Erb Undergraduate Fellows

Frequently Asked Questions

As you navigate the application process as a prospective Erb Fellow, you might have a few questions. Read through this list of FAQs for some guidance through the process. If you still have questions, contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Program

Why should I apply to be an Erb Fellow?

At the Erb Institute, we are committed to helping equip and prepare you for the challenges and opportunities that will emerge as you embark on your professional careers. As an Erb Fellow, you’ll be introduced to new ways of thinking and doing through a series of carefully curated classroom and co-curricular opportunities, field experiences, impact-focused projects and, importantly, a tight-knit and supportive community of fellow sustainability champions who share your vision for a sustainable world.

To successfully complete the Erb Fellows program, what will I be required to do?

As an Erb Fellow, you will be required to successfully complete 12-credits of courses from a list of selected 300- and 400-level courses that address business sustainability-related topics. You will also be expected to participate regularly in co-curricular and community-building activities, participating in a minimum of five co-curricular activities per academic year.

What are the benefits of being an Erb Fellow?

Erb Fellows are members of a large, welcoming and supportive community of individuals that are committed to leveraging business to make the world a more sustainable place. In addition to joining a community of like-minded U-M undergraduate students, Erb Fellows have access to our alumni and partner networks – these networks for business sustainability practitioners span across a number of global industries, sectors.

What opportunities are offered to Erb Fellows?

In addition to connecting with the larger Erb community, the Erb Institute also offers a number of opportunities for Fellows. We offer exclusive co-curricular learning opportunities for Fellows including career talks, business sustainability workshops, and rotating panels. We support action-based learning project opportunities, invite innovative speakers to share their perspectives, and create new and exciting learning opportunities for Fellows.

What courses do Erb Fellows take?

Erb Fellows take a variety of courses, depending on their major, minor and scheduling needs. While first ensuring they are satisfying the curricular requirements of their major(s) and minor(s) (if applicable), Fellows are expected to successfully complete 12-credits of coursework from a curated set of 300- and 400- level courses that address the intersection on business and sustainability. While most of the courses included on the Erb Fellows course menu are drawn from the Ross Business School and the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA), there are also a number of approved courses from other schools, including the Ford School of Public Policy, Taubman College of Architecture, and others.

What is the Erb Fellows Council? How can I join?

Members of the Erb Fellows Student Council work closely with Erb staff to build community, offer feedback, pilot new programming and enhance the opportunities the program offers. The six Fellows who make up the Erb Fellows Council will represent the larger Fellows cohort and will also lead the development of strategy for the council itself, including facilitating community opportunities for students. Applications to join the Erb Fellows council will open in the Winter semester 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

How do I know if I am eligible to be an Erb Fellow?

Eligible applicants to the Erb Fellows must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Major or minor in the Ross School of Business or Program in the Environment (PitE); *
  • Rising junior status;

Eligible applicants are strongly encouraged to have successfully completed ENVIRON 207 or 208 prior to starting the Erb program.

How do I apply to be an Erb Fellow?

Applicants must complete a brief online application that will include 3 brief essays and provide a resume. The application will open in late Fall, and will remain open until mid-January. The application will be posted on the Erb website.

I haven’t taken ENVIRON 207 and am currently enrolled in ENVIRON 208. Can I still apply to be an Erb Fellow?

Yes – this used to be a requirement for students to apply, and is now only encouraged. ENVIRON 207 and 208 are great introductory courses for business sustainability, but applicants are not required to complete either or both of these courses.

I have applied for a business minor or PitE major/minor, but have not been accepted yet. Can I still apply?

Yes- please apply even if your major or minor is not confirmed. We are looking for high-quality applicants with a deep passion for business and sustainability. We encourage you to apply even if you are not fully accepted into these programs yet.

I have a minor in Real Estate or Entrepreneurship, both not technically considered Ross minors. Can I apply anyway?

Yes- please apply to the Erb Fellows program if you have a deep passion for business and sustainability, especially if you would like to pursue a career in sustainable business.

I have further questions about the program and admissions process. Who can I reach out to?

Prospective students are encouraged to email erbfellows@umich.edu to connect with staff and students working closely with the Fellows program. Peer advisors will connect with prospective students initially to share more information, and can connect prospective students with a staff member for further questions.