The Office of the President hopes to increase the number of scholars contributing to research related to academic diversity and equity by providing summer research support.
Scholars who have been historically underrepresented—including African American, American Indian, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Latino, international faculty and women—are especially encouraged to apply, although all faculty are welcome to participate in the first Academic Diversity and Equity Research Program.
“We are fostering diversity and equity at NAU, including making diversity and equity central elements of the university’s mission,” said David Camacho, special assistant to the president. “The faculty-driven program also sustains one of the most basic of university practices—support for faculty in their scholarship.”
Camacho explained that there will be up to nine awards for $6,000 each. While tenured and tenure-track faculty are eligible, junior faculty will receive particular attention in consideration of advancing their professional development leading to tenure.
Applications from all disciplines are welcome. “We are particularly interested in serving faculty whose areas of research address NAU’s definition of diversity,” Camacho said.
Northern Arizona University defines diversity as the whole of the human experience marked by complexity, shaped by historical, social, economic and political phenomena and characterized by differences, such as persons with disabilities or historical, ethnic, gender, sexual, class, age, religious, and cultural differences.
Applicants must submit an application letter that includes a brief explanation of the applicant’s commitment to diversity and equity, curriculum vita, and two letters of support under separate cover, one of which must be from the chair/director/coordinator of the applicant’s department.
In a statement of proposed research not to exceed four single-spaced pages, the applicant should demonstrate:
- significance of scholarly activity to the faculty member, department, college/school, university and discipline
- how the scholarship will contribute to academic diversity and equity at Northern Arizona University
- direct linkages to NAU’s Strategic Plan goals addressing diversity and equity
- originality and creativity of proposed scholarly activity
- impact on teaching
Faculty may apply to both the President’s Academic Diversity and Equity Research Program and the Intramural Grant Program. However, faculty awarded a President’s Academic Research Grant will not be eligible to also receive funding through the Intramural Grant Program. Similarly, faculty receiving IGP funding will not be eligible to also receive a President’s Academic grant.
The application deadline is March 26. Awards will be announced on April 30.
Send applications to David E. Camacho, special assistant to the president, Office of the President, NAU Box 4092.