The Gardner Fellows represent a diverse community of early career researchers in higher education within the University of California system.
CSHE sponsors this one-year fellowship, named after UC President Emeritus David P. Gardner, for doctoral students who represent multiple academic disciplines and write dissertations on one or more issues in higher education. This broad range of seminar participants creates a unique community of early career higher education researchers within the University of California system.
Award
This is a $3,000 fellowship for doctoral students.
Once selected, Gardner Fellows will be affiliated with CSHE for an academic year, during which they are expected to attend Gardner Seminars remotely every other week for two hours. There will be at least 14 Seminars during the academic year. For each session, Fellows engage with prominent educational scholars and administrative leaders from the University of California system, the nation and the world. Gardner Fellows are also expected to present their own dissertation research and to provide constructive feedback to their colleagues. Upon completion of the seminar, they will receive a $3,000 stipend.
This fellowship also provides an in-person professional development workshop at Berkeley campus during the academic year.
The Gardner Fellows have the opportunity to:
● Learn from scholars about their current research;
● Gain exposure to a range of disciplines that are related to higher education;
● Broaden their understanding of different research tools and methodologies;
● Present and develop their own dissertation work;
● Explore potential career paths; and
● Create a community of early career higher education researchers
2024-25 Application Opens May 1- June 15
Info session for prospective applicants on May 14, 10-11am: please register here.
To Apply
Applications for 2024-2025 will be accepted between May 1 - June 15, 2024.
UC registered doctoral students from all disciplines are eligible to apply. Applicants should emphasize how their research focuses on one or more issues in higher education. Successful applications usually have a clear description of research questions, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies.
Priority will be given to PhD candidates who are at the advanced stage in their graduate programs.
Doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds and campuses are especially encouraged to apply. International students are also encouraged to apply.
Application materials should include:
- Cover letter
- Application Form
- CV
- Dissertation Summary (1,200 words max)
- Letter of endorsement from dissertation advisor
Please note that the enrollment is kept to 11 graduate students.
Questions? Please fill out this form to attend an info session with previous Gardner Fellows.
Please email cshe@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) for more information.