Promising Scholars Program

Diversity is a fundamental part of excellence in graduate studies at the University of Oregon. The academic programming and research of our campus collectively strengthens as we engage ideas and perspectives brought by individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. Promising Scholars bring underrepresented experiences and perspectives