FAQ: Graduate Research Support Fellowships

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

First, review the definition of “humanities” in the Graduate Research Support 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 description of your dissertation topic with your email. Please explain the basic humanistic ideas, problems, or questions to be explored.

What should I do if one of my approvers is unavailable by email? Can I get an extension?

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 see a selection of successful applications from previous years.

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

Contact Jena Turner, (541) 346-1001.