Deadline: October 15, 2015
The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) is now accepting applications from faculty across African Universities for the 2015 Program. The UMAPS program brings early career faculty from universities in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, and Uganda to Ann Arbor for residencies lasting up to six months.
Scholars are paired with a faculty mentor during their stay and have full access to U-M’s resources to further their work on a research project, an academic degree, publications, grant proposal, or other relevant activity. The program supports the development of the next generation of African scholars by integrating them into international academic networks, and it internationalizes U-M by generating research and teaching collaborations across diverse disciplines, from engineering to African literature.
Award Details
- African scholars will be provided with round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Scholars will receive a stipend to cover living, housing, and research expenses during their tenure at the University of Michigan
- Scholars will begin their residency in late August
- Each scholar will be asked to give a presentation on their work during the residency
- The scholarship may be combined with other scholarships or funds to support an extended stay
It is expected that the scholar’s home institution will continue to pay the scholar’s academic salary during the duration of the fellowship.
Eligibility
- Preference given to early career faculty who have taught in the higher education system for less than ten years
- Applicants may or may not have received their PhD
GHANA, LIBERIA, SOUTH AFRICA OR UGANDA:
- Must be a faculty member of a college or university in Ghana, Liberia, South Africa or Uganda.
- Completion of online form and submission of all required supporting documents.
OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES:
- Direct applications are not accepted from applicants from countries other than Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa. Direct applications from applicants from countries other than Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa will be disregarded
- Only a U-M faculty member with a pre-existing established relationship may nominate a candidate from countries other than Uganda, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa.
Starting 2014, U-M faculty are also allowed to nominate candidates from any African country, provided they can prove a pre-existing established relationship with a University of Michigan faculty member and agree to serve as the candidate’s mentor.
Selection Criteria
Selection will be based on the following:
- Academic quality of the candidate and of the proposed program of scholarship
- Academic fit of the candidate with others selected in the cycle and with the areas of interest described in the Scholarly Program section below – it is our hope to facilitate scholarly networks
- Support of the candidate’s home institution
Priority 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 prioritized. Applicants who already have significant international experience will not be favored.
How to Nominate
The Nominating U-M faculty member may submit the nominee’s application materials to the African Studies Center along with a nomination letter. Complete the nomination form and forward the nomination letter to [email protected], listing “UMAPS NOMINATION” in the subject line.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- A completed online application form
- A curriculum vitae
- A letter of support from the head of department, dean, or vice chancellor at the applicant’s home institution (an online questionnaire will be sent to the applicant’s endorser upon receipt of the applicant’s completed application form; endorser must complete the questionnaire and upload the letter of support online)
- A scholarly program proposal, not to exceed five pages (see Guidance on the Research Proposal)
For more information, visit U-M African Presidential Scholars Program.
