2026-2027 STUDENT HANDBOOK
ABOUT GAINES Founded in 1984 by a generous gift from John and Joan Gaines, the Gaines Center for the Humanities serves as a hub for innovative humanities inquiry and collaboration at the University of Kentucky. We foster in our students a broad appreciation of the humanities by embracing varied paths of knowledge and integrating experiential learning with traditional academic instruction. We work to promote the humanities across campus and the surrounding community by building cross-disciplinary partnerships and leading public programming. Located in three historic buildings between the University of Kentucky and downtown Lexington, the Center is also designed to provide a link, intellectual as well as geographic, between the campus and town communities. The center sponsors an array of public events — seminars, workshops, and creative events — that bring the rich and varied resources of the Lexington community and the University of Kentucky. The Gaines Center also sponsors a celebrated undergraduate fellowship program complete with an intensive team-taught seminar course focused on a rotating theme in the humanities and a rigorous thesis project to be carried out under the direction of the center and a chosen faculty committee.
STAFF Michelle Sizemore, Ph.D., Director Office: Bingham Davis 202; email: michelle.sizemore@uky.edu Chelsea Brislin, Ph.D., Associate Director Office: Bingham Davis 201; email: clbris4@uky.edu Catherine Brereton, MFA, Program Coordinator Office: Bingham Davis 203; email: catherine.brereton@uky.edu
CURRENT FELLOWS 2025-2027
2026-2028
Sidney Acree
smac224@uky.edu
Ella Clark
ella.clark@uky.edu
Priscilla Agbozo
priscilla.agbozo@uky.edu
Enzo Fressola
enzo.fressola@uky.edu
Hunter Coady
Hunter.Coady@uky.edu
Catalina Hicks
catalina.hicks@uky.edu
Carter Franklin
cbfr228@uky.edu
Adarsh Khullar
adarsh.khullar@uky.edu
Duda Frizzo Pereira
eduardafrizzo@uky.edu
Norah Masri
norah.masri@uky.edu
AJ Hopkins
aj.hopkins@uky.edu
Samuel Mekoh
sme303@uky.edu
Matthew Mitchem
matthew.mitchem@uky.edu
Katie Neglia
katie.neglia@uky.edu
Riley Owens
riley.owen@uky.edu
Keira Schinaman
keira.schinaman@uky.edu
Prisha Patel
prisha.patel@uky.edu
Anya Sharma
ash435@uky.edu
CC Rhein
cecilia.rhein21@uky.edu
Bella Skibba
isabella.skibba@uky.edu
Vay Scharkley
vay.scharkley@uky.edu
Sam Toney
samueltoney@uky.edu
Sanai Wright
sanai.wright@uky.edu
Liz Udoh
liz.udoh@uky.edu
FACILITIES BINGHAM DAVIS HOUSE
Located at 218 East Maxwell Street, the Bingham Davis House is Gaines Center headquarters. The upper level holds the administrative offices, and the lower level holds the main conference room used for Gaines seminar courses. Additionally, the space is often reserved by campus and community partners for classes, meetings, events, and other activities. The Bingham Davis House is also home to the Fellows lounge, a space accessible only to Gaines Fellows. Gaines Fellows are encouraged to use the Bingham Davis House facilities. The building is unlocked from 6:30am until 6:30pm, Monday - Friday (summer and winter break hours may vary). Outside of these hours access to the house is via swipe access; simply swipe your UKID card at either the front or back door to gain access.
The Bingham Davis House is equipped with security cameras in the front and back hallways of Bingham Davis House. Dr. Brislin and Catherine can view these cameras at any time. Camera recordings are retained for 24 hours. Bingham Davis is one of the few remaining buildings on campus with windows that open. However, please remember to close any windows you open when you leave. It is a massive security risk to leave windows open—especially those on the ground floor. The Fellows’ Lounge is located on the ground floor; the door is underneath the front staircase. The passcode for entry to this lounge is 3179#. Please make sure the door is closed and the blinds pulled down when you leave. If you notice any problems with the technology, please let Catherine know. Please make sure any waste or wrappers make it into the trash cans. Please do not leave food waste in here. Make sure any food waste goes into the appropriate trash can in the kitchen. If you are using the lounge during the day, please close the door and be mindful of noise levels since it is quite possible that there will be a class or meeting in the seminar room. The Conference Room is also located on the ground floor. This space is consistently used for classes and meetings. This room is also first choice for thesis defenses. You are more than welcome to work here if it is empty—but if a class or group comes along with reservations, you will need to relocate. The Kitchen is adjacent to the seminar room. This is a full kitchen with oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and Keurig machine. You are welcome to use the kitchen. If you need to use the kitchen while another class or group is using the seminar room, please close the door between the rooms so that sounds and smells don’t disrupt others. If you use the kitchen—even if you just dirty a plate or a mug —it is your responsibility to wash it and put it away. Please help us keep this resource available by respecting this space and keeping it clean and hygienic.
COMMONWEALTH HOUSE Located at 226 East Maxwell Street, the Commonwealth House is used for class meetings, receptions, and other events by Gaines and campus and community partners. There is an outdoor classroom and event space, “The Commonwealth Commons,” on the back patio. The downstairs space boasts a piano and the Commonwealth Gallery, as well as a beautiful library. You can gain access at any time with your UKID card. The right wing of the second floor is used by campus instructors and Gaines Cooperative members as classrooms, meeting space, and work space. Gaines Fellows are encouraged to use the first floor as an individual study space, a group workspace, and a place to hang out between classes and after hours and on weekends.
