What is the Community of Scholars Program?
COSP is a welcoming and inclusive community for Diversity of Views and Experiences (DOVE) Fellows and DOVE-eligible graduate students in research-based programs on the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.
COSP programs, events, and resources are open to all UMN Twin Cities & Duluth domestic graduate students, and center the intersectional experiences of domestic BIPOC students whose identities have been historically excluded in research-based graduate education.
We provide year-round programming including social events, community networks, writing support, a lounge space, personal guidance, and more for COSP Scholars to build connections and gain support along their graduate school journeys.
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Funding Opportunities
COSP Scholars may apply for a COSP Travel Grant of up to $1,000 on a biannual basis to aid in Research Travel for conducting a study or Conference Travel when invited to present at major conferences in their field of study.
Eligibility criteria for the COSP Travel Grant can be viewed here.
Contact us at [email protected] to request the application for a COSP Travel Grant.
More UMN resources for graduate student research travel funding:
Thesis Research & Judd Research Travel Grants
Council of Graduate Students (COGS) Travel Grants
School of Public Health Student Senate (for SPH students)
Check with your College, Department, and your Professional Associations/Conferences for other funding opportunities.
COSP Lounge
COSP has a dedicated lounge for COSP Scholars who are in need of a quiet place to study and to connect with the COSP community. Our large, open space hosts comfortable couches, tables and chairs, and a kitchenette - so bring your lunch! Most COSP events take place here in our space, located in room 375 in the 10 Church building (10 Church St SE, East Bank).
Workshops
COSP may offer workshops and panels throughout the academic year that focus on academic, professional, and personal development topics.
These may focus on topics such as:
- conversations with faculty on diversity in higher education
- managing impostor syndrome
- first-generation student and faculty panels
- conducting community-based research
- wellness in the writing process
- public scholarship
- networking
COSP Writing Inititative
The COSP Writing Initiative provides writing support for COSP Scholars through COSP Small Writing Groups, the COSP Annual Writing Retreat, and SPARK e-zine, a digital publication amplifying the research of COSP Scholars.
Social Gatherings
To build community, COSP hosts social gatherings throughout the year for our Scholars. Events may include Movie & Game Nights, Identity-Based Community lunches, and collaborations with the COSP-Affiliated Student Organizations.
Personal Support
COSP Scholars are welcome to request individual consultation on academic, professional, and personal matters. Please contact us for a personal one-on-one appointment with one of our staff members, Dr. Cori Bazemore-James or Dr. Maija Brown.
Diversity Predoctoral Teaching Fellowships
COSP Scholars in doctoral programs who are at the ABD stage (all but dissertation) can apply for a fellowship to teach at the University of Minnesota-Morris, University of Minnesota-Duluth, or Augustana College for one academic year while completing their dissertation. Fellows teach one course per semester, are mentored by senior faculty, participate in department and campus activities, and meet regularly with the COSP Director to discuss dissertation progress and overall professional development.
Achieve & Uplift: GSDO Graduation Celebration
Achieve & Uplift is a Graduate School Diversity Office signature program! We invite all COSP Scholars to attend our end-of-the-school-year celebration to honor graduates and continuing COSP Scholars.
This multicultural celebration includes cultural performances, appetizers, and a family-friendly atmosphere. We encourage all in attendance to wear traditional clothing from your culture or whatever makes you feel celebratory in this space.
Graduating COSP Scholars will receive a stole on stage, introduce themselves and the degree they are receiving, and give brief remarks of encouragement to continuing Scholars and/or give words of thanks to those who’ve helped them along the way.
Any COSP Scholar who anticipates graduating in the current year (i.e. any semester in year 2025) is considered a graduate at this event. Graduates are encouraged to invite family, friends, and a Mentor (could be a faculty, staff, or community member) who they would like to also receive recognition at this event for supporting their graduate journey.