Student Success & Enrollment Analytics and the Center for Faculty Innovation are excited to announce a call for applicants to become a Research Fellow. Faculty and staff are critical drivers of equity, student success, and retention. Whether in our roles as classroom instructors, advisors, mentors, supervisors – we can be important agents in removing institutional barriers to success, supporting students navigate college, and empowering students for their own educational journey. Moreover, student success is becoming increasingly linked to faculty and staff success. How can we support both faculty and students to improve well-being and positive outcomes for everyone?
Selected Research Fellows work in interdisciplinary teams to explore and design a research proposal related to student and faculty success. After successful participation as a research fellow, teams are invited to apply for an implementation grant to support carrying out the research proposal.
Spring 2024 cohort application deadline is January 26th.
Spring 2024 Research Fellows
To encourage evidence-based reflection, experimentation, and innovation toward equitable student success and faculty development:
- We are seeking applications of individual faculty/staff and teams (2 to about 5 faculty/staff per team) interested in exploring data-informed questions about equity, faculty/student success, and retention. Those selected would spend the Spring semester developing an interdisciplinary research proposal in teams. Selected individual applicants will be placed into a team.
- Teams that have completed fellow program requirements are eligible and encouraged to apply for implementation grants to carry out their research proposal. Implementation grants can support research during Summer or Fall and those selected will be expected to participate in a showcase the following academic year.
Research Fellows will be selected based on the extent which:
- research interests are aligned with goal of equitable student success and faculty success
- research interests are issues of scale for JMU or could be scaled up
- team or individual can represent diversity across disciplines, divisions, methods, and experience
- applicants have not been previously selected for this program
Expectations for the Spring Semester:
- At least one person from each team will participate in two cohort zoom check-in meetings and at least one team consultation with program organizers to refine and develop ideas for a proposal.
- Teams will work toward developing a proposal for a project that uses already existing data and research ideas, their own research questions and/or data, or new data collection and analysis that answers important questions about equity, student success, and faculty success at JMU.
- Each team member will receive up to $250 for their completed participation as a research fellow; this may be as a direct payment via stipend or professional development funds via department.
Teams selected for both the fellow program and implementation grants will receive support from Student Success & Enrollment Analytics and the Center for Faculty Innovation.
Timeline:
Fall 2023: applications open
January 26th: applications due by 5pm EST
January 29th week: team awards announced
February 5th-12th week: first cohort meeting
February 19th - March 8th: first round of team consultations
March 20th-27th: second cohort meeting
March 27th-April 12th: second round of team consultations
April 12th: Team implementation proposals due
Application Information:
Please note that all applicants need to discuss and have support of their Academic Unit Head (AUH), Director, or Supervisor prior to submitting your application. Their approval is necessary for payment and support & advocacy desired for your and our work on student success.
Preview of application questions
Link to submit your application Due January 26th by 5pm EST
Implementation grant application [preview draft] Due April 12th by 5pm EST Note: only participating research fellows are eligible for the implementation grant
2022-2023 Research Fellows
Advising: Communicating the Complexities | Daisy Breneman, Kristin Knapp, Joe Loyacano, Karen McDonnell, Paige Normand
Flourishing as an International Student: Uncovering Strengths in Non-cognitive Skills and Areas for Development | Marlena Meikrantz Sharp, Sara Finney
Identifying the Challenges and Social Support Needs of Undergraduate James Madison University Students with Mental Health Concerns | Kristi Lewis, Amy Sirocky Meck, Sarah MacDonald
Querying ISSAQ Data for Insights into Student Potential for Success in General Chemistry I | Brittany Long, Daniel Bluming, Oscar Judd
Understanding the Experiences of Students with Disabilities | Lori Hostetler, Jill Lassiter, Cathy McKay