RAYMOND BETTS HOUSE Located at 232 East Maxwell Street, the Raymond Betts House is the former home of the Gaines administrative offices and the Kentucky Women Writer’s Conference. Since 2018, the Betts house has been undergoing maintenance and is currently unavailable for use.
FELLOWSHIP The Gaines Fellowship in the Humanities is a one-of-a-kind, two-year program designed to enrich undergraduates' study at the University of Kentucky. Promoting an expansive liberal arts education, Gaines’ curriculum and co-curricular experiences nurture well-rounded intellectual and personal growth. Gaines offers a small, tight-knit community of learning and belonging on a large campus of 36,000. Fellows form close relationships with their cohort of peers, and they receive holistic support, individualized attention, and investment in their academic and personal success from the program’s faculty and administrators. Fellows find it meaningful to take part in a lively intellectual culture—one that productively challenges them, encourages them to explore, and helps them grow academically, professionally, and personally. The humanities are the study of human creativity and creation and encompass an array of subjects: literature, languages, linguistics, history, philosophy, cultural studies, design, architecture, art history, visual studies, dance, theatre, music, and much more. The humanities also involve the pursuit of a wide range of activities in everyday life such as reading, creative writing, dancing, listening to music, watching films and television, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, following fashion and interior design, practicing languages, attending the theatre, and visiting museums and historic sites. Engagement with the humanities helps us understand and interpret human experience, better equipping us to intervene in society’s most pressing issues.
JUNIOR YEAR JUNIOR YEAR AT-A-GLANCE Fall Semester Enroll in HMN 301 Begin thinking about your thesis topic and begin to identify a suitable committee chair and additional committee members Begin planning community engagement project (your HMN 301 enrichment instructor will share more information) Spring Semester Enroll in HMN 302 Create thesis committee—secure chair and two additional committee members; send them agreement form for signature * Prospectus due* Begin IRB approval process, if applicable—talk with your committee chair to determine whether this is necessary. If in doubt, the IRB office at UK will be very happy to offer advice. FYI: Catherine is on the IRB board and is also happy to advise on IRB matters. Note: IRB application and approval takes *time* so don’t leave this step until the last minute. If your research requires IRB approval you CANNOT begin your research until approval is granted. Complete community engagement project *Check with your HMN 302 enrichment syllabus/instructor for specific due dates on these items
HMN 301 & 302 All 12 Junior Gaines Fellows are required to actively participate in the Gaines Seminar courses: HMN 301 and HMN 302, each worth four credit hours respectively. The course takes place both semesters of the student’s junior year. It is comprised of two interrelated parts: 1.) interdisciplinary humanities coursework and 2.) an enrichment hour providing guidance on the primary cocurricular in Gaines, the Community Engagement Project; thesis topics and prospectuses; and other academic and professional opportunities. This unique course is one of the many highlights of Fellows’ experience in the program. It is the space where students engage in rigorous and lively conversations and coalesce as a cohort around deep and sustained inquiry into searching questions about human life.
Meeting Pattern The seminar meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00 pm in the Bingham Davis House, unless otherwise stated. The seminar enrichment hour, led by the Associate Director, takes place every Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm.
Lewis Honors If the student is a member of the Lewis Honors College, HMN 301 and HMN 302 may be counted towards the student’s upper-level Honors requirements. Degree audit exceptions may be entered by the student’s Honors advisor in the Lewis College. Syllabi are available upon request.
Theme Each year, the Gaines Center administrators select a theme for the Center’s participants to investigate throughout its programming. The Junior seminar’s coursework and co-curricular activities are modeled after that theme. Past themes include Citizenship, The Contemporary South, Movement/s, Monsters & Myths, and Health and the Humanities. This year’s theme is The Human Algorithm— for a description, please see the HMN 301 & 302 syllabus on Canvas.
UK Faculty The seminar is team-taught with sequential faculty units each composed of four weeks. Different faculty teach for Gaines each year, bringing their expertise in a variety of disciplines across campus.
Readings, Assignments, Grading Each faculty member will require readings, other types of class preparation, and graded assignments for their unit. The grades for each unit will be averaged together and count toward the final grade in HMN 301 and HMN 302. Enrichment hour assignments, including the Community Engagement Project and thesis prospectuses, comprise the remaining components of your HMN 301 and HMN 302 grades.
THE ENRICHMENT HOUR: APPLIED HUMANITIES
This 1-credit hour supplement to the Gaines seminar prepares you for the applied humanities project as well as your thesis work. The Gaines Center juniors are expected to complete an immersive applied humanities project as a part of the Gaines Fellows Program. The Applied Humanities Project is the centerpiece of junior year. This project takes place across both semesters of the junior year and is supervised by the Gaines Center Associate Director.
