The University revised its UT TOWER Fellows program to account for post-COVID-19 preferences. Changes include an increased number of semesters and attendance of non-sequential semesters. 

The UT TOWER Fellows program allows accomplished adults to interact with younger students and learn from University professors on campus. As fellows could not attend in-person classes or events during the pandemic, the program became more flexible and ‘enjoyable’ to some fellows, fellow Catherine Sansbury said. 

“During Covid, everything was so upside down the whole world just became more flexible. So (the program) became more flexible,” fellow Janet Allen said.

Gaylen Paulson, Associate Dean and Director of Texas Executive Education, said these changes prompted some fellows to return for three or four semesters because they enjoyed the program.  

Paulson said COVID-19 slowed the program down, but he thinks they’ve beat the challenges. He said the program aims to accept 25 fellows each semester. 

Sansbury didn’t think COVID-19 affected her experience in the program.

“Certain things were not in person as much, but they really tried hard to make it as enjoyable, interesting and successful, despite the worldwide pandemic,” Sansbury said.

Sansbury said she joined the program to learn about film. She helped create a pitchbook for a screenplay, raised money for the movie and became an associate and executive producer.

“People who are TOWER fellows are able and willing to be more than just classmates but also mentors,” Allen said. “You know, help with a class, a connection or a networking opportunity.” 

Paulson said intergenerational learning is one of the program’s key benefits. For example, fellows could turn to interns who would help them use technology during the pandemic.

“We weren’t navigating on our own,” Sansbury said. “There were student interns you could text … and you ultimately learned through their assistance.”

Paulson said students also learn from fellows since fellows are typically people with deep experience and backgrounds in different areas returning to campus with tips and tricks.

“I love the program because there was a lot of other things I could be doing,” Sansbury said. “I felt really privileged to be able to engage with so many incredible knowledgeable professors and other like-minded lifelong learners in the program and getting to know the students.”