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].
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