Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship 2009-2010:

The Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) administers the DOVE Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to approximately 20 first-year students from under-represented groups (U.S. citizens or permanent residents).  The fellowship provides a $22,500 stipend, tuition at regular graduate school rates (up to 14 credits per semester), and subsidized health insurance for one academic year. Graduate programs must nominate prospective students by 12:00 noon, Friday, January 23, 2009. Students who wish to be nominated must contact the Director of Graduate Studies in advance. The recipients of the DOVE Fellowship are encouraged to participate in the Community of Scholars Program (COSP). For further information please contact Patricia Jones Whyte in the GSDO at 612.625.6858 or dove@umn.edu.

Download DOVE Fellowship Nomination Form and Instructions

McNair Scholar/ DOVE Fellowship:

The Graduate School of the University of Minnesota has designated at least two of its Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowships to be awarded to McNair Scholars. The award includes a stipend, tuition at regular graduate school rates (up to 14 credits per semester), and subsidized health insurance for one academic year.  For further information please contact Patricia Jones Whyte in the GSDO at 612.625.6858 or dove@umn.edu.

Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)   

Q: When is the DOVE Fellowship nomination deadline?

A: 12:00 noon, Friday, January 23, 2009.

Q: Who is eligible to be a nominee for the DOVE Fellowship?

A: Nominees MUST be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents entering The Graduate School at the University of Minnesota for the first time in the 2009-2010 academic year.  Students pursuing either the master's degree or doctoral degree can be nominated.  In addition, the nominees can hold a master's degrees from another institution. 

Q: What is the DOVE Fellowship definition of diversity of views and experiences?

A: The DOVE Fellowship seeks to assist graduate programs to promote a diversity of views, experiences, and ideas in the pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative excellence.  This diversity is promoted through the recruitment and support of academically excellent students with diverse ethnic, racial, ecomomic, and educational backgrounds and experiences.  Programs are encouraged to consider students from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in the graduate programs.

Q: Who nominates prospective students to the DOVE Fellowship?

A: The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the prospective graduate program.  Please note, graduate programs are limited to four (4) nominations among their most qualified students.  Contact the graduate program directly and request to be considered for the DOVE Fellowship. 

Q: Can prospective students nominate themselves?

A: No, students are unable to nominate themselves.  Only the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the prospective graduate program can nominate students.

Q: What do prospective students need to write for the Diversity Statement?

A: The graduate program will ask nominees to write a narative statement (no longer than two pages) on how her or his background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's goal of promoting excellence through diversity.  If applicable, nominees should mention hardships or obstacles that they have overcome to complete their undergraduate education (e.g. low-income and first-generation college students).  If you have submitted a Diversity Statement to The Graduate School online application, you have fulfilled the statement requirement.

Q: What are the review and selection considerations?

An interdepartmental faculty committee reviews all nominations.  Selection considerations include:

• The strength of the nominee’s undergraduate academic records, recommendations, and test scores (if required) in the context of the rigor and reputation of the undergraduate college and major (and the graduate record, if applicable).
• Evidence that the nominee has achieved academic success while overcoming substantial educational or economic obstacles.
• Demonstrated experience with, or commitment to, serving or working with historically underserved or underprivileged populations.
• The strength of the nominee’s goals/career statement.
• The level of commitment by the program to fund the student beyond the first year and to provide support for participation in the Summer Institute as well as research and conference travel.
• The extent and level of the nominee’s preparation, suitability, and high academic potential for the proposed program.

Q: Does the DOVE Fellowship nomination guarantee admission?

A:  The nomination does NOT guarantee admission.   In order to be admitted to The Graduate School, the official admission notification must come from The Graduate School Admissions Office.

Q: How competitive is the DOVE Fellowship?

A:  It is competitive.   For example, last year we received approximately 100 nominations.  Please note, graduate programs are limited to four (4) nominations among their most qualified students. This year, approximately 20 DOVE Fellowships will be awarded.  In the past, the most successful nominees have had a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50. Nominees with an undergraduate GPA of less than 2.80 will normally not be considered.

Q: What is the length and monetary value of the DOVE Fellowship?

A:  The DOVE Fellowship, a one year fellowship, has an approximate value of $36,500 (which includes a $22,500 stipend and approximate tuition and health insurance of $14,000).

Q:  What is the financial support beyond the DOVE Fellowship year?

A:  Subject to satisfactory performance of the fellow, graduate programs are encourage to provide continuing support for the duration of the students graduate studies.  This support is usually offered through half-time teaching or research assistantship.

Q: What is the DOVE/McNair Scholar Fellowship?

A: At least two of the DOVE Fellowships will be awarded to a McNair Scholar. 

Q: Students applying to pursue the M.B.A., M.Ed., M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Pharm.D., D.V.M., can they be nominated?

A: Students pursuing these professional programs are not eligible.  Only students entering programs that are administered by The Graduate School can be nominated. Please refer to the list of Graduate School Programs.

Q: Can a student be nominated by more than one graduate program for the DOVE Fellowship?

A: Yes, a student may be nominated by ALL graduate program to which they applied.

Q: Can a graduate program have more than one DOVE Fellowship recipient?

A: Yes, there are several programs who have had more than one DOVE Fellowship recipent during a given year. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~