Social Science Research Council

The Social Science Research Council administers initiatives aimed at supporting MMUF graduate students.  These Mellon Mays Graduate Initiatives are open only to those who were Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows.  To support post-doctorates, the SSRC hosts the

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.

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.