The Russell Scholars Program is an academic community first. All participants--students, faculty, and mentors--take part in selected common course work, seminars, and social functions. These activities will be student- and faculty-initiated and will take place both on and off campus.

The Russell Scholars Program has its own common space for formal and informal gatherings. This "commons" enables students and faculty to connect with other Russell Scholars and mentors on campus.

Russell Scholars and faculty are a close-knit community of students, teachers, and mentors who share common educational goals. Russell Scholars, with the help of their mentors, shape their academic experiences through program design, course participation, and ongoing portfolio assessment. Students know that their input is expected, and respected, in and out of class.