Nominations are OPEN for the 2025-2026 admission cycle.

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Details and Eligibility

‌Award Details


Awardees receive:

  • Full-tuition support. Renewable, up to 4 semesters, if eligible.
  • Participate in a cohort model and at least two meetings with a Graduate Studies representative.
  • Up to $200 stipend to attend one conference or professional opportunity for covering registration fees and basic expenses.

Awardees must/will:

  • Have the opportunity to be coached for and participate/compete in the Three Minute Thesis (yearly competition).
  • Participate in graduate writing workshops and receive a participation stipend, if available.

‌Eligibility


To be eligible for this award, a student must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Plan to enroll as a full-time graduate student in an on-campus, UNI grad degree program. Only recently admitted students are eligible. 
  • Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Meet at least one of the criteria below:
    • Previous participation in a TRIO Program;
    • or Self-identification as an underrepresented individual in their academic discipline/field.

Application and Nomination Process

1.- This application is only open to first-year students seeking graduate admission.

  • Confirm your eligibility and express your interest.
  • Submit the interest form (which will be routed to your academic program). You will need to: 
    • Briefly explain, how you meet the eligibility for the fellowship.
    • Explain, what your strengths are.
    • Upload your resume or CV.

2.- Each Graduate Program Coordinator submits a letter of nomination to the Division of Graduate Studies through email at gradcollege@uni.edu and copies the student. Each Department cannot exceed more than 2 nominations per academic year. Nomination Letters should not exceed 2 typed pages and must include:

  • (a) Nominee’s strength and academic promise.
  • (b) Nominee’s ability to contribute to the academic field and/or the UNI campus community.
  • (c) Explanation of how the program/department plans to guide the nominee to successfully complete the degree (e.g. number of meetings with a mentor/grad coordinator; departmental actions to create a welcoming environment, culture, and any other relevant initiative).

3.- The Dean of GROE College will review nominations and make the final award decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions