Equity and Diversity Social Science Doctoral Fellowship (EDSSDF)

 The Faculty of Social Science is deeply committed to enhancing the representation of historically marginalized groups, particularly those who are racialized, Black, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), LGBTQ2s+, or individuals with disabilities. Through this fellowship, we aim to prioritize the recruitment and support of such students who exhibit exceptional research potential and a strong dedication to scholarly pursuits. Indigenous scholars may also apply for the Indigenous Social Science Doctoral Fellowship (ISSDF) as an alternative avenue of support.

 Value

- Four awards, each with a total value of $20,000, paid to each recipient as $5,000/year for four years 

- These awards are on top of Departmental funding and not subject to any downward adjustments

Eligibility

Eligible applicants:

1. Self-identify as Black, Indigenous*, a racialized minority, LGBTQ2s+, or having a disability
2. Have been offered admission to a Faculty of Social Science PhD program (Anthropology, Economics, Geography & Environment, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology) at Western.

*Note that, while students who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis will receive priority consideration, global Indigenous people from other regions may also be considered. 

Also note that the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Western has an Indigenous identification affirmation committee that assesses Indigenous identity claims of applicants who self-identify (link to be posted once available).  This is toward fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for a diversity of Indigenous identities and toward creating safe spaces for Indigenous people to self-identify as Indigenous and share their positionality. The assessment of Indigenous applicants for the EDSSDF will include an Indigenous faculty member.

Application

The student’s application to the graduate program will be the primary source of the application materials for this fellowship.  Two supplemental documents are requested as described below.

1. Cover letter, consisting of a student statement of eligibility and the name of the student’s supervisor in the Faculty of Social Science (FSS). This statement can be brief, but should include information about how the student is eligible for this award and provide their supervisor’s name.
2. Statement of research contributions, relevant experience, and activities (see template below).

In addition, the Faculty of Social Science will contact the supervisor for a brief (500 words maximum) statement of resources and mentorship supports available to the student. For programs in which a supervisor is assigned after admission, the graduate program chair will be asked for this statement.

Adjudication & Timeline

Adjudication is at the FSS level. The core selection criteria are research potential and dedication to scholarly activity. The Faculty EDSSDF Adjudication Committee is chaired by the FSS Associate Dean-Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and will include the FSS Assistant Dean-EDID and representation from FSS departments.