African Presidential Scholars Program at the University of Michigan: (Deadline 15 October 2020)

The University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program. The UMAPS program hosts two cohorts per year (August through December, and January through May), with one application round for both cohorts. Applicants will have the opportunity to indicate their preference for a particular cohort during the application process, but placement in a particular cohort (upon acceptance in the program) is not guaranteed.

Eligibility Requirements

Previous recipients of the UMAPS fellowship are not eligible to apply. However, applicants without extensive international experience outside the continent will have priorities. In addition to that, all applicants must be

• An early-career faculty member who has taught in the higher education system for less than ten years, and who is presently teaching in a college or university in Africa.
• Able to demonstrate support from a home institution with a letter of recommendation from the head of department, dean, or vice-chancellor.
• Able to remain in residence for five months.

Award Details

Fellows of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program will receive:

• Five months of residency at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, paired with a faculty collaborator with full access to the university’s resources.
• Round-trip airfare from their home country to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
• Free housing, medical insurance, a research allowance, and a modest stipend to cover living (Important note: The UMAPS program is unable to accommodate spouses and/or dependents).
• Office/Laboratory space.
• Opportunity to present research to the U-M community.

Selection Criteria

Review and selection will be made by a multidisciplinary faculty committee at the University of Michigan and will be based on the following:

• 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 in the Scholarly Program section below.
• Equitable representations of scholars aligned with ASC’s three disciplinary initiatives.
• Support of the candidate’s home institution.

Priority will be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. The promotion of gender equity in the current class of scholars and in the African academy will also be prioritized. Preference will be given to candidates who do not have significant international experience outside the continent.