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 28 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 28, 2026

Notification: October 2, 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.

"My time as a Donia Human Rights Fellow completely shaped my undergraduate experience. When choosing Michigan, I knew I wanted to focus my academics on human rights with the goal of setting myself up for a career in the field. When I discovered the DHRC, I knew Michigan was the right choice. I joined the Donia Human Rights Fellows Program my junior year, and I gained connections and relationships that led me to opportunities I never could have imagined. One small conversation introduced me to an internship with the Post-Conflict Research Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which remains my favorite and most rewarding experience I have had at Michigan. I also had the opportunity to serve as the undergraduate representative for the Wallenberg Medal Executive Committee. This experience was such an incredible way to see how a committee operates as well as give back to my campus community. Getting to spend a few days with the 2025 Wallenberg Medal Recipient was such a highlight of this experience and an incredible opportunity to hear from a devoted activist who has sacrificed so much for his mission. Towards the end of my senior year, I had the opportunity to have dinner with the Raoul Wallenberg Human Rights Practitioner Fellow, Hala Al-Karib, and former DHRC director Steve Ratner. Getting to share a meal with such a dedicated human rights practitioner is just a small example of the opportunities the DHRC provides students, and it was such an amazing way to round out my time with the Center. As I navigate post-grad and think about where my career will take me, I am confident the skills and connections I gained at Michigan and through the DHRC will stay with me for years to come."

Claudia Brinks, BA International Studies (International Security, Norms, and Cooperation); BA Political Science; 2026 DHR Fellows graduate 

"My college experience would not have been nearly as meaningful, fulfilling, and transformative if I had not worked toward being a Donia Human Rights Fellow. Through this program, I had the opportunity to take classes on a wide variety of human rights topics, including humanitarian aid, refugees, and state repression, extremely relevant issues in foreign policy today. In addition to my majors in History and International Studies, the DHRC program allowed me to concentrate my studies on human rights, shaping my career trajectory, as I am now deeply committed to pursuing a career in public interest law to advocate for educational equity for underserved communities. In addition to shaping my career aspirations, the DHRC program gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work as an International Human Rights Fellow in Washington, D.C., last summer, where I had the opportunity to attend meetings on Capitol Hill, draft case briefs, and work closely with human rights lawyers toward freeing political prisoners. Additionally, my interest in human rights pushed me to write my senior thesis, "Behind the Democratic Facade: Corruption, Prebendalism, and Human Rights in Nigeria", where I explored how endemic government corruption in Africa's most populous country has resulted in ongoing human rights abuses within the nation. Finally, I was truly inspired by the courageous and passionate guest speakers hosted by DHRC. Their stories and bravery are something I will never forget, and their work has inspired me to dedicate my career to advocating for others. Overall, my time at Michigan would not have been nearly as rewarding without DHRC."

Ellen Drejza, BA International Studies (International Security, Norms, and Cooperation); BA History; 2026 DHR Fellows graduate

“Being a part of the DHR Fellows Program has been one of the most significant experiences I've had as a student at the University of Michigan. The DHRC gave me an opportunity to focus my interests on something that I am truly devoted to, allowing me to not only specialize my studies, but also form part of a community of friends and colleagues who share the same deep passion for human rights that I have developed. Simultaneously, it has also created a space where I’ve been able to grow, transform, and flourish freely and confidently as a professional. Our gatherings have served as a powerful reminder that this work is both inspiring and essential to our society. Through the many speaker events and discussions hosted by the DHRC, I was able to engage, ask questions, and converse with incredible leaders across the human rights field with whom I would not have otherwise interacted. These experiences helped me gain insight from activists, scholars, and practitioners whose work reaffirmed to me why this career path is not only meaningful, but indispensable. Each conversation and story reignited my drive and commitment by showing me the real, on-the-ground impact human rights work has on the world.

The fellowship has also given me the opportunity to connect with faculty at U-M who are invested in human rights scholarship and advocacy. Creating and fostering these relationships paved the way for me to seek advice and learn from them and their experiences, which has been invaluable to my development as a student and professional in the field. Having their support has given me so much confidence and reassurance in my development. Equally important, however, has been the sense of community that we have established in Donia, where we can share our frustrations with current events, while still sharing ideas with one another about how we might affect change. All together, the DHR Fellows Program has undeniably deepened my commitment to human rights work and provided me with a source of inspiration and community that continues to shape me as a student and advocate."

Ashley Smith, 2026 DHR Fellows graduate