To encourage evidence-based reflection, experimentation, and innovation toward equitable student success and faculty development:

1. We are seeking applications of individual faculty/staff and teams (2-4 faculty/staff per team) interested in exploring data-informed questions about equity, faculty/student success, and retention. Those selected would spend the Fall and Spring semester developing an interdisciplinary research proposal in teams. Selected individual applicants will be placed into a team. Looking for a partner? Scroll to the end of this page. 
2. 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 spring and summer 2026.

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 Fall/Spring Semester: 

• At least one person from each team will participate in two cohort zoom check-in meetings and at least two team consultations with program organizers to refine and develop ideas for a proposal. One meeting and consultation will take place after fall break and the other in late January/early February. 
• 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/faculty success, and student retention at JMU. The proposals will be due in early March. 
• 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 Analytics, the Center for Faculty Innovation, and Planning, Analytics, and Institutional Research

Timeline: 

September 1st: applications open

October 6th: applications due by 5pm EST

October 10th: fellows announced

October 27th -November 21st: first cohort meeting & team consultations 

January 26th - February 13th: second cohort meeting & team consultations 

March 2rd: team implementation proposals due by 5pm EST

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. Additionally, ensure team members have mutual availability for meetings in the fall and spring semesters. 

Preview of application questions

Link to submit your application Due October 6th by 5pm EST

Implementation grant application [preview draft will be posted eventually] Due March 3rd by 5pm EST Note: only participating research fellows are eligible for the implementation grant

Academic Success Partners:

We have identified several offices at JMU that are looking to partner with faculty/staff for this program. Please see the list below and reach out to those partners with your interests so you can apply together. NOTE: while we have provided this list to facilitate team creation, applicants are encouraged to identify other partners, work within existing relationships, or reach out to us to help with connecting teams. 

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

Building Connectedness Among Non-Traditional Special Education Teacher Licensure Students and Faculty | Lauren Heberling, Christy McKee, Sharon Blatz

VALOR: A Comprehensive Evaluation of JMU’s Military Community | Thomas Newman, John Goetschius, Amelia Underwood

The Impact of UREC Engagement on Students' Sense of Belonging and Well-Being | Tim Howley, Duke Biber, Matt Lovesky, Julia Wallace-Carr, Aaron Combs

Student Perceptions of Motivation and Barriers to Continued Enrollment in JMU’s Adult Degree Program | Virginia Trovato, Heather Miller, Haley Iden

Exploring Computer Science students from underrepresented groups | Brad McCoy, Chandani Shrestha, Michael Stewart, Dee Weikle, Paige Normand

Charting Success: An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Minoritized Undergraduate Students with Campus Academic Resources while Attending a Primarily White Institution | Marquis McGee, Nara Yoon, Quentin Alexander