University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program

Deadline: October 15, 2013

Applications are now invited from eligible scholars for the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS), designed to enhance collaboration between early career faculty from Ghana, Liberia, South Africa and Uganda and students and faculty at the University of Michigan (U-M). It is also designed to support faculty development in Africa and capacity building for African home institutions. Eligible scholars may apply to visit U-M for two months, a semester (four months) or for a half year (six months) beginning in September, 2014.

U-M provides support for the next generation of African scholars by bringing them to U-M for periods of four to six months, where they will have access to library and research materials that can assist them in working on a research project, academic degree, new course, grant proposal, or other relevant activity. While in residency, they will also be paired with a U-M faculty member for mentorship or collaboration on projects that will help them advance their careers. These activities allow the U-M to build and strengthen lasting scholarly relationships with visiting scholars and their home institutions.

Eligibility

• The applicant must be a faculty member from universities in Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, or the University of Liberia.
• Strong preference will be given to early career members of the faculty. Mid-career faculty will also be considered. Early career faculty means faculty who have taught in the higher education system for less than ten years.
• Applicants may or may not have received their PhD.
  
• All applicants should include a letter of support from Head of Department, Chair, Dean, or another person in the university administration that recommends the candidate and explains how the scholar will address an outstanding faculty/scholarly need at their university. In addition, the letter should confirm the institution’s commitment to continue to pay the scholar’s academic salary while on leave at U-M.

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form
• A curriculum vitae
• A research proposal, not to exceed five double-spaced pages
• A letter of support from the department chair or program head, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution. This letter should:
  1. indicate the institution’s commitment to continue to pay the scholar’s academic salary while on leave at U-M. It should also
  2. describe the candidate’s strengths and merits, and
  3. explain how this candidate’s U-M residency contributes to central needs of the university.

Selection Criteria

A multidisciplinary faculty committee at the University of Michigan will review and select candidates. Selection will be based on the academic quality of the candidate and of the proposed program of scholarship; the academic fit of the candidate with others selected in the cycle-and with the areas of interest described above; and the support of the candidate’s home institution. Strong emphasis will be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Promotion of gender equity in the current class of scholars and in the African academy will also be given strong consideration. Applicants who already have significant international experience will not be favored for this program.

For more information, click here.