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     Call for Fellows – UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

Call for Fellows – UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

Freespeech, UCI Office of Inclusive Excellence

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Thank you for your interest in the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement Fellows Program.

The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement explores how the fundamental democratic and academic principles of free speech and civic engagement should enrich the discovery and transmission of knowledge in America’s colleges and universities. We are now accepting applications for our 2020-2021 Fellows Program.

About the Fellowship

Each year, the Center selects up to 10 fellows from a broad range of disciplines and backgrounds such as law, journalism, higher education, social science, technology and government.

Fellows receive funding to further the national conversation related to expression and democratic participation on college campuses including how to advance campus dialogue and further diversity and inclusion.

The Center welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply. As part of the University of California, the Center is committed to promoting diversity and equal opportunity in its education, services and administration, as well as research and creative activity.

The Center invites a wide range of projects. We are especially interested in projects that will have a direct impact on individuals and communities across and within campus constituencies. We are focused on projects that enhance our understanding of how free speech is and can be practiced in American higher education within the context of our current climate. For more information about the work of this year’s fellows (pictured above), click here.

Some examples of themes, topics and activities that fit within the Center’s mission include:

  • The interface between diversity, inclusion and free speech on campus
  • The evolving definition of academic freedom in response to the national and global climate
  • The impact of social media and other technological advancements on teaching, learning and campus discourse
  • The relationship between free expression and social justice
  • Navigating values-based polarization in higher education
  • Free speech policies and their impact on marginalized populations
  • Fostering civic engagement in higher education
  • Understanding what motivates civic engagement among different groups on campus
  • The connection between international events and expression on campus
  • Balancing civility with free speech in campus spaces
  • Physical, psychological and emotional safety in the context of free speech expression
  • Free speech challenges and community resilience

This is not a residential fellowship. Successful applicants will be awarded $20,000 to support their work, and up to $5,000 in research funds will be available as needed.

Fellows are expected to participate in two one-day colloquia with fellow award holders either on a UC campus or at the UC Center in Washington, D.C. Travel and accommodation will be covered by the Center.

Fellows are also expected to spend one week on one of the 10 UC campuses to share the progress of their project, interact with students and faculty and organize or participate in campus activities directed at furthering awareness and engagement regarding speech and civic engagement. Travel and accommodation will be covered by the Center, and support will be given to connect fellows with campus leaders.

All covered travel and research expenses will be incurred by the fellows and reimbursed by the University of California.

At the completion of the fellowship period, award holders are expected to prepare a report outlining the progress made on the project as well as detailing their campus visit experience.

Applications are due by Friday, March 6 at midnight. If you have questions, please feel free to contact freespeechcenter@uci.edu.

https://freespeechcenter.submittable.com/submit/156966/call-for-fellows 

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