notifications

Applications invited for Spring Public Engagement Fellowships

Ashikavinod | Friday, November 4, 2016 11:16 AM IST

The Public Engagement Project invites applications from UMass tenure-line faculty to apply for its spring 2017 Public Engagement Fellowships.

Public Engagement Faculty Fellows will develop a fellowship plan tailored to their expertise and aspirations for reaching broader publics. Each fellow will receive technical training in communicating with non-academic audiences, cultivate networks to reach those publics, workshop policy briefs, blog, op-ed or other public engagement products.

Faculty fellows will meet twice per month during the spring semester, attending panels and skill-building workshops offered by faculty, communications experts from University Relations and others experienced with public engagement. Fellows will also have the opportunity to work in small groups and receive peer mentoring tailored to their engagement plan, as well as to present their research to Massachusetts lawmakers.

In addition to opportunities for skill development, networking and outreach, Public Engagement Faculty Fellows receive a $1,500 stipend for their research account.

Selection criteria include:

Substantial research record

Research with the potential for significant public impact

Commitment to developing materials for non-academic audiences during the fellowship period and beyond

“Potential for significant public impact” recognizes the many forms that public engagement can take, such as working with media, policymakers, the courts, advocacy groups, or professional and practitioner organizations.

Go to www.umass.edu/pep/fellows-program to apply. Applications are due by Nov. 21. For questions about the Public Engagement Faculty Fellowship Program, email PEP director Amy Schalet at [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed and selected by the program steering committee, and applicants will be informed about final selections no later than Dec. 2.

The initiative is made possible by support from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, College of Education, School of Public Policy, Center for Research on Families, Institute for Social Science Research, the Office of the Provost and University Relations.