Credit Facilitation

No! Credit facilitation is completely optional. Many fellows participate without pursuing credit — the fellowship provides valuable experience, mentorship, and professional credentials regardless. Credit facilitation is simply an additional benefit for those who want it.

Some institutions have strict policies about external programs. If your initial petition is denied, ask what would make it approvable — sometimes it’s just additional paperwork. You can also try a different pathway (e.g., experiential learning instead of independent study). If credit isn’t available, the fellowship still provides substantial value through mentorship, training, and professional credentials.

Some schools require an on-campus faculty member to formally sponsor your independent study — this is separate from your HSC mentor. If needed, approach a professor whose courses you’ve taken and explain that you already have external supervision; you just need an on-campus signatory. We can provide additional documentation to help make the case.

Start as early as possible — ideally before or immediately after receiving your fellowship acceptance. Most schools have deadlines early in the semester for adding independent study credits. Research your institution’s process and deadlines before the fellowship begins.

Generally, you need to be enrolled to receive credit. However, the fellowship experience is still valuable for gap year students, recent graduates, or anyone not currently in school. The mentorship, training, and credential value apply regardless of credit.