Student Success Analytics and the Center for Faculty Innovation are excited to announce a call for applicants to become a Research Fellow. Faculty and staff are critical drivers of equity, student success, and retention. Whether in our roles as classroom instructors, advisors, mentors, supervisors – we can be important agents in removing institutional barriers to success, supporting students navigate college, and empowering students for their own educational journey. Moreover, student success is becoming increasingly linked to faculty and staff success. How can we support both faculty and students to improve well-being and positive outcomes for everyone?
Selected Research Fellows work in interdisciplinary teams to explore and design a research proposal related to student and faculty success. After successful participation as a research fellow, teams are invited to apply for an implementation grant to support carrying out the research proposal.
Fall 2024 cohort application deadline is October 7th by 5pm EST.
Fall 2024 Research Fellows
To encourage evidence-based reflection, experimentation, and innovation toward equitable student success and faculty development:
- We are seeking applications of individual faculty/staff and teams (2 to about 5 faculty/staff per team) interested in exploring data-informed questions about equity, faculty/student success, and retention. Those selected would spend the Fall and Spring semester developing an interdisciplinary research proposal in teams. Selected individual applicants will be placed into a team. Looking for a partner? Scroll to the end of this page.
- Teams that have completed fellow program requirements are eligible and encouraged to apply for implementation grants to carry out their research proposal. Implementation grants can support research during spring and summer 2025 and those selected will be expected to participate in fall 2025 showcases.
Research Fellows will be selected based on the extent which:
- research interests are aligned with goal of equitable student success and faculty success
- research interests are issues of scale for JMU or could be scaled up
- team or individual can represent diversity across disciplines, divisions, methods, and experience
- applicants have not been previously selected for this program
Expectations for the Fall/Spring Semester:
- At least one person from each team will participate in two cohort zoom check-in meetings and at least two team consultations with program organizers to refine and develop ideas for a proposal. One meeting and consultation will take place after fall break and the other in late January/early February.
- Teams will work toward developing a proposal for a project that uses already existing data and research ideas, their own research questions and/or data, or new data collection and analysis that answers important questions about equity, student/faculty success, and student retention at JMU. The proposals will be due in early March.
- Each team member will receive up to $250 for their completed participation as a research fellow; this may be as a direct payment via stipend or professional development funds via department.
Teams selected for both the fellow program and implementation grants will receive support from Student Success Analytics and the Center for Faculty Innovation.
Timeline:
September 2nd: applications open
October 7th: applications due by 5pm EST
October 9th: fellows announced
October 28th -November 22nd: first cohort meeting & team consultations
January 27th - February 14th: second cohort meeting & team consultations
March 3rd: team implementation proposals due by 5pm EST
Application Information:
Please note that all applicants need to discuss and have support of their Academic Unit Head (AUH), Director, or Supervisor prior to submitting your application. Their approval is necessary for payment and support & advocacy desired for your and our work.
Preview of application questions
Link to submit your application Due October 7th by 5pm EST
Implementation grant application [preview draft will be posted eventually] Due March 3rd by 5pm EST Note: only participating research fellows are eligible for the implementation grant
Academic Success Partners:
We have identified several offices at JMU that are looking to partner with faculty/staff for this program. Please see the list below and reach out to those partners with your interests so you can apply together. NOTE: while we have provided this list to facilitate team creation, applicants are encouraged to identify other partners, work within existing relationships, or reach out to us to help with connecting teams.
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Office |
Research Questions |
Contact |
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Office of Disability Services |
What are the relationships between accommodations support and student success? What are student success and retention metrics for students with disabilities? |
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Advising |
What are the experiences of underrepresented student populations (e.g., first-generation, racial/ethnic minorities, Pell-eligible) with academic advising? |
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STAIR: Student Research & Creative Activities |
What is the landscape of undergraduate research participation at JMU? |
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Office of Faculty Success |
What are the factors that contribute to faculty staying at JMU? |
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TRIO Programs |
What impact, if any, does participating in TRIO programming have on students? |
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Professional & Continuing Education |
Sense of belonging for online students. Working student workforce outcomes. How does credit for prior learning impact persistence? |
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Learning Centers |
Who is using the Learning Centers? What impact does Learning Centers’ utilization have on students? Why do students use/not use the Learning Centers? |
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JMU Valor |
How many military-connected students are at JMU? How/where do we identify military-connected students? What opportunities/ barriers exist for military-connected students at JMU? |
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Orientation & Transitions |
Relationship between virtual orientation & student success/retention. Student identities & orientation experience. Relationship between weeks of welcome engagement & success |
2022-2023 Research Fellows
Advising: Communicating the Complexities | Daisy Breneman, Kristin Knapp, Joe Loyacano, Karen McDonnell, Paige Normand
Flourishing as an International Student: Uncovering Strengths in Non-cognitive Skills and Areas for Development | Marlena Meikrantz Sharp, Sara Finney
Identifying the Challenges and Social Support Needs of Undergraduate James Madison University Students with Mental Health Concerns | Kristi Lewis, Amy Sirocky Meck, Sarah MacDonald
Querying ISSAQ Data for Insights into Student Potential for Success in General Chemistry I | Brittany Long, Daniel Bluming, Oscar Judd
Understanding the Experiences of Students with Disabilities | Lori Hostetler, Jill Lassiter, Cathy McKay
2024 Research Fellows
