Doctoral Finishing Fellowships Application Procedures

Each semester, the Graduate School will award 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 a Petition to Enter Full-Time Research Only Mode. No Finishing Fellowships will be awarded to students who fail to receive approval of their petition. Students who are applying for a summer finishing fellowships do not need to file a petition, but must have completed all of the requirements to enter full-time research only mode.

Application Procedure

Nominations for Finishing Fellowships will be accepted each fall semester, spring semester, and summer session. Nominations for spring semester support will be accepted each fall. Nominations for fall semester and summer  session support will be accepted each spring. There will be an additional competition for fall semester support during the summer, but only those students who have no other source of support for fall semester are eligible for nomination during the summer.

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 summer and fall 2010 program.

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 Debra Charlesworth.

Application

Applicants must complete an application form. The application package must also include:

1. The applicant's curriculum vita. This should be a complete and detailed curriculum vita that addresses relevant metrics in The Michigan Tech Plan. The publication record is of particular importance.
2. A one-page statement written by the applicant describing their research topic and future career plans. Please include what work has been completed to date and what work will be completed during the fellowship period. This should be written so that faculty from all disciplines can understand the research and its significance.
3. A one-page statement written by the applicant addressing their financial need.
4. 4. A letter of support from the advisor. The letter should address the likelihood of the applicant finishing the PhD during the funding period, the relevance of the applicant and their research to The Michigan Tech Plan, and the relation of the applicant's future plans to The Michigan Tech Plan.

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 will be required to write a thank-you note to the sponsor of their fellowship. Recipients will also be asked to have a picture taken that will be used by Michigan Tech to promote its outstanding graduate students. The picture 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.