Fellows are expected to attend bimonthly “Parr Heel Talks,” where invited scholars from across campus share their research in ethics. These talks are open only to Parr Center students, include dinner, and provide insight on how various disciplines approach topics in ethics.

Fall

Induction Ceremony: At the ceremony, the Parr Center community welcomes new and returning students to the year. Additionally, we provide free headshots for all students.

Full-day Orientation: Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the rules, requirements, and expectations of the Parr Center Ethics at the retreat. More importantly, students get to know each other and begin mapping their project goals at this event. 

Spring

End of the Year Celebration: Fellows participate in a celebratory event to send off graduating seniors and international students returning to their home institutions. 

The Parr Center hosts various public lectures each academic year. Lectures include the lunchtime Ethics Around the Table series and evening events such as Parr Center Presents, Parr | Bioethics Joint Lectures, and the Parr Center Forum. Fellows must attend at least two Parr Center public lectures each semester. To see our upcoming events visit our events calendar!

The Parr Center for Ethics is the home of the National High School Ethics Bowl. Each Spring semester, the Parr Center hosts the North Carolina Regional and National competitions. All Fellows train to moderate competition rounds, serve as help points for visitors and provide general assistance during the matches. In addition, Fellows must moderate or room staff during the one-day Regional competition and the weekend-long National competition.

Those admitted as Fellows will serve for one year. However, suppose students would like to return for a second year. In that case, they must be invited to complete a Returning Fellow Application to recommit their time and energy to the Ethics Fellows program for the following year. Students may serve as an Ethics Fellow for two years. After that, they may be invited to participate in the Ethics Mentor program.

Fellows have access to world-renowned ethicists, free coffee and tea in our office, a secluded study space in Caldwell Hall, and a welcoming community of intellectually curious peers. Additionally, students can work toward the Ethics Scholar transcript designation while sharpening their moral reasoning skills. To hear about more benefits, please reach out to our Director of Undergraduate Programming, who can connect you to a current Fellow.

The Ethics Fellow program commitment is 80 hours annually. Group meetings and weekly work are designed to take two hours of work most weeks of the semester. However, we provide weeks “off” near Fall Break and Spring Break. We do not ask students to work during finals in either semester. Additional requirements (Parr Heel Talks, National High School Ethics Bowl volunteering, etc.) occur infrequently and are included in the 80-hour total.

Due to increased student demand and our efforts to grow the Ethics Scholar program, we ask that Fellows study at UNC-CH for the Fall and Spring. Unfortunately, we do not have a comparable hybrid or fully remote option.

Absolutely! We value varying perspectives and experiences and will work with you to ensure the Ethics Fellow program fits your new schedule.

Preference for admission to the Fellows program will be given to students who intend to earn the Parr Center Ethics Scholar transcript designation.

Additional questions? Email our Director of Undergraduate Programming, Vanessa Moore!