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Historical Accountability Student Research Fellowship

Come to Special Collections and help us open up Dartmouth's story! For project ideas and information on how to get started on research of your own, see Research at Dartmouth Library.

Each academic year, the Historical Accountability Student Research Program offers up to four full-time research fellowships for undergraduate students during an off-term. We are looking for research proposals that delve into untold or undertold stories connected to Dartmouth’s history that elucidate issues of inclusion and diversity.

During the length of your fellowship term at Rauner, you’ll pursue your own research interests related to institutional history. The fellowship will culminate in a real-world product of your choosing, which the Library will make freely available on this website.

Award and Expectations

Historical Accountability Student Research Fellows will receive a one-term stipend of $2,500, a one-term housing allowance of $3,500, and a one-term food allowance of $2,000. Students receive their housing allowance in a lump sum prior to the start of their fellowship, while the research stipend and food allowance is awarded in bi-weekly payments during their term of residence. Limited travel funding is available for projects that benefit from research at other institutions.

Fellows will be in frequent and regular residence at Rauner during their fellowship. The term will culminate in the creation of a real-world product, whether that be an academic journal article, work of literature, artistic performance, or similar accomplishment. Fellows will present the results of their project and discuss their research process at a public reception which will include a question-and-answer session. 

Because this is a full-time research position, the fellow may not be engaged in any other classes or programs during the fellowship term.

Application Process

Before submitting your application materials, you must contact and arrange to meet with Val Werner '21, the Historical Accountability Student Research Program Coordinator. He will help you find relevant materials and develop your proposal. While you don't need to have settled on a research topic before meeting, it is a good idea to come with at least one idea to discuss. You can schedule this meeting at any time during the application process, but it is recommended that you do so at least one month before you submit your proposal.

To schedule an appointment, send an email to valen.r.werner@dartmouth.edu or HASRP@dartmouth.edu, or use LibCal:

Criteria for selection will include:

  • The achievability of the project – can be completed or realized in time allotted
  • The originality of the concept – builds on other scholars’ work or is an entirely new idea
  • The extent to which Rauner's collections are at the core of the project – primary and substantive need for special collections material
  • The extent to which the project engages with issues of diversity and inclusion at Dartmouth – strongly focused on issues of diversity and inclusion
  • Faculty letter of recommendation – provides evidence of student’s ability to complete project

Application portfolio will consist of:

  • A brief description of the project (up to three pages in length)
  • List of collection(s) of interest at Rauner and how they will be used
  • Proposed term of residence
  • Resume or CV
  • One letter of support from a faculty member

To apply:

Submit your application portfolio to HASRP@dartmouth.edu. Your letter of support should be sent separately to the same address by your recommender.

The selection committee will not be able to consider your application until it has received your recommender's letter. We will notify you once we receive the letter, but you are responsible for ensuring its delivery.

Due Date

Apply now! Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are closed, but we will accept applications for Summer 2024 and after. The selection committee will review your application within two weeks of its submission and inform you of a decision regardless of the dates of your proposed fellowship term.

While applications for other future terms are welcome at any time, there is a strict deadline to be considered for Summer 2024:

  • Due date for Summer 2024 applications: April 19, 2024 (notification of the selection committee’s decision will occur no later than May 3, 2024).

Acknowledgements

Funding for a fourth Historical Accountability Student Research Fellowship is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Sphinx Foundation.

Student consulting Baker-Berry card catalog
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