Call for Applications
Eldersveld Emerging Scholars Conference 2023
October 19-21 (held in person in Ann Arbor)
In October, the Political Science Department at the University of Michigan will hold its annual Eldersveld Emerging Scholars Conference. This special event, now in its thirteenth year, is designed to broaden the diversity of perspectives in political science by encouraging talented students from underrepresented backgrounds who are engaged in original research projects to apply to Ph.D. programs in political science, both at Michigan and beyond.
We especially wish to encourage applications to the Conference from students who aren’t yet convinced that they want to pursue graduate study. We understand diversity broadly; we seek applications from students of underrepresented groups of all kinds, including first-generation college students and students with disabilities.
The Eldersveld Emerging Scholars Conference enables undergraduate students to discuss their research -- whether completed or in progress -- in a scholarly (but low-pressure) setting that exposes them to the world of professional, academic exchange. At past conferences, students presented on a wide range of topics and methods that reflect early forays into original social science scholarship. The name of the conference commemorates the career of longtime former UM faculty member and departmental chair, Samuel Eldersveld, who embodied the values animating this event. (Information about Professor Eldersveld is available on our departmental website.)
Preceded by a welcome dinner on Thursday, October 19, the one-day conference will be held on Friday, October 20. Invited scholars will participate in panels to discuss their research and will receive constructive feedback from faculty and graduate student discussants, as well as other audience members. This will be a hybrid conference so that scholars’ faculty mentors back home may participate in the discussions if they wish. In other sessions, students will receive advice on applying to Ph.D. programs and have the chance to talk with current students about life in graduate school. The event concludes with a dinner on Friday night, and scholars will fly home on Saturday the 21st. We will cover all costs associated with attendance, including transportation, food, and lodging at a nearby hotel.
Faculty mentors at scholars’ home institutions play a few key roles. First, of course, they nudge their students to apply and submit a letter of support with the application. Second, mentors can help students prepare the presentation and discussion of their research, as well as be available to debrief the students afterwards on their experience. Finally, we encourage mentors to attend virtually their student’s panel as a familiar, reassuring presence; they are of course welcome to attend the other panels as well.
Do you know any promising undergrads who might appreciate seeing what graduate school in a top political science program is like? Please encourage them to apply! Participants are under no obligation to apply for graduate study to the University of Michigan. This program is focused on nurturing an interest in research and encouraging students to pursue these interests further. Please note that we cannot invite all applicants.
We welcome interest from current undergraduates as well as those who recently graduated but who have not yet applied to graduate programs. Please feel free to share this announcement broadly with colleagues and students.
Applications are due Friday, September 8, at 8am EST. We request the following materials:
(1) completion of the brief online application form, including a brief statement on how the applicant would bring novel or underrepresented perspectives to political science;
(2) a transcript (an unofficial copy is fine);
(3) title and abstract of the research project the student plans to discuss;
(4) a brief writing sample; and
(5) a letter of endorsement from the student’s faculty advisor that speaks both to the student’s promise for doctoral study and how the student will strengthen the diversity of the field. The advisor should send this letter separately to rmickey@umich.edu.
Students should first complete this brief online form, which will offer an opportunity to upload the other materials. If they wish, students may also include a current resumé or curriculum vitae.
We anticipate making decisions and issuing invitations on or about Friday, September 22. Questions about the application process may be directed to Robert Mickey, Associate Professor of Political Science and Faculty Ally for Diversity, at rmickey@umich.edu or 734-645-3305.
For more information, contact: Robert Mickey at rmickey@umich.edu