This high-impact experience aims to foster a greater sense of social and civic responsibility and to create a deeper understanding of the surrounding communities in which the university exists. Through this hands-on collaborative project, students learn how the study of the humanities equips us to understand, navigate, and respond to real-world challenges — from cultural conflict to ethical dilemmas to social innovation. Finally, students gain valuable transferrable skills such as working on a team to problem-solve and achieve a common goal, communicating with colleagues and community members, creating a budget, allocating time, and delegating roles all while being trained on best practices for community partnerships.
THE ENRICHMENT HOUR: THESIS PREPARATION Fall Semester During the first semester of the Gaines curriculum, students begin brainstorming ideas for their thesis projects. They are given the following guidelines: The thesis should be roughly 50 pages in length, based on careful research. If the Fellow is carrying out a creative thesis, the hours invested must be equal to the university standards for six credit hours (one credit= 800 minutes of work therefore six credits = 4,800 minutes, or 80 hours). The thesis must demonstrate command of the material and appreciation of scholarship in the related field(s) and must be clearly written. The thesis must engage with the humanities in a clear way.
Spring Semester Once students have narrowed down a topic for their theses, they must begin assembling a committee of three scholars relevant to their research. The first of these will serve as the chair of the committee. The other two members will provide guidance to the student and the chair. Each committee member is responsible for signing an agreement form viewable HERE. The prospectus must be five pages double-spaced and should include the following: a summary of the topic and its relevance (the "what" and the "why"), the methodology (the "how,”), potential barriers to be aware of (is there very little written about this? can you can access to the necessary materials? etc.), and a preliminary bibliography of five-six sources. By the end of the spring semester, students should have assembled a full committee and completed their thesis prospectuses. Further, they should have their prospectuses formally approved by their committee and the Associate Director, along with a plan for what they want to accomplish towards their thesis projects over the summer months.
Summer Over the summer, students should complete the primary and secondary research and begin drafting portions of their thesis. To help keep students on pace with thesis work, a “Summer Assignment” is due during the first week of classes.
JUNIOR YEAR REQUIREMENTS The Gaines Junior Fellowship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded for a term of one year, renewal in the second year contingent upon completion of Junior Fellowship requirements. A stipend of $1000 per semester in the junior year is paid in August and January upon enrollment in HMN courses and satisfaction of requirements. Enroll in the Gaines Seminar on the Humanities (HMN 301 and HMN 302) for 4 credit hours each semester. The fourth hour will consist of a work and discussion period to prepare for a community engagement project and senior thesis. Conclude all responsibilities for community engagement project. Complete the Gaines seminars with a grade of B or better. Assemble thesis committee. Submit and receive approval of thesis prospectus. Maintain a 3.0 GPA during the period of the Fellowship. Attend and actively participate in all required co-curriculars (e.g., the Bale-Boone Symposium, the Breathitt Lecture, etc.) More information on co-curriculars below. Respect the Center's attendance policies, protocols, deadlines, and facilities.
SENIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR AT-A-GLANCE Fall Semester Enroll in HMN 497 Summer thesis assignment due by 9/3 Ensure thesis committee members have signed thesis agreement forms (it is your responsibility to follow-up with any committee member who has not signed their form). Catherine can check agreement form status, if necessary. Thesis Draft 1 due by 9/17 Thesis Draft 2 due by 10/22 Thesis Draft 3 due by 12/17 Spring Semester Enroll in HMN 497 Schedule defense date with your committee and the Gaines Center by February 1st. Thesis intermediate drafts due* Thesis final draft due* Thesis defense between APRIL 1 and APRIL 28, 2027—we will circulate a sign-up form with available timeslots for your thesis defense. Slots are on a first-come first-served basis. Please liaise with your committee to determine which of these timeslots will work for them and for you. Defenses are held in the Bingham Davis House conference room unless otherwise agreed. Final revised thesis due to the Gaines Center by Friday May 7, 2027. *Check with your HMN 497 instructor for specific due date for these items
S E N I O R Y E A R C O N T. HMN 497 All 12 Senior Gaines Fellows are required to take part in HMN 497 across the fall and spring semesters for a total of six credit hours. The goal of HMN 497 is to support Fellows in writing their senior thesis and in presenting and discussing their thesis research at the thesis defense. Fall Semester A meeting pattern is established with all the seniors to facilitate thesis progress. The Gaines Center meets early in the fall semester via Zoom with all members of the students’ committees to go over expectations of this service. Students provide 3 drafts to the Director throughout the fall illustrating their progress towards the thesis. 70% of the midterm and final grade for HMN 497 will be determined by the drafts, class participation, and other assignments. 30% of the midterm and final grade for HMN 497 will be determined by the chair of your committee, often in consultation with the full committee. The rubric below outlines what will be sent to them as a guideline for assigning a grade:
Grading Rubric A
Student is in good communication. Student is meeting all assignment deadlines according to the agreed-upon schedule. Work shows appropriate rigor and thoughtfulness on the topic.
B
Student is in good communication. Student is meeting most assigned deadlines according to the agreed-upon schedule. Work may not be as developed as it needs to be at the current stage.
C
Student communication may be unreliable or sporadic on occasion. Student may be meeting some but not all deadlines according to the agreed-upon schedule. Work may not be as developed as it needs to be at the current stage.
D
Student communication is sparse. Student is not meeting most deadlines according to the agreed-upon schedule. Work is not as developed as it needs to be at the current stage.
