Doctoral Finishing Fellowships Application Procedures

Each semester, the Graduate School anticipates awarding Finishing Fellowships that provide support to PhD candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in The Michigan Tech Plan. The Graduate School anticipates funding up to ten fellowships per semester with support ranging from $2000 to full support (stipend + tuition). Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Eligibility

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a PhD student.
2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
4. Must be eligible for or in Research Only Mode at the time of application.

Previous recipients of a Finishing Fellowship are not eligible to reapply.

Application Procedure

Nominations for Finishing Fellowships will be accepted each fall semester, spring semester, and summer session, for funding in the next semester, pending availability of funds.

Nominations are not currently being accepted for Finishing Fellowships. Watch this page, Tech Today, the Graduate School blog, or the Graduate School deadlines calendar for the announcement of the next competition.

A graduate program may nominate as many students as are eligible. Students, advisors, or graduate programs may deliver completed application packages to the Graduate School in either paper or electronic format. If delivered as an electronic document, please e-mail a single PDF file to Dr. Debra Charlesworth.

Application

Please note that the application process has been updated this semester.  Please pay close attention to the revised instructions below.

Applicants will prepare an application package that consists of the following items. It is preferred that this package is e-mailed to Dr. Debra Charlesworth as a single PDF file.

1. A complete application form. The form has instructions for how to create a PDF that can be easily combined with the other materials in PDF form. Note that the form has been revised significantly for summer 2013.
2. A one-page CV.  Students may choose to use the NSF or NIH biographical sketch format.
3. A one-page letter of support from the advisor and/or co-advisor.* The letter should provide concrete information indicating what portion of the research and writing has been completed, address the likelihood of the applicant finishing the PhD during the funding period, and the impact and significance of the research.
   
   *If the advisor and/or co-advisor prefer, this letter may be sent directly to Dr. Debra Charlesworth. (email is preferred)

Evaluation

The applications will be evaluated by a panel of faculty representing each of Michigan Tech's Colleges and Schools. Applications will be evaluated on:

1. The impact and significance of the research.
2. The candidate's contributions toward The Michigan Tech Plan now and their potential to make contributions in the future.
3. The likelihood of finishing during the funding period.
4. The applicant's need for financial support.

Notification

All applicants will be notified of the panel's decision within three weeks of the due date.

Recipients

Recipients will be asked to:

• Write a thank-you note to the sponsor of their fellowship (required if applicable).
• Have a photograph taken by a University photographer.
• Write a personal statement.

The photograph and personal statement will be used by Michigan Tech to promote its outstanding graduate students. The photograph and personal statement may be included on the Graduate School's web page or other press releases. Students may request to be excluded from inclusion on the web page or other press releases.