A Program of the 
CLS Advisor Roadmap
Use our virtual roadmap to build student interest and institutional support of the CLS Program on your campus! You’ll find a month-by-month breakdown of important CLS dates, outreach and recruitment tools and resources, and suggestions for activities to reach more students and build institutional partnerships.
Note that the information below pertains to the 2026 CLS Program and is subject to change in future application cycles.
Timeline
Fall Semester
Each year, the application for the CLS Program launches in early October, making fall the busiest time of the year for outreach and recruitment to students.
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August
- Refill your supply of CLS promotional materials.
- Check for upcoming CLS webinars.
- Promote recent CLS student stories.
- Review the CLS advisor information for your institution.
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September
- RSVP for the CLS pre-launch webinar for advisors.
- Brush up on the previous year’s CLS application and selection criteria.
- Work with campus partners to schedule a CLS outreach presentation for your campus.
- Request an alumni ambassador to join your outreach presentation.
- Display CLS promotional materials across your campus.
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October
- Announce the application launch to your students and campus partners!
- Work with campus partners to publish a press-release announcing the application launch and competition.
- Review this year’s CLS application and selection criteria.
- Use your CLS Advisor Portal to view open applications on your campus.
- Indicate your interest in participating in our national selection process.
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November
- Remind students to submit their application before the deadline.
- Encourage students to attend CLS webinars and virtual Office Hours to receive additional support as they approach the application finish line.
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December
- Participate as a first-round reviewer in the CLS selection process.
Spring Semester
The CLS application review process takes place during the winter months. Semi-finalists are notified in late January and finalists are notified in early March.
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January
- Participate as a second-round reviewer in the CLS selection process.
- Log in to your CLS Advisor Portal to check the status of your students' applications.
- Remind your students of the merits of the application process.
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February
- Work with your CLS semi-finalists on obtaining a valid passport!
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March
- Log in to your CLS Advisor Portal to see who has been selected for the CLS Program!
- Schedule an advising meeting with your CLS finalists.
- Encourage your CLS finalists to attend the Say Yes to CLS webinar!
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April
- Stay patient with your alternates. Alternates are promoted to finalists on a rolling basis as spots become available. For both the CLS Program, this process typically continues throughout the month of May.
- Assist finalists in preparing required pre-departure materials.
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May
- Brainstorm with your CLS finalists ways to share their experience with other students on your campus.
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June and July
- Connect with your CLS finalist while they are on program!
- Keep an eye out for your CLS student on social media!
Upcoming Events & Webinars
Arabic and Russian Languages and Cultures: A CLS Info Session
Nov 06 – Zoom – 3:30pm ET
Student Office Hours: Get Your Questions Answered
Nov 06 – Zoom – 3:30pm ET
Student Office Hours: Get Your Questions Answered
Nov 06 – Zoom – 3:30pm ET