The Graduate Education Preparation Program (GEPP) is a two-year, cohort based model, designed to increase access to advanced degrees and pathways to graduate work. This program specifically seeks to support students who have experienced financial hardship as a result of family economic circumstances and/or are first generation in their families to graduate from a four-year college. By providing individualized support, demystifying advanced academic work, and creating community and networks for students, the program seeks to increase disciplinary diversity in graduate education and increased access to advanced research opportunities at UM.
- Encourage first generation undergraduates to pursue academic and professional graduate work
- Create approachable and affordable pathways to continued education and professionalization
- Offer individualized guidance and mentorship to students to demystify graduate work and support degree completion and enrollment in graduate programs
- Connect students to resources, faculty, current grad students at UM
Students selected for this program must show active participation throughout the two year program. This includes:
- Attend professional development and social events
- Present at yearly conference (end of Winter semester)
- Enrollment in ALA 285 for Winter 2027 (1 credit course)
- Regular individual meetings with program advisors
- Maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher
Failure to meet these program requirements may result in removal from the program.
- Minimum GPA of 3.3
- Minimum 1 year of UROP or other research experience
- Demonstrated interest in pursuing doctoral degree
- Sophomore or rising junior standing (cannot be graduating earlier than Winter 2028)
- 1st Generation and/or demonstrated financial hardship
The program provides access to the following funding:
- Conference travel funds
- Prospective grad school campus visits funds
- Grad school application reimbursements
- Research stipends (for academic year and summer research)
Disbursement of these funds requires students to fill out a request form and must receive program approval.
Contact Information: For more information email Dr. Michelle Ferrez at mdferrez@umich.edu. Please include your UMID number and/or U-M uniqname in all correspondence.
