application is submitted, you will be sent a copy of your responses.

Interviews

Once you submit your application, you will receive communication on whether you will be offered an interview. Interview weekend will occur over two days on March 2 and 3, 2023 and will be in person. Should you need to request a remote inverview, we will conduct virtual interviews on March 4. Interviews will consist of two formal individual interviews. Interviews will be conducted by members of the Residence Life and Wilks Professional Staff teams and at least one other person, typically a current Scholar Leader.

Dress as you feel most comfortable and confident.

Scholar Leader Informational Sessions

This year, we will be conducting a series of different informational sessions to allow you to hear first hand from some current Scholar Leaders about the LLC and ask questions about their experience! This year, our informational sessions will occur in Upham Hall 127 on November 3, 9, 15, and 28, 2022 at 6 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Incoming Scholar Leaders Welcome Social

Once interviews have concluded and offers have been accepted, we will have our first event as a community; our welcome social. Should you receive an offer, you will be invited to a social event in March where you will be able to meet your incoming cohort as well as current Scholar Leaders and build connections with one another.

Studying Abroad/Outstanding Circumstances

If you are studying abroad or have another outstanding circumstance while interviews are being conducted, you should still apply. You may be contacted via email to set up a phone or video interview while you are away. Preference is given to applicants who can serve the entire term of service.

Communication

Throughout the application process, the Office of Residence Life will be in contact with you via your university email account. It is vital that you check your email frequently and reply to messages you receive regarding the Scholar Leader selection process. Should you have any questions, please contact Noah Montague at montagnw@miamioh.edu or 513-529-2016 or Kennedy Hughes at hugheskj@miamioh.edu.