Selection

Information Sessions

Are you interested in learning more about the Inspired Leadership Initiative? Our team periodically hosts Information Sessions for those interested in learning more about the ILI program. These sessions provide an in-depth overview of the ILI program, covering the following elements:

Life as an ILI fellow and living at Notre Dame
Core Elements of the ILI program
Academic Engagement Opportunities
Community Engagement & Social Activities

Virtual Information Sessions

We hold Virtual Information Sessions throughout the year via Zoom. Information Sessions will be on the following dates:

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 - 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13, 2027 - 12:30 p.m.

In-Person Opportunities

The ILI Leadership team will host a limited number of invited individuals for an on-campus Exploration Session in September 2026 as part of our annual ILI Signature Event. Are you interested in attending a future event? Complete the form below and we will be in touch with more details.

On-Campus Exploration Session Interest Form

FootbalI Friday Open House

Will you be on campus for a home football game weekend in the fall? Join us at an ILI Football Friday Open House! Held from 2-3 pm in the ILI Lounge at 329 DeBartolo Hall, we invite you to stop by anytime to connect with staff, current fellows, and alumni to learn more about the ILI. A short presentation will take place at 2:15 pm, and refreshments will be provided.

ILI Fellow Selection Process

Candidate Profile and Considerations

We are seeking applications from accomplished individuals from a broad and diverse set of professional backgrounds who have completed careers of 20 years or more.

Please consider the following when contemplating your application:

Diversity of Backgrounds: An individual’s experience may be in any field from non-profit, business, family management, academics, and more. We will admit up to 25 individuals for the upcoming cohort.

Time Commitment: The program encompasses a full academic year at the University of Notre Dame campus. Fellows will have access to the academic and cultural life of the University community.

Community-Focused: We are seeking individuals — as well as their spouses or partners, if desired — that have a willingness to share their knowledge and experience with other program participants, students, faculty, and others within the community, as well as an openness to learn from others.

Social Impact Focused: Fellows should have a desire to become a greater force for good in the world while leveraging the knowledge and experience gained through the program.

Spouse/Partner Engagement: Spouses, life partners (and for select activities, invited guests) are welcome to participate in certain elements of ILI programming and are encouraged to do so to the degree that best suits each individual - from social participation, auditing two courses per semester, or to apply as a fellow themselves. If your spouse or partner would like to participate as a full fellow, a separate application must be completed.

Application Timeline and Process

The application for our 9th Cohort (2027-2028 academic year) will open in September 2026.

Applications will be reviewed over the course of several rounds, which are outlined in the table below. We strongly encourage those interested in applying for the 9th Cohort to take advantage of the Early Admission round (Deadline of October 10, 2026).

Admissions Round	Application Deadline	Anticipated Interview Selection Notifications	Anticipated Decision Timeline
Early Admission \| Round 1	October 10, 2026	Mid-Late October	Early December
Round 2	January 31, 2027	Early February	Mid-March
Rolling Admissions	Following the Round 2 deadline, we may continue to accept and review applications on a rolling basis, if capacity allows.

Benefits of applying for the early admission round include:

Applicants can anticipate receiving a decision before the end of the calendar year; this will allow you time to plan ahead for this transition in your life.
Early admission provides you early access to the competitive rental housing market near the Notre Dame campus.

Considerations for International Applicants:

Due to the length and complexity of the VISA application process, which may require significant lead-time, we strongly encourage international applicants to apply during Early Admission, or no later than the Round 2 deadline. By applying early, you can help ensure your on-time arrival for the start of the program in August 2027.

Not ready to apply, but want to learn more about the ILI? Connect with us by introducing yourself below and we will be in touch soon!

Introduce Yourself

“Spending a year immersed in academic classes, embracing the vibrant Notre Dame culture, and taking a break from the responsibilities of my life - I could not have asked for a better gift. The greatest impact so far has been the joyful, life-long relationships I am developing with my cohort and with the students in my classes. I am flourishing!”

—Susan Jhin, ILI Fellow

“Participating in the Inspired Leadership Initiative provided me with a structured platform to shape and codify a meaningful framework for the next phase of my life, offering profound clarity of purpose. And Notre Dame’s broad, highly regarded and collaborative culture and extensive global network further enriched my experience in creating substantive opportunities after the program. The initiative’s core mission of helping fellows to “discover, discern, and design” their next life chapter has been transformative, providing me with continued opportunities to grow.”

—John Morey, ILI Fellow