What Is the DOVE Predoctoral Excellence in Teaching Scholar Program? 

Community of Scholars Program (COSP) Doctoral Scholars can apply for pre-doctoral faculty positions while writing their dissertations (i.e., at the All But Dissertation (ABD) stage). Predoctoral Scholars get the full experience of faculty life while teaching one course per semester for one academic year at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMN Duluth) or University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris). This experience supports those who are interested in seeking faculty careers while helping to diversify the UMN Duluth and UMN Morris course offerings.

COSP Scholars are encouraged to apply for the Scholar Program at all of the fellowship institutions they are eligible for, as long as the institution has courses in the student’s field of study. 

Those who are interested in this Scholar Program are encouraged to attend the annual virtual DOVE Predoctoral Excellence in Teaching Scholar Program Information Session in late-Fall semester. 

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION WINDOW?

Application information for the 2026-27 academic year is forthcoming.

HOW MUCH IS THE AWARD?

  • 50% Graduate Assistantship
  • DOVE Dissertation Writing Fellowship ($4,000-8,000 depending on availability)
  • Research/Conference Professional Development Funding ($1,000-2,000 depending on availability)
  • Campus Housing (Morris) or Monthly Housing Stipend (Duluth) at host campus location
  • Faculty Mentorship

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

  • U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, and those here legally on a non-temporary basis
  • COSP-eligible students who are enrolled in a University of Minnesota Ph.D. program
    • For UMN Duluth Fellowship: must be enrolled in courses offered on the Twin Cities campus
    • For UMN Morris Fellowship: must be enrolled in courses offered on the Twin Cities or Duluth campuses
  • Doctoral students who will be at the ABD status at the start of the fellowship - passed all written and oral preliminary exams and completed all course work. Students who have already completed their dissertation are not eligible.
  • Registered for thesis credits or are at the advanced doctoral status (8444), in order to focus on teaching and writing the dissertation. Fellows should be within two years of completing the dissertation.
  • Able to move temporarily to the town of the fellowship institution (housing or housing stipend is provided), and may bring spouse and/or dependents.

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?

  • Personal Statement including:
    • Teaching philosophy
    • Prior teaching or mentoring experience
    • How participation in this Predoctoral Fellowship Program will contribute to your academic and career goals
    • Identify an existing UMN Duluth/UMN Morris course you are interested in teaching and a course you are interested in developing, based on your research interests
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Writing sample
  • Names and contact information of three references

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University of Minnesota Duluth

2026-2027 DIVERSITY PRE-DOCTORAL TEACHING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The University of Minnesota Duluth and the UMN Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) are pleased to announce the DOVE Predoctoral Excellence in Teaching Scholar Program, which provides UMN doctoral candidates the opportunity to teach, advance their dissertation research and writing, and receive mentorship from senior faculty. This program supports and prepares pre-doctoral scholars, particularly those who are academically excellent and committed to advancing equity, diversity, and social justice through scholarly work, volunteer service, or community activism.

Scholars will teach one course per semester, continue their dissertation work, and engage in departmental and campus activities. In the first semester, they typically teach a lower-division course, and in the second, an upper-division course aligned with their research interests. For Duluth course listings, visit classinfo.umn.edu and select Duluth as the institution.

Each scholar will be mentored by a senior faculty member in their department, providing guidance on teaching, inclusive pedagogy, and professional development. They will also meet periodically with Dr. Maija Brown, GSDO Associate Director, to discuss dissertation progress and career preparation.

Applications are welcome from candidates interested in teaching in a comprehensive university environment. Opportunities may also include co-mentoring undergraduate research students and participating in service-learning initiatives.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

University of Minnesota Duluth is a primarily undergraduate public university serving approximately 9,000 undergraduate and over 1,000 graduate and professional students. As one of five campuses of the University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Duluth is located 160 miles northeast of Minneapolis at the western tip of Lake Superior. The population base of greater Duluth approaches 200,000. The Fellow will join over 500 faculty members engaged in teaching, research, outreach and service activities.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Dr. Erik Brown at [email protected], or Dr. Maija Brown at [email protected]. 

University of Minnesota Morris

2026-2027 DIVERSITY PRE-DOCTORAL TEACHING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The University of Minnesota Morris and the UMN Graduate School Diversity Office (GSDO) are pleased to announce the DOVE Predoctoral Excellence in Teaching Scholar Program, which provides UMN doctoral candidates the opportunity to teach, advance their dissertation research and writing, and receive mentorship from senior faculty. This program supports and prepares pre-doctoral scholars, particularly those who are academically excellent and committed to advancing equity, diversity, and social justice through scholarly work, volunteer service, or community activism.

Scholars will teach one course per semester, continue their dissertation work, and participate in campus and divisional activities. Typically, they teach a lower-division course in the first semester and an upper-division course related to their research in the second. For Morris course listings, visit Explore Courses.

Each scholar will be mentored by one of Morris’s outstanding undergraduate instructors, gaining support in teaching, curriculum development, and professional growth. They will also meet regularly with Dr. Maija Brown, GSDO Associate Director, to discuss dissertation progress and career planning.

Applications are invited from candidates across all disciplines, including Morris’s four academic divisions: Education; Humanities; Science and Mathematics; and Social Sciences. The campus also offers interdisciplinary opportunities in African and Black American Studies, Environmental Studies, Latin American Area Studies, Ancient and Medieval Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Studies.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA MORRIS

A distinctive undergraduate campus within the University of Minnesota system, Morris combines the benefits of an intimate, student-centered residential liberal arts education with access to the resources and opportunities of one of the nation's largest universities. The student body numbers around 1,100 with a student/faculty ratio of 10:1. UMN Morris serves one of the most diverse student bodies in Minnesota. More than forty percent of UMN Morris students are Native American, persons of color, or of international origin. UMN Morris is the only federally recognized Native American-Serving Non Tribal Institution in the Upper Midwest.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Dr. Jordan Cofer at [email protected], or Dr. Maija Brown at [email protected]. 

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