Merit Scholars on a hay ride during Fall Break
About OUSF
A community of Opportunity, Discovery & IMPACT
The Office of University Scholars and Fellows (OUSF) supports Duke students and recent alumni through awarding merit scholarships, advising on nationally competitive scholarships, and overseeing leadership programs and experiential learning opportunities.
We empower students to make the most of their Duke experience by cultivating a vibrant community of peers, faculty, and staff; connecting scholars with funding for research, travel, and service; facilitating faculty mentorship; and organizing meaningful events and programs. Together, these experiences challenge students to lead with purpose, pursue excellence, and make an impact on campus and beyond.
At OUSF, we believe learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through intellectual engagement, leadership development, and transformative experiences, students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address the complex challenges facing our world.
Our Shared Values
principles that guide our work & shape our community
- Belonging & Community
We create a welcoming, inclusive environment where students feel supported, connected, and accepted. - Connection & Resourcefulness
We serve as a trusted resource for students by connecting them to advisors, opportunities, and resources. We help to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate complex systems. - Authenticity & Integrity
We lead with self-awareness and honesty, encouraging reflection and alignment between values and practices. - Learning & Resilience
We foster continuous development by encouraging exploration, feedback, and stepping beyond comfort zones. We tackle challenges through strategic judgment, prioritizing what matters, learning from setbacks, and moving forward with intention.
Our Three Focus Areas
Merit Scholarships
Bringing intellectually curious students with immense potential to Duke University, and supporting them through enrichment opportunities, mentorship, and more!
Our OUSF staff and faculty select and support the undergraduate students participating in Duke's merit scholarship programs. Merit scholars attend academic seminars, events with their faculty directors, and social activities with other scholars. They use their enrichment funding to support their individualized intellectual pursuits to help actualize their future plans and aspirations.
Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Supporting Duke's incredible students and alumni as they apply for prestigious scholarships beyond Duke.
The Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) team aides Duke's students and alumni as they navigate applying to prestigious scholarships for the following life-changing opportunities:
- Independent summer research
- Service-learning
- Foreign language study
- Work or internships abroad
- Graduate school in the UK, Ireland, and many other places
Students can apply for these scholarships as early as their first year at Duke, and alumni are also eligible for a wide range of opportunities. Click through to learn about the opportunities available, our holistic application process, and how to access resources for students, alumni, and faculty and staff.
Affiliated Programs
Encouraging intellectual engagement and scholarship at Duke University.
OUSF houses a variety of Duke programs that encourage academic engagement among students and faculty. Students have widely varying academic and professional goals, but are united in their desire to engage with intellectual communities during their time at Duke. Affiliated programs include leadership and honors programs, lecture series, scholarly opportunities for future health professionals, and research initiatives.
Office of Undergraduate Education
OUSF is affiliated with the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), led by Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Lee D. Baker. Associate Vice Provost Kim Bethea oversees OUSF in addition to DukeLIFE, the Academic Resource Center, and the Testing Center.