Social Science Research Council
A partner of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship program, the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) administers the Mellon Mays Graduate Initiatives. As a Mellon Fellow, you may participate in any of the events charted and described below.
Summer Conference
For first to third year graduate students, SSRC's Summer Conference includes presentations and other activities that socialize fellows into the early years of doctoral training and into the national Mellon Mays community.
Pre-doctoral Research Development Grant
Available to second through fifth year students, this grant may be used for small scale, preliminary research and other activities that support the early investigation of data sources, field sites, data sets and archival materials.
Graduate Studies Enhancement Grant
Available to second through fifth year students, this grant may be used to defray the cost of conference travel, equipment, books, journal subscriptions, software and other necessary supplies.
The Proposal Writing & Dissertation Seminar
Open to 2nd to 6th year PhD students, this four-day seminar addresses common concerns arising in the process of preparing the dissertation proposal, and in writing the dissertation itself. The seminar schedule includes a considerable amount of time for writing, focus on the individual project in small group sessions, one-on-one consultations with Mellon faculty mentors, and training in the practice of collegial critique.
Preparing for the Professoriate Seminar
For fellows who have completed or are close to completing the dissertation, this three-day seminar focuses on preparing fellows for the academic job market, and provides information about postdoctoral appointments, fellowships and other opportunities. There are presentations on the preparation of the CV, the composition of cover letters, and the drafting of an appropriate job talk as well as discussion about turning the dissertation into a book or a series of publishable articles, as appropriate.
Dissertation Writing Retreat
Open to advanced dissertation-stage fellows requiring high levels of self-direction to finish the writing process, this Retreat is held twice annually and brings together 12-15 fellows for four days of independent work on the dissertation project. The Retreat supports the development of a structure for productivity with specific, self-defined marks of progress leading to dissertation completion.
PhD Retreat
Held in odd-numbered years beginning in 2007, the three-day PhD Retreat takes place in January during the academic winter break. It brings together Mellon PhDs to exchange ideas, update networks and engage the key issues and challenges facing junior-faculty. The program includes special sessions led by more senior Mellon PhDs, acclaimed editors, and leading researchers on teaching, publishing, doing research, transitioning into the administration, and attaining tenure.
