Applicant FAQs
Assistant Professor Level
The following addresses some of the more commonly asked questions about the LSA Collegiate Fellows Program. If you have a question about the program that is not adequately answered by the FAQs, please email your inquiry to [email protected].
Eligibility
Do I have to be a member of an underrepresented group to apply for this program?
No. The program is open to all persons who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, or other protected identity characteristics.
What academic disciplines are allowable for applicants?
For the 2026-2027 application cycle, the program will only consider applications from candidates that wish to make their scholarly home in one of the LSA units listed below:
- American Culture
- Chemistry
- Communications and Media
- Mathematics
- Psychology
If I have applied for another fellowship or faculty position at the University of Michigan, can I still apply?
The University of Michigan has numerous postdoctoral fellowship programs and open faculty positions. If you have applied to another program or position, you may still apply to the LSA Collegiate Fellows program, but you must disclose this on the application in your cover letter.
Can I still be considered if I do not have US citizenship or permanent residency?
Yes, provided that you can demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
I'm an assistant professor. Can I still apply?
The LSA Collegiate Fellowship is a faculty hiring program at the University of Michigan. It is not a fellowship program for individuals already on the tenure track to take time out for research with the intention of staying at their current institution.
I will finish my doctorate after July 1 of next year. Am I still eligible to apply this fall?
No, all applicants must complete their doctoral degree by July 1, 2027.
Finding a Mentor
Do I need to find a faculty mentor?
All successful candidates will receive career advising from a mentor during their fellowship. Mentors will be assigned by the home department.
Application
Should my materials be single-spaced or double-spaced?
Most applications are single-spaced (or between 1.0 and 1.5) with breaks between paragraphs; reviewers need enough information about you and your work to make a decision, but also need to be able to read your submission easily. Please ensure that your formatting makes it easy for reviewers to read.
Are there sample applications available for review?
No, although we do provide guidance on writing research/scholarship, teaching and service statements that address your contributions to efforts to reduce educational disparities based on factors such as race, ethnicity, first generation status, familial income, disability, sexual orientation, gender, immigrant status, and veteran status (this is not an exhaustive list). We strongly encourage you to read our guidelines on these statements. There are many variations on successful applications. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their academic advisors or mentors about how to submit a competitive application.
Should I send my graduate transcripts along with my online application?
No. The program does not require transcripts to be sent with the application. However, the program will request official graduate transcripts if you are selected as a finalist and will not offer you a fellowship unless official graduate transcripts are received and deemed satisfactory.
When will the final decisions be announced?
Finalists who are invited for in-person interviews will be informed about the department’s hiring timeline during their visit. Offers will be made by March 2027.