Whether nominating students, writing recommendation letters, or participating in review panels, faculty and staff are critical to students’ fellowship success. Check out the boxes below to learn more about how you can better assist your students’ – as well as your own! – academic pursuits.
Nominating Students
Do you know an outstanding student or students who you would like to refer to the Office of Fellowships? Complete the Faculty & Staff intake form and our Fellowships Advisor will reach out to that student(s) with more information. Be sure to briefly share any information about why you are referring that student, and let us know if you have a particular academic opportunity in mind.
Letter Writing
Letter writing is a great way to enhance student applications, and provide insight into their abilities and experience. By writing a letter of recommendation, you are helping craft the student’s future through assisting in securing an internship, graduate placement, and beyond. Thank you for your time and attention to a piece of an application that is highly scrutinized for any fellowship.
Here are some tips on writing a strong letter of recommendation:
- Research the opportunity. Clarify for which application this is, learn more about the review criteria, and understand the parameters of the letter. Feel free to ask the student for as much information as possible about themselves as well as the opportunity.
- Be specific, concise, and positive. Reviewers can tell when a letter is generic. Use specific examples that relate to the overall review criteria and reflect the students’ abilities. Briefly explain how you know the student. Think in terms of a student’s overall potential and why they would be a great candidate.
- Start early. Many fellowships require letters of recommendation completed at the deadline or at a specific letter of recommendation deadline. Give yourself time to reflect and write. Student’s applications may not move forward if your letter is not completed in time.
Don’t be afraid to say ‘No’. If you do not feel that you can craft a positive letter or do so in a timely manner, politely decline. If possible, explain your reasons, and suggest someone else who may be a better reference.
Fellowships Classroom Presentation
Fellowships@URI would be more than happy to present 10-15 minutes about opportunities for your students. This is a great opportunity especially near the end of the course when students are thinking about their next steps.
Although we cannot accommodate all requests, we will try our best. Feel free to refer students to the Fellowships@URI website and encourage them to register for information sessions held throughout the year. Complete the Faculty & Staff intake form to invite us to your classroom.
Review Committees
Would you like to be more involved with Fellowships@URI? Consider joining the list of potential panelists for our on-campus review committees. Complete the Faculty & Staff intake form to indicate your interest.
Fellowships for Faculty
Many faculty and staff are eligible for Fellowships opportunities themselves!
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
Fulbright Specialist Program
Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Program
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Find additional opportunities for Fellowships and Research by visiting the SPIN award catalog and creating an account with your URI email.