Chancellor's Distinguished Fellowship

Program Summary

The Chancellor's Distinguished Fellowship is a prestigious award offered to qualified Ph.D. students enrolled in STEM disciplines at North Carolina A&T State University.  The purpose of the Fellowship is to increase the number of native Black Americans earning a Ph.D. degree in STEM disciplines through a program of financial assistance.  The Fellowship, consisting of a stipend and supplemental benefits, is funded through a Title III HBGI grant from the U.S. Department of Education.  Fellowship awards are made for one academic year at a time and are renewable for up to four years contingent upon the student’s academic progress and the availability of funds.  Failure to comply with the requirements of the Fellowship program can result in Fellowship termination at any time.

Each fellowship will be in the amount of $48,000 for 12 months.

Eligibility Requirements

Anyone who plans to apply for the fellowship must:

  1. be a US citizen

  2. be a native born African American

  3. either be enrolled in or intend to pursue a PhD program in a STEM discipline at North Carolina A&T State University

  4. have completed no more than two semesters of doctoral study prior to the semester when the fellowship will begin

  5. meet all other eligibility requirements as set forth in the fellowship announcement

     

    Application/Initial award

    The initial award of the Fellowship will be based on an evaluation of an application package consisting of the following:

  1. HBGI Fellowship Application

  2. Graduate School’s Application

  3. Letters of recommendation

  4. Personal statement

  5. Research abstract

  6. Copy of the student’s academic transcripts

  7. Confirmation of admission by the Graduate School

  8. Copy of FAFSA

     

    Recommendation letters

    Submit three recommendation letters, at least one should be written by a faculty member who has taught and/or advised the student previously.  The letters should be on official letterhead, and should include the following information: Name and Title of reference writer, department, and institution or organization.  Each letter should provide details explaining the nature of the relationship to the applicant, comments on the applicant's potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's academic potential and prior research experiences, statements about the applicant's proposed research, and any other information to enable the fellowship committee to evaluate the application.

    Personal statement

    In approximately 500 words, describe your personal, educational and/or professional experiences that motivate your decision to pursue advanced study in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Include specific examples of any research and/or professional activities in which you have participated. Present a concise description of the activities, highlight the results and discuss how these activities have prepared you to seek an advanced graduate degree. Specify your role in the activity including the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team. Describe the contributions of your activity to advancing knowledge in STEM fields as well as the potential for broader societal impacts

    Research abstract

    In approximately 500 words, present an original research topic that you may want to pursue in graduate school.  It is understood that, in consultation with his/her advisor, the student will likely identify a different research topic for his/her dissertation.  Describe the research idea, your general approach, as well as any unique resources that may be needed for accomplishing the research goal (i.e., access to national facilities or collections, collaborations, overseas work, etc.).  You may choose to include important literature citations. Address the potential of the research to advancing knowledge and understanding within the field of study as well as broader impacts on society.

     

    Fellowship Committee

    The Fellowship Committee will be responsible for selecting fellowship awardees based on applications received by the posted deadline.  The committee will consist of one graduate faculty member from each STEM PhD program.  The committee will make decisions on awards within two weeks after the application deadline.  Selected awardees will be notified by the Graduate School with copies to the advisor, graduate coordinator, department chair and the Title III office.

     

    Application Deadline

    Completed applications for initial Fellowship award must be submitted to the Graduate School office by the following deadlines:

  • Feb 1: for fellowships starting in fall

  • Aug 1: for fellowships staring in spring

     

    Fellowship Renewal Criteria

    Each Fellow will be required to maintain the following standards to continue to receive the award:

  1. Maintain 3.3 or higher Cumulative GPA

  2. Maintain full academic load, not including courses receiving C, F, W, I grades or Audits

  3. File Plan of Study with the Graduate School office by end of 1st semester

  4. Ensure all courses taken according to the approved Plan of Study.

  5. Pass Qualifying Exam within 3 semesters of start of PhD program.

  6. Pass Preliminary Exam within 5 semesters of start of Ph.D. program.

  7. Positive recommendation from Advisor, Graduate Coordinator, and Department Chair.  Alternately, no adverse report from department.

  8. Not concurrently hold another fellowship or internship

  9. Not be employed or receive any other source of funds

  10. Attend all Title III meetings

  11. Attend special workshops and conferences arranged on campus and recommended by Title III office

  12. Maintain high ethical standards and maintain compliance with the university’s honor code

     

    Any adverse finding during any academic year can lead to discontinuation of the Fellowship in mid-year.  The fellowship will be renewed for a maximum of 4 academic years or 8 semesters.

     

    Renewal beyond 4 years

    Students who entered the PhD program after a BS degree may receive an extension of 1 year based on the following conditions:

  1. Student has satisfied all the requirements listed under “Fellowship Renewal Criteria”

  2. Completion of all course work, qualifying exam and preliminary exam

  3. Advisor submits request with an endorsement from the dissertation committee and department chair.

     

    All other fellowship extensions will be carefully reviewed by the Fellowship Committee.  In limited situations, a fellowship extension may be provided under the following conditions:

  1. Student has satisfied all the requirements listed under “Fellowship Renewal Criteria”

  2. Completion of all course work, qualifying exam and preliminary exam

  3. Advisor submits request (with endorsement from dissertation committee and department chair) indicating remaining work and milestones for accomplishing it

  4. All dissertation committee members vote favorably to extend the fellowship

     

    If an extension is approved, the fellowship will only pay for the minimum tuition/fees required by the graduate school (1 credit hour) and the fellowship stipend may be reduced.  Furthermore, the advisor and student will be required to provide periodic updates regarding the completion of the dissertation as stated in the request for extension

     

    Stipend

    The Title III Ph.D. Fellowship provides a stipend of $3,300 per month.  The amount of the stipend can change every year based on availability of funds and program objectives.  Any change in the stipend amount for the next academic year will be decided by the Fellowship committee at least six months before the start of the academic year.  In-state and out-of-state tuition, required fees and health insurance at current university rates are also covered.  All stipends are subject to availability of funds.

     

    Supplemental Benefits

    Fellows may apply separately for the following benefits.  These are awarded competitively based on application review and are subject to availability of funds.

  1. Travel funds to present papers at conferences to be awarded competitively based on applications received. To apply please complete the Travel Form Workbook.

  2. Research materials and supplies to carry out research projects: These are available only to students who have passed the qualifying examination and  awarded competitively. Please complete the HBGI Equipment Purchase form for each request. One vendor per form.
    We follow The University's Basic Purchasing Procedures. 

    For more information

    For further information, please contact Ms. Anita Sanders at 336-285-2369 or via e-mail at asanders@ncat.edu.

     

    Appeals

    Appeals regarding Title III decisions should be directed to Dr. Kim Chavis, Title III Director, North Carolina A&T State University, Wendover Building, Greensboro, NC 27411, (336) 256-2018, or via e-mail at ktchavis@ncat.edu.

Application information will be used solely for the purpose of selecting fellows and administering the program. Disclosure of this information is made subject to Public Law 93-579 (the Privacy Act of 1974)