FAQ: Dissertation Fellowships

Can current or past Graduate Research Support fellows apply for a Dissertation Fellowship?

Yes. However, you may not apply for both a Dissertation Fellowship and a Graduate Research Support Fellowship in the same year; you may only apply for one type of fellowship.

What is the difference between OHC’s two graduate fellowships? I am not sure which one to apply for.

The Graduate Research Support Fellowship is best for students who are earlier in their dissertation writing process and still in the research/information gathering stage as the $1,000 research support funding can be used to travel to archives, libraries, primary sources, and to purchase supplies and books. The funding is paid out as Resource Aid by the UO Financial Aid office. If you have already been advanced to candidacy, or you expect to be advanced to candidacy by June 30, 2026 and you plan to conduct dissertation research during the 2025-26 academic year, you should apply for a Graduate Research Support fellowship.
The Dissertation Fellowship is for PhD candidates who are farther along in their dissertation process; you must be ABD at the time of application, and the fellowship term (fall, winter, or spring 2025-26) must be taken within one year of the term you plan to defend your dissertation. The Dissertation Fellowship pays for a one-term Research GE3 appointment (including the tuition waiver package) so you will have an entire term free of teaching in order to make substantial progress on the dissertation writing process during your final year. If you are earlier in the dissertation process, you can plan to apply next year (winter 2026) for the 2026-27 academic year fellowships.

I am confused about the eligibility timeline for the Dissertation Fellowship. Can you please explain?

The fellowship term must be within one year of your anticipated defense term, but not during the defense term. The current application cycle will award fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year, and must be taken during fall, winter, or spring. Here are some examples of your anticipated defense date, what fellowship term you are eligible for, and when to apply. The term in bold is your anticipated defense.

  • Fall 2025: it is too late now to apply for a Dissertation Fellowship.
  • Winter 2026: apply now for a fall 2025 fellowship. Fall 2025 is the only available fellowship term.
  • Spring 2026: apply now for a fall 2025 or winter 2026 fellowship. (Not for a spring 2026 fellowship, since you may not take the fellowship during the defense term.)
  • Fall 2026: apply now for a fellowship for fall 2025, winter 2026, or spring 2026 – any term next year.
  • Winter 2027: apply now for a winter 2026 or spring 2026 fellowship. You may also apply next year if you would like a fall 2026 fellowship.
  • Spring 2027: apply now for a spring 2026 fellowship. You may also apply next year for a fall 2026 or winter 2027 fellowship.

I’m not sure if my project is “humanistic.”

First, review the definition of “humanities” in the Dissertation Fellowship Eligibility Guidelines. If you are still unsure, check with your advisor. If you and your advisor are unsure of the eligibility of your project, contact Jena Turner and Leah Middlebrook, providing a copy of your Abstract with your email.

What should I do if one of my approvers is unavailable by email?

You are responsible for communicating with your department head/dean and dissertation advisor in advance to obtain approvals and statement of support by the deadline. If one of your approvers will be traveling remotely or for some other reason unavailable by email, the approval of an acting dean/department head or other signatory designee will be accepted in lieu of that of your dean or department head.

Can I review successful applications from previous years?

Please contact Melissa Gustafson to arrange to view successful applications from previous years.

I have a question about registration, tuition, FTE limits, or something else related to the GE appointment.

As a Dissertation Fellow you will be hired by your department as a Research GE, and all GE benefits and requirements apply. For more information or for specific questions about GE employment, please contact the Graduate School and/or visit the Graduate Employment webpage. For information about GE salary, tuition waiver, health insurance, and other benefits, see the Graduate School GE Salary and Benefits webpage.

Will this award affect my summer tuition waiver?

The Dissertation Fellowship will not jeopardize your eligibility for a Summer Tuition Waiver because Dissertation Fellows are hired as Research GEs during the fellowship term. For details on the Summer Tuition Waiver, see the Graduate School’s Summer Tuition Waiver webpage.

Will this award affect my health insurance eligibility/coverage during the fellowship term?

The Dissertation Fellowship will not jeopardize your eligibility for health insurance coverage through the GTFF. All OHC Dissertation Fellows will have GE appointments during the fellowship term, and therefore will be eligible for health insurance coverage through the GTFF during their fellowship term. For details, see the Graduate School’s GE Health Insurance webpage.

I don’t see my question here. Who should I contact?

Contact Jena Turner, (541) 346-1001.