University Writing Program (UWP) Doctoral Fellowship 

Department of English
Updated January 14, 2024

The Virginia Tech Rhetoric and Writing PhD program invites applications for the inaugural University Writing Program (UWP) Fellowship. The University Writing Program coalesces the first-year writing and advanced writing and research curriculums, the writing center, and writing across the curriculum. The UWP Fellowship is designed to support the scholarly commitments of doctoral students from historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Latinx, Asian, American Indian/Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Pacific Islander, regardless of citizenship status. Consideration will be given to eligible doctoral students on the basis of 1) acceptance with funding to the Rhetoric and Writing PhD program and 2) a demonstrable commitment to research and/or scholarly inquiry related to administrative leadership, particularly in the areas of Writing Program Administration, writing centers, GTA education, and/or Writing Across the Curriculum, as we envision fellowship awardees working closely with faculty in these areas. The Virginia Tech Rhetoric and Writing PhD program provides stipends with benefits, tuition waivers, and professional development funding for five years to cohorts of 3-5 doctoral students annually. In addition to the standard funding package, the UWP Doctoral Fellowship awards up to four installments of $5,000 in guaranteed summer funding–or the equivalent in reassigned time during semesters of study, for a total of up to $20,000. 

HOW TO APPLY 

To be considered for the University Writing Program Fellowship, indicate your interest in the application letter, as well as your commitment to research and/or scholarly inquiry related to administrative leadership, particularly in the areas of Writing Program Administration, writing centers, GTA education, and/or Writing Across the Curriculum. Applications for Fall 2024 admission to the Rhetoric and Writing PhD Program are due no later than January 16, 2024. Learn more about the process at http://tinyurl.com/applytoVTRW. Questions about applying to the Rhetoric and Writing PhD Program may be sent to Dr. Carolyn Commer, Assistant Professor and Director of the Rhetoric and Writing PhD Program, at ccommer@vt.edu. Questions about the University Writing Program Fellowship may be sent to Dr. Julie Mengert, Director of the University Writing Program, at jmengert@vt.edu.

About the Rhetoric and Writing PhD Program

Virginia Tech’s PhD program in Rhetoric and Writing was started in 2007, and is proud to have supported the research, teaching, and professional development of nearly forty graduates whose careers have spanned governmental and non-profit organizations, higher education, and the technical and industrial sectors. Within the Department of English, the program is integrally affiliated with the University Writing Program, Professional and Technical Writing Program, and Center for Rhetoric in Society. 

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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