News From Native California - Spring 2016 Volume 29 Issue 3 | Page 41

Doctoral Opportunities in Native American Studies at UC Riverside Written by Clifford E. Trafzer 1n september 2015, the U.S. Department of Education awarded the University of California–Riverside a large grant through the Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program. The grant of $1.6 million includes matching funds from UC Riverside and will support highachieving undergraduate students from traditionally underrepresented groups working toward the Ph.D. in a field offering an academic emphasis in Native American studies. At UC Riverside, the following departments offer degrees from the B.A. to the Ph.D. that emphasize Native American studies: history, literature, art history, ethnic studies, music, dance, and anthropology. A major objective of the grant will be to train and mentor graduate students for careers in teaching, mentorship, and academic research. UC Riverside has a strong tradition of Native American studies. In 1986, Cahuilla scholar Rupert Costo endowed the first chair in the world in Native American history. In 2000, UCR created the California Center for Native Nations, a research center that works closely with Native American Student Programs and its director, Joshua Gonzales, to serve the needs of indigenous students. UCR is one of the most diverse undergraduate campuses in the United States. The campus is known for strong student programs and a genuine interest in the education and future of all students. The UCR faculty and administration hope the GAANN grant will attract more talented Native American scholars and develop a larger and more diverse graduate program. UC Riverside is ideally positioned to recruit and enroll excellent graduate students from diverse backgrounds and comprehensively prepare them for careers in teaching and research in several fields of Native American studies. The campus is located between Los Angeles and Palm Springs in the heart of Indian Country. Cahuilla, Luiseño, Cupeño, Tongva/Gabrielino, Serrano, Kumeyaay, Juaneño, Chemehuevi, and many urban Indians live in the inland area of Southern California. For academic year 2015–2016, the graduate division and GAANN program selected nine current graduate students as GAANN fellows, including five Native American students. All students re-apply every year to be considered for the award, which can cover tuition, fees, and living expenses; they also receive a stipend award based on their need. GAANN fellows serve as teaching assistants, but the grant is intended to provide students with time to complete the Ph.D. in a timely manner. Most students earn the M.A. on their academic journey to the Ph.D. In order to be considered for a GAANN fellowship, students must complete the B.A. and apply to a specific graduate program offering the Ph.D. in a Native American field. Potential fellows must be citizens of the U.S. Each department selects a new cohort of graduate students and provides awards for successful applicants. Once the student has been admitted to an appropriate graduate program at UC Riverside, they fill out the FAFSA, then apply for a GAANN fellowship. A small committee of faculty working in fields of Native American studies will select GAANN fellows based on academic achievement and need. For more information about GAANN fellowships in Native American studies at UC Riverside, email the principal investigator, Clifford Trafzer, at [email protected]. SPR IN G 2 016 ▼ 39