E
Student is not in communication. Student is not meeting deadlines according to the agreed-upon schedule. Work is undeveloped.
Spring Semester A meeting pattern is established with all the seniors to facilitate thesis progress. Students provide 3 drafts to the Director throughout the spring illustrating their progress towards the thesis. This includes a defendable draft due at the beginning of March. 70% of the midterm and final grade for HMN 497 will be determined by the drafts, class participation, and other assignments. 30% of the midterm and final grade for HMN 497 will be determined by the chair of your committee, often in consultation with the full committee. The rubric above outlines what will be sent to them as a guideline for assigning a grade. Each student must schedule their defense by February 1st. Each student must register for the Undergraduate Research Showcase by March 15th Defenses take place in April, allowing time to re-defend if necessary. Each committee member is expected to be present. Students should plan to circulate their thesis to committee members at least two weeks prior to the defense.
Defense Sequence and Outcomes: Welcome by the Gaines Director Presentation – 20-30 minutes Student and guests leave the room. Committee discusses presentation and questions for Q&A. Q&A Portion –40-60 minutes Student and guests leave the room. Committee determines one of the following outcomes: Pass without revisions (less common) Pass with revisions (most common) Fail (rare) Re-defense, time permitting substantial revisions OR C, D, or E without a second defense. Deadline for revisions decided by the committee.
Important Notes The final draft of the revised thesis, with committee approval, is due to the Gaines Center by the Friday of Finals Week. Students present thesis research at the Undergraduate Showcase Following the submission of all students’ final drafts, the Gaines Center sends theses to the UK Library to be added to UKnowledge and the Gaines archive. It is primarily the responsibility of the student to make sure each committee member is up to date on the thesis progression and has ample opportunity to share feedback/concerns. If a committee member is no longer able to serve, the Gaines Center can assist the student in finding alternative faculty members.
THESIS MENTORING GUIDELINES Success for the thesis requires close collaboration among faculty and students with shared areas of interest. While the advisor-advisee relationship is central for the success of our students, it is important to recognize that people have different relationship styles and that there are different models for what this professional relationship can look like. It is equally, if not more important, for students to have as much clarity as possible regarding their committee’s expectations throughout the Gaines Fellows Program. We take thesis mentoring seriously and have thus modeled these guidelines on those written for UK’s English PhD program.
To help ensure success, we suggest students discuss the following points with their advisor at the beginning of their relationship: The thesis timeline and the timing of committee formation and other deadlines For all students, no matter their path, securing a primary advisor should occur ideally no later than the end of their junior year. The advisor’s preferred communication method and frequency Does the advisor want to meet to discuss drafts? Does the advisor prefer to send marked up drafts via email? Or some combination? The expected supervisory model or style Drafting is much of what students do in preparing for a thesis. How many drafts will depend on both the advisor and the process by which the student works. See below about the role that ancillary committee members are expected to take in the drafting process.
Students might consider asking: How quickly can you expect your advisor to respond to written submissions turned in on time? Two-three weeks might be an average turnaround during a busy semester, but it’s good to learn from your advisor when you can expect feedback for your planning purposes. How quickly can you expect your advisor to respond to requests for meetings or conversations? Email is likely the best way to touch base with a professor to schedule an in-depth meeting, but sometimes emails fall from the top of the inbox (faculty, like students, get a lot of them!). If you don’t hear back from your advisor within a week, feel free to send out a gentle reminder. It is rarely the case that an advisor is being simply lax or derelict. Probably, that advisor is swamped with service, teaching, research, and other responsibilities. How regularly does your advisor like to meet? Meeting with your advisor should occur at least twice a semester or with whatever frequency they deem appropriate.
Students might consider asking (cont.) How often would your advisor like a written update of your progress? What format should this update take? Self-assessment can be a wonderful tool for measuring progress and outlining aims and accomplishments; a semesterly or monthly reflection on one’s work can be very salutary. It is important, however, not to let these reflections or summaries take the place of the more substantive measures of progress toward the thesis. What role does your advisor expect 2nd and 3rd committee members to take in the advising the thesis? In some cases, advisors like close oversight of the student with committee members in the background; in other cases, advisors like the committee members to be reading drafts throughout every stage of the writing process. There is a range of options, and it is best for the student and advisor to figure out precisely what the expectations are.
Advisees should: Initiate regular communication with the advisor. Such communication should involve progress updates; important dates and deadlines; and periodic requests for meetings to discuss your questions, plans, and challenges with the project. Work with the advisor to create an agreed upon timeline for reaching program milestones and maintaining timely progress toward the thesis. In most cases that timeline will correspond to the various templates provided in the enrichment hour and HMN 497. But it is important for the advisor and the advisee to be on the same page, whatever shape that might be. Comply with the standards of professionalism outlined in the Gaines Student Handbook.
Advisors Should: Maintain regular communication with advisees. Along with the student, keep the other committee members informed. Be mindful of thesis deadlines. Help determine midterm and final grades for HMN 497 and sign off on the required student progress reports.
