[USA] Graduate Diversity Fellowship at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers this $2,500 fellowship to graduate students who increase the diversity of the student body in their chosen field of study. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how they contribute to increasing diversity, and if applicable any impediments or disadvantages they may have overcome to pursue their advanced degree. Attributes that relate to diversity include, but are not limited to, the following: age, cultural heritage, ethnic background, exceptional ability, gender, race and socio-economic status. Membership in an underrepresented racial or ethnic group is a qualifying factor, but the graduate diversity fellowship is not awarded solely on this basis.

Application materials — personal statement, curriculum vitae and faculty recommendations — must be submitted to the Graduate College by noon on Friday, January 30, 2009.

Who is Eligible
Applicants must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

• Contribution to Diversity: Students must contribute significantly to the diversity of the student body in their chosen field of study.
• Academic Program: Students must be admitted into a graduate major.
• Completed Graduate-Level Coursework: Students must have completed at least 9 credit hours of graduate-level coursework applicable towards their degree. Current course enrollment cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
• Remaining Credit Hours: Students must have at least 12 credit hours remaining in their graduate degree program. Current course enrollment, as well as thesis and dissertation credit hours can be used to fulfill this requirement.
• U.S.Resident: Permanent resident status is also acceptable.

Graduate students who are full-time, benefit-eligible employees of Florida Atlantic University are not eligible to apply for the fellowship. Graduate assistants and graduate students with hourly appointments are not considered full-time employees and thus are eligible to apply.

How to Apply
Step 1: Personal Statement
The personal statement, no more than one single-spaced typed page, should summarize the importance of your intellectual and/or research interests, as well as the significance of your ultimate goals. In addition, your statement must address how your presence at FAU increases diversity in your graduate program.

Step 2: Curriculum Vitae
The CV, no more than one single-spaced typed page, should list awards, publications/creative works, presentations, and other scholarly activity. If your combined scholarly activities fill more than one page, please list only those activities you consider to be highlights of your academic career or those most likely to promote your application.

Step 3: Faculty Recommendations
Two faculty members who agree to write a support letter on your behalf must send their recommendations directly to the Graduate College. Please remind your recommenders that their letters must arrive by January 30, 2009.
Graduate College
777 Glades Road
Student Support Services (SU-80, Room 101)
Boca Raton, Florida 33431-0991
Phone: (561) 297-3624
Fax: (561) 297-2117