Applicant FAQ

Do I have to be a member of an underrepresented group to apply for this fellowship?

No. The program is open to all persons who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or other identity characteristics.

What academic disciplines are allowable for applicants?

Academic departments and units eligible for the LSA Collegiate Fellowship Program are listed on the main program page under “eligibility.”

If I have applied for another fellowship or faculty position at the University of Michigan, can I still apply?

The University of Michigan has numerous postdoctoral fellowship programs and open faculty positions. If you have applied to another program or position, you may still apply to the LSA Collegiate Fellowship Program, but you must disclose this on the application.

Can I still be considered if I do not have US citizenship or permanent residency?

Yes, provided that you can demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

I'm an assistant professor. Can I still apply?

The fellowship is designed to give new scholars an opportunity to further their professional development prior to starting tenure-track faculty appointments at the University of Michigan. It is not a fellowship program for individuals already on the tenure track to take time out for research with the intention of staying at their current institution. Candidates with tenure-track appointments are not favored in the selection process, unless there is a clear explanation of how an award to the candidate would further the goals of the program.

I received my PhD over five years ago. Am I still eligible to apply for this fellowship?

Generally, no. We do, however, have different eligibility windows for different disciplines:

• For applicants in the natural sciences, doctoral degrees should be completed between January 1, 2020 and July 1, 2025 (6-year window).
• For applicants in the social sciences and humanities, doctoral degrees should be completed between January 1, 2022 and July 1, 2025 (4-year window). Within the social sciences, applicants for predoctoral fellowships in the fields of economics and political science must complete their doctoral degree by July 1, 2025.

I will finish my doctorate after July 1 of next year. Am I still eligible to apply this fall?

Only applicants in the fields of Economics and Political Science may be considered for a predoctoral fellowship, and must complete their doctoral degree by July 1, 2025.

Do I need to find a faculty mentor?

All successful candidates will receive career advising from a mentor during their fellowship. Mentors will be assigned by the home department; however, if you would like to identify someone on the faculty in an LSA department whom you might like to have serve as your mentor, you will be able to provide their names in the application.

Should my materials be single-spaced or double-spaced?

Most applications are single-spaced (or between 1.0 and 1.5) with breaks between paragraphs; we need enough information about you to make a decision, but also need to be able to read your submission easily. Please ensure that your formatting makes it easy for reviewers to read.

Are there sample applications available for review?

No, though we do provide guidance on writing research, diversity, and teaching statements that include your demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage you to read our guidelines on these statements. There are many variations on successful applications. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors or mentors about how to submit a competitive application. You may wish to look at the profiles of our current Fellows to get an idea of the varied scholarly disciplines and diversity commitments that this fellowship supports; note that this is not meant to be restrictive, but to underscore the breadth of the fellowship.

Should I send my graduate transcripts along with my online application?

No. The program does not require transcripts to be sent with the application. However, the program will request official graduate transcripts if you are selected as a finalist and will not offer you a fellowship unless official graduate transcripts are received and deemed satisfactory.

When will the final decisions be announced?

Finalists will be invited to the University of Michigan campus in January or February. When invited, expectations for that visit will be communicated. Offers will be made by March 2024.

Can I apply for a joint appointment in two LSA departments?

During the fellowship period, fellows will hold a position in only one department; however, tenure-track offers may include a joint appointment provided one department is hiring a collegiate fellow (see list here).