SENIOR YEAR REQUIREMENTS The Gaines Senior Fellowship in the amount of $3,000 is awarded for a term of one year, contingent upon completion of Junior Fellowship requirements. A stipend of $1500 per semester in the junior year is paid in August and January upon enrollment in HMN courses and satisfaction of requirements. Enroll in HMN 497 Complete all required drafts and assignments for HMN 497 Complete and successfully defend thesis no later than April Failure to complete the thesis by the end of the senior year will necessitate reimbursement of the senior year, first semester stipend before an official transcript will be issued by the University, unless an exemption is granted by the Director. Maintain a 3.0 GPA during the period of the Fellowship. Attend and actively participate in all required co-curriculars (e.g., the Bale-Boone Symposium, the Breathitt Lecture, etc.) More information on co-curriculars below. Respect the Center's attendance policies, protocols, deadlines, and facilities.
C O- C U R R I C U L U M Co-curriculars are a critical component of the Gaines Fellows Program. Some activities enhance the classroom learning of the seminar, providing deeper understanding and practical application of concepts. Other activities call on you to serve as humanities ambassadors to the campus and wider community. Some are purely social. All are designed to build community within and across cohorts.
FALL SEMESTER Shaker Village Retreat Shaker Village is our annual welcome/welcome back and orientation/reorientation event. This overnight excursion offers plenty of time to get to know each other and to learn more about Gaines and being a Gaines Fellows.
The Bale Boone Symposium The Joy Bale and George Street Boone Symposium is an annual humanities event spotlighting distinguished artists and public intellectuals since 1998. Fellows gain backstage experience producing a major arts & culture event, take part in a small group discussion with the special guest beforehand, serve as public-facing hosts and humanities ambassadors, and get VIP seats for the show.
Winter Celebration The Winter Celebration provides a much-needed break at the end of the semester and a chance to socialize with your fellow Fellows before break. Casual dinner served at an off-campus location with a fun group activity.
SPRING SEMESTER The Breathitt Lecture Established to honor Edward T. Breathitt, an eminent Kentuckian, Governor of Kentucky (1963-67), and UK alum with an exceptional passion for higher education and the humanities, this lectureship is awarded to an undergraduate for outstanding research in the humanities. Awarded by a subcommittee consisting of Gaines administrators and Gaines faculty of record. The Breathitt Lectureship recipient receives a special award and an honorarium of $500. All students at the university are eligible, and we encourage Fellows to apply. Fellows are expected to attend the lecture to learn about the distinguished scholarship and presentation of an undergraduate peer.
The Lafayette Seminar Gaines’ annual Lafayette Seminar offers an opportunity for Lexington community members, elected officials, and faculty and students to discuss such issues as the local economy, town and gown relationships, and the creation of successful public spaces. Fellows learn about pressing local, national, and global issues and serve as public-facing hosts and humanities ambassadors in different roles with the event.
The New York Art Experience (Senior Fellows) The New York Art Experience provides airfare, hotel and admissions cost for the senior Gaines Fellows to travel to a city within the continental United States for the purpose of visiting art museums and other special art exhibits chosen at the discretion of the Director of the Gaines Center. Since its inception, Fellows have been traveling to New York City to view the Whitney, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Travel typically takes place during “prep week,” or the week before finals on the spring academic calendar. This experience is made possible thanks to an initial endowment by Jim Gray, local art patron, Secretary of Transportation of Kentucky, and former mayor of Lexington.
The Senior Scarf Ceremony This annual end-of-year celebration takes place during finals week. The relaxed outdoor celebration brings together Fellows, faculty, administrators, and board members over a casual catered meal on the lawn. This occasion is also the only meeting of the three cohorts — juniors, seniors, and the incoming class. It is an opportunity to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and recognize the twelve seniors in the Scarf Ceremony, where they receive signature scarves in distinction as Gaines graduates.
COMMUNITY It is important to us to cultivate an engaging, productive, and supportive learning environment for all students in the Gaines Fellows Program. We rely on the Fellows to co-create this environment by living up to community standards for behavior, participation, and community building. The Gaines Fellows Program combines academic, professional, and social interactions, and, with this in mind, we have outlined our expectations for conduct and disposition in the many settings Gaines will take you.
PARTICIPATION The Gaines Fellows Program is highly interactive. You will be working with faculty, peers, and community members in interdisciplinary classes, a community engagement project, an intensive thesis project, co-curricular events, and other activities. While the Gaines Fellows Program will provide time and space for relaxation, entertainment, and activities with your peers, you are expected to attend and actively participate in all required Gaines classes and co-curricular activities. Please remember the Gaines Fellows Acceptance Agreement, in which Gaines requirements are expected to take priority over other obligations.
COMMUNITY-BUILDING Each of us has a key role to play in building a dynamic and supportive community of learning and belonging. We want you to be able to bring your full selves into this community and to create the conditions for others to do the same. We can foster this environment together by not defining others or making hasty judgments but by giving others a fair chance and trying to understand where they’re coming from. Be curious, not judgmental. We all bring different personalities, experiences, ideologies, and values to the classroom and other spaces. Sometimes we hit it off and sometimes we do not. Regardless of our differences, we expect all students in the Gaines Fellows Program to practice thoughtful interpersonal communication, i.e. respecting others, thinking before we speak or respond, actively listening, and practicing empathy by trying to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling. Assume a positive intent unless proven otherwise. These are skills that will take you far in your personal and professional development. Being part of a tiny cohort of twelve is special. You’ll make lifelong friendships and colleagues in Gaines. While we don’t expect everyone to be best friends—it’s only natural that some of you will be closer than others—we do expect everyone to be best colleagues. Be intentional about welcoming and including everyone. Show an interest in talking to people outside your immediate circle. The academic and social camaraderie you share during this time together is an enduring feature of Gaines and inherent to the title of “Fellow.”
RECEPTIVITY AND INTEREST Through Gaines, you’ll be exposed to a world of new ideas and experiences. We ask that you approach them with openness, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to explore. “What can I learn from this experience?” is the first response we encourage with each new encounter in Gaines. It is from a receptive disposition that we continue to grow, no matter how much knowledge or experience we may already possess. Move through Gaines with a desire to learn about all the topics, phenomena, and people that come your way.
RECIPROCITY Finally, we abide by a philosophy of reciprocity in Gaines. This means first recognizing the privileges of the Gaines Fellowship, along with the investment that board members, campus administrators, faculty, alums, and other supporters have made in you, the Fellows. Then wanting to give back. Occasionally, we’ll ask you to perform a service on behalf of the Gaines Fellows Program, whether volunteering to meet with prospective students, tabling, doing PR, or having lunch with a donor. These small services are essential to advancing the program into the future. Being a good citizen of the Gaines community involves donating time in return for the opportunities received.
POLICIES ABSENCES As a member of the Gaines Fellows Program, you will be participating in co-curricular activities throughout the academic year. For the 2026-2027 Academic Year, there are six co-curricular requirements: three in the Fall Semester (including the Shaker Village Orientation and Retreat) and three in the Spring Semester. Your active participation in the co-curriculars is essential for your own success as a Gaines Fellow as well as for the success of this Gaines Fellows Program. We therefore expect you to take part in every requirement. We do understand, however, that conflicts will arise on occasion. We therefore allow for one Tier 1 or Tier 2 absence. Below you will find information on these categories. We ask that you let us know about your conflict a minimum of two weeks in advance whenever possible.
Tier 1: Tier 1 absences correspond to university excused absences and include instances such as the significant illness of the student; a regularly scheduled credit-bearing class meeting or an exam stated in the syllabus that cannot be rescheduled; major religious holidays; interviews for full-time job opportunities after graduation and interviews for graduate or professional school; and other circumstances. Please familiarize yourself with the university policy on excused absences.
Tier 2: Tier 2 absences refer to absences resulting from the prioritization of other academic and professional obligations or needs. Examples include co-curricular* requirements in other programs; conferences and internships; other academic, leadership, and professionalization opportunities; optional class review sessions; rehearsals and auditions; trips sponsored by another educational unit; trips for a university class, etc. We expect you to prioritize Gaines with advanced planning. Should an unavoidable conflict arise, we may request information about how the obligation is crucial to your future academic or professional success. *A co-curricular activity is an activity linked to a creditbearing course or a university program that takes place outside of scheduled class time but enhances the curriculum.
Tier 3: Tier 3 absences encompass extracurricular* activities and conflicts that could have been prevented with better planning or time management. The former includes events sponsored by student organizations and the latter includes preparing for coursework, studying for exams, being scheduled to work, attending an information session, and so on. This category of absence does not qualify as excused. *An extracurricular activity is a voluntary activity, not for academic credit, that students engage in outside of regular coursework. These activities can range from clubs and intramural sports to volunteering, hobbies, and personal projects.
PROFESSIONALISM We expect all Gaines Fellows to act with professionalism when interacting with peers, faculty, administrators, guests, and community members. Professional conduct for the Gaines Fellows Program includes but is not limited to the following: Forms of Address. Address faculty and administrators by their professional titles (Dr., Professor, etc.) unless invited otherwise. Email Etiquette. Communicate with faculty, administrators, peers, and others in a timely manner. We will always do our best to respond to your emails within 48 hours and we expect the same courtesy. If an email is urgent, we will note that it requires a quicker turnaround. Correspondence should follow the appropriate form for academic email. For further information, please see Purdue Owl’s email guidelines. Punctuality. Be on time for meetings and appointments. Advance Notice. We are always happy to assist with your academic and professional success. To help us do our best to help you, we need some lead time during the busy semester. Generally, in an academic setting, letters of recommendation should be made a minimum of 4 weeks in advance. Meeting requests should be made 1-2 weeks in advance; a request for review of materials for applications, fellowships, or jobs should be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance; and most other kinds of requests should be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. Of course, there are circumstances in which shorter advance notice is warranted. Courteous Behavior. Gaines relies on the goodwill and generosity of supporters inside and outside the university, and it is appropriate to show appreciation to those who donate their time, energy, and resources on behalf of the Center. Most of the time, appreciation is shown by embracing the program’s opportunities with a positive attitude. On occasion, though, we’ll ask you to meet with or write a thank you note to a donor, board member, UK administrator, or guest for their contributions to the Gaines Center. Essentially, courteous behavior is about making a conscious effort to be kind, considerate, and respectful of others in your interactions and extends to all the bullet points above. UK’s Code of Student Conduct and Maintaining Standards Adhere to the University of Kentucky’s Code of Student Conduct. Beyond decorum, professionalism relates to the standards Fellows bring to their work and commitments in the program. This means following through with obligations, honoring commitments, investing in your work, taking responsibility for your actions, and being accountable to yourself and others.
