Donia Human Rights Fellows Program

Overview

The Donia Human Rights Fellows Program recognizes outstanding University of Michigan undergraduates who have demonstrated commitment to the study and practice of human rights. Fellows are expected to participate during their final four semesters at Michigan.

Student Experience

The Donia Human Rights Fellows Program is a unique experience for undergraduate students who have a strong interest in the study and practice of human rights. Participants in the Fellows program choose from a pre-approved list of U-M human rights-related courses, attend Donia Human Rights Center speaker events, and complete a 7-week, one-credit international human rights practicum mini-course designed specifically for this program taught by Lara Finkbeiner, a practicing human rights attorney. Other opportunities include small-group meetings with visiting human rights specialists and practitioners, career advice, and a community of other students who are passionate about human rights work. Graduation from Michigan as a Donia Human Rights Fellow sends a message that you have a strong foundation for future work in human rights, whether in the United States or abroad. Students are accepted on a rolling basis, until the September 1st deadline below, and once the program is filled, we will no longer accept applications.

Eligibility

1. The program is open to rising juniors (class of 2028).
2. To receive designation as a Donia Human Rights Fellow, a student must:
   1. Complete INTLSTD 471.001 Donia Human Rights Fellows Program Practicum, a 1-credit mini-course, during their first year in the program. This course introduces students to foundational skills of human rights practitioners. Students will learn about the practice of international human rights through case studies, simulations, and other real-world situations. They will further learn the major norms and rules governing human rights protection, both international and national. Please check the LSA Course Guide for further information.
      1. The Practicum can count as 1 credit toward the Elective credit requirement for the International Studies major or can be taken P/F as general credit toward one’s degree.
      2. The Practicum does not count towards the 12 credit hours of human rights coursework.
   2. Complete at least 12 graded credit hours from an approved list of courses with a focus on international human rights, with a grade of B or above. The complete list of courses from which students may choose may be found here. (The list for the next academic year may vary slightly if courses are not offered or new courses are taught.) Students can complete the 12 credits at any time before graduation, including prior to registration for the program. Students are not required to complete any of the courses prior to seeking candidacy in the program.
   3. Attend in person at least three speaker events sponsored by the Donia Human Rights Center each academic year.
   4. Students who are planning to take a semester abroad or at another university must fulfill all the above requirements while on campus at U-M. Courses offered abroad or at another university will not count toward the 12-credit requirement.

Application Procedure

To apply, please fill out this Google Form.

Application deadline: September 1, 2026

Notification: July 1 and September 8, 2026

Students will receive the designation of Donia Human Rights Fellow upon graduation with these requisites completed.

Contact

Students may direct questions concerning the program to Wes Wright, DHRC Academic Program Specialist, at dhrc-fellowships@umich.edu.