Reference Letters for Mellon Master’s Fellowship Application

The goal of the American Indian College Fund’s Mellon Master’s Fellowship Program is to increase the number of tribal college faculty members with master’s degrees in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Staff members with teaching duties who are likely to become faculty may also apply. The Fund hopes these fellowships can assist you in developing community members into faculty members. We are grateful for your willingness to provide a letter of reference for one of the applicants to this fellowship program. Please address the following questions:

1. Does this applicant have your full support to apply for the fellowship and pursue a master’s degree? Will it be possible for the applicant to do graduate studies while performing her/his duties at your TCU?
2. How long have you known the applicant, and how would you rank the applicant’s overall ability and likelihood to complete a master’s degree and potentially go on to a doctorate?
3. How important is the applicant’s completion of a master’s to your tribal college and community?
4. How would you characterize the applicant’s commitment to their tribal college community?

One additional professional who has agreed to act as your reference should complete a letter according to the guidelines.

The goal of the American Indian College Fund’s Mellon Master’s Fellowship Program is to increase the number of tribal college faculty members with master’s degrees in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Staff members with teaching duties who are likely to become faculty may also apply. The Fund and the Mellon Foundation hope that Fellows will eventually complete doctoral degrees. We are grateful for your willingness to provide a letter of reference for an applicant to this fellowship program. Please address the following questions:

1. How long have you known the applicant, and how would you describe the applicant’s overall academic ability and personal qualities necessary for completing graduate studies?
2. How would you characterize the applicant’s commitment and ability to contribute to their tribal college community?

For questions or additional information, please contact the College Fund’s Faculty Development Program Officer at 303-430-5325.