EXPECTATIONS To remain in good standing, Fellows must satisfy all program requirements and expectations. Failure to meet the curricular and co-curricular requirements and/or expectations for the program will result in a meeting with the Associate Director, the Director, or both. Reasons vary for being unable to fulfill program obligations. In some cases, it may be competing priorities or time management. In other cases, there may be extenuating circumstances. We are here to help you work through any issues interfering with your participation in the program. In extreme cases, however, failure to meet requirements may result in probation (with pause of the stipend) or a forfeiture of the Fellowship (with reimbursement of the stipend). Students must also adhere to the University of Kentucky’s Code of Student Conduct. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in probation or forfeiture of the Fellowship.
SERVICE Service to Gaines is rooted in the values of reciprocity, gratitude, and a commitment to sustaining the community. When Fellows give back to the program—whether through leading projects, speaking at events, or investing time in behind-the-scenes operations—they honor the opportunities the fellowship provides them. Think of service not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to enrich the culture of the program. Ultimately, serving the program ensures its legacy, allowing Fellows to transition from the community’s beneficiaires to active stewards of its future. Therefore, we ask that each Fellow participate in one service opportunity per academic year. The sign-up sheet is available here.
SOCIAL MEDIA Social media are powerful communication tools that have a significant impact on organizational and professional reputations. Because the use of social media may blur the lines between personal voice and institutional voice, the University of Kentucky has established policies to clarify how best to enhance and protect the University, as well as personal and professional reputations, when participating in social media. Both in professional and institutional roles, students are expected to follow the same behavioral standards online as they would in the real world. The same laws, professional expectations, and guidelines for interacting with faculty, students, parents, patients, alumni, donors, media, and other University constituents apply. Students are accountable for any institutionally related content they post to social media sites.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY We aim to make the Gaines as accessible and enjoyable as possible for all students. However, please be aware that there is some physical activity required of all students—for instance, walking across campus from one class to another, or participating in interdisciplinary activities or workshops that ask you to move your body. If you are unable to participate in moderate levels of physical activity, please contact us and UK’s Disability Resource Center as soon as possible to ensure we are able to accommodate your needs. Some classes may require clothing that allows you to freely move in a safe manner. Each Gaines instructor will review their requirements during the first week of classes.
DRESS CODE Occasionally there will be a dress code for a Gaines-sponsored event, and we’ll let you know in advance. Dress can range from casual to business and formal attire. You’ll need your Gaines t-shirt for our signature events—the Bale Boone Symposium and the Lafayette Seminar. We may also ask you to wear your Gaines t-shirt for other Gaines-sponsored events. Otherwise, just relax and wear what’s comfortable for you.
NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS We want to celebrate your accomplishments, so email us if you’re going to a conference or if you’ve had a paper or piece of creative work accepted for publication. Let us know if you’re celebrating a life event (only if you want to share, of course). We love to share Gaines Fellows news amongst ourselves and publicly, as appropriate.
SUPPORT EUROPEAN TRAVEL FUND This award is given to two rising senior Gaines Fellows to support travel to Paris, Chartres, Berlin, Dresden, Frankfurt/Main, and Munich. Students are also encouraged to choose a “city group” from the following options: Milan, Venice, Florence, Sienna, Rome, Vatican City London, Salisbury, York, Canterbury Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, Granada “City group” as defined by the Gaines Center Director The application typically opens after winter break and closes at the end of February. Awarded by a subcommittee consisting of Gaines administrators and Gaines faculty of record. Students are expected to present an overview of their experiences no later than the end of the fall semester following the program at a lunch or event with Mrs. Zolondek and the Gaines Philanthropy team.
THOMAS GAINES LANCASTER AWARD A $500 award given to a senior Gaines Fellow whose “thesis topic falls within the broad area of aesthetics in which Clay Lancaster worked.” Areas of focus include “architecture, architectural history and preservation, Kentucky heritage, artists and art forms, Asian art, Eastern thought, EastWest dialogue, children’s literature, criticism and the fantastical.” Traditionally, Warwick Foundation Member Paul Holbrook makes the decision about this award, which includes access to the Lancaster Estate pending availability.
RESEARCH, INTERNSHIP, AND CONFERENCE SUPPORT If you are planning research related to your thesis, applying for an internship, or attending a conference, please talk to us about financial support as we have some (limited) funds available for this purpose, listed below. Link to apply here and on Canvas. Please allow for a minimum of two weeks for a decision, to be determined by the Gaines administrative team. If you need to purchase books for your thesis research or items for the community engagement project, please talk with us first. We cannot reimburse you for items that you have purchased with your own funds. But we can often either provide or purchase items on your behalf.
Dan Rowland Scholarship Fund Funds available for any Gaines Fellow who needs assistance for the following: travel, a research trip, research, a paid or unpaid internship, or graduate school visits. The endowment specifies that funds may be used to “gain experience that will enrich their lives and open future doors to careers or graduate schools.” Awarded on a rolling basis by the Gaines administrative team. Special consideration may be given to students with demonstrated financial need.
Gaines Fellowship Research and Travel Fund This fund is used to support Fellows in travel or experiential learning related to their academic studies and/or thesis research. Awarded on a rolling basis by the Gaines administrative team. Amounts vary.
John L. Cutler Memorial Fund This fund is used to support undergraduate students, particularly in the area of literature and library resources. Examples include expanding the Gaines library, ordering books for the fellows, etc. Awarded on a rolling basis by the Gaines administrative team.
Raymond Betts Award Funds available for rising seniors in the Gaines Fellowship Program who need assistance towards the completion of their thesis projects. Preference is given for travel to archives/museums. Awarded on a rolling basis by the Gaines administrative team.
Summer Internships Limited funding is available for both paid and unpaid internships for Gaines Fellows during summer breaks. Awarded on a rolling basis by the Gaines administrative team.
2026-27 DATES We’ll circulate more detailed information closer to the time, but for now, be sure to save these dates on your calendar. Gaines events are co-curricular, which means they take priority above other campus organizations, groups, and clubs. Your attendance is expected at all Gaines events and required at those in bold below. If you are struggling with commitments, we urge you to talk with Dr. Brislin as soon as possible. Mandatory event attendance is bolded “All Fellows” in the “Who?” column.
DATE/TIME
EVENT
WHO?
DRESS CODE
Friday August 21, 9.00am – Saturday August 22, 11.00am
FALL ORIENTATION - Countdown Games Escape Rooms & Shaker Village Overnight Trip
All Fellows
Casual
Tuesday, Sep 1, 2026, 6:00pm
HUMAN ALGORITHM KICKOFF: HER Screening in Worsham Theatre
Juniors required, seniors encouraged
Casual
Thursday, September 3, midnight
Summer Thesis Assignment due
Seniors only
Thursday, September 17, midnight
First thesis update due
Seniors only
Monday October 5, 7:15pm
Arrival Screening at Kentucky Theatre
Tuesday October 6, 3:30pm – 9.00pm
Bale Boone Symposium with Ted Chiang
All Fellows
Saturday October 17, 10:00am
Pumpkin Carving
All Fellows
Thursday, October 22, midnight
Second thesis update due
Seniors only
Sunday November 1
Gaines Fellowship applications open
Tuesday November 17, 3.00pm-4.00pm
Fellowship recruiting/info session (Zoom)
Thursday December 10, 3.30pm
Winter Event (Off-Campus Location TBD)
All Fellows
Thursday, December 17, midnight
Third thesis update due
Seniors only
Casual Gaines T-shirts
Service Opportunities Casual
Monday January 11
Zolondek applications open (Europe trip)
Juniors only
Wednesday January 20, 2.00pm-3.00pm
Fellowship recruiting/info session (Zoom)
Service Opportunities
Monday February 1
Scheduling thesis defense due
Seniors only
Monday February 1
Breathitt Lecture applications open
All fellows
Monday February 1
Gaines Fellowship applications close
Wednesday February 17
Gaines Lecture for Outstanding Research in the Humanities
All fellows
Friday February 19
Zolondek applications close (Europe trip)
Juniors only
TBD
Undergraduate Research Showcase registration open
All fellows; Seniors Required
Monday March 1
Breathitt Lecture applications close
All fellows
Monday March 15
Undergraduate Research Showcase registration due
All fellows; Seniors required
Thursday April 1
Thesis defenses begin
Seniors only
Friday April 2
The Gaines Revel
All Fellows
Thursday April 8, 6.00pm
Breathitt Lecture
All Fellows
Casual
Thursday April 15, 3.00pm
Lafayette Seminar
All Fellows
Casual
TBD
Undergraduate Research Showcase poster printing due
All Fellows
Wednesday April 28,
Thesis defenses end
Seniors only
TBD
Undergraduate Research Showcase
All Fellows (mandatory for seniors)
Thursday April 29 – Sunday May 2
New York Art Experience
Seniors only
Casual
Wednesday May 5, 2.00pm
Scarf Ceremony
All Fellows
Smart/Casual
Casual
OPPORTUNITIES BINGHAM SEMINAR The Mary C. Bingham Seminar in the Humanities provides an unusual and intense educational experience for a select group of University of Kentucky students. The Bingham Seminar meets biennially during the spring semester (HMN 300) and includes a travel component carefully designed to expose students to a culture that most of them know little about and provide perspectives on their own culture and life plans. The seminar is open to all University of Kentucky students; the faculty instructor and students are chosen every other year by open competition. The seminar is held at the Gaines Center, with the travel-study component taking place over spring break or early in the summer. Students receive a $1,000 travel grant. The next Bingham Seminar will take place in Spring 2028.
HMN 303: HUMANITIES IN ACTION HMN 303: Humanities in Action is a hands-on, high-impact laboratory course that immerses students in various careers within the humanities, taking them beyond the classroom and into the field. Developed by the Gaines Center for the Humanities at the University of Kentucky, this team-taught seminar rotates through three distinct units, all centered on the pressing need for trained humanists in today’s society. The seminar is open to all University of Kentucky students.
GAINES-SPONSORED EVENTS Gaines sponsor and co-sponsors numerous campus events throughout the year through our faculty mini-grant program and beyond. You’re not required to attend these events, but you may be interested in doing so nevertheless. The best way to learn about these events is on the Gaines website calendar and on our social media.