I think the main difference is the commitment entailed by an introductory fellowship, due to having to apply and being accepted; you’re expected to continue showing up to sessions and let your facilitator know if you can’t make it. That way, attendance and enrollment are probably much higher than they would otherwise be. It doesn’t have to be exclusive; many smaller groups accept everyone who applies.
Based on some EA Forum comments I’ve read by Harvard EA members, you’re right that the term “fellowship” is intended to “manufacture prestige”. EA Oxford uses the term “seminar program” instead which I think gets the job done and is apparently less confusing to graduate students.
I think the main difference is the commitment entailed by an introductory fellowship, due to having to apply and being accepted; you’re expected to continue showing up to sessions and let your facilitator know if you can’t make it. That way, attendance and enrollment are probably much higher than they would otherwise be. It doesn’t have to be exclusive; many smaller groups accept everyone who applies.
Based on some EA Forum comments I’ve read by Harvard EA members, you’re right that the term “fellowship” is intended to “manufacture prestige”. EA Oxford uses the term “seminar program” instead which I think gets the job done and is apparently less confusing to graduate students.
Setting expectations without making it exclusive seems good.
“Seminar program” or “seminar” or “reading group” or “intensive reading group” sound like good names to me.
I’m guessing there is a way to run such a group in a way that both you and I would be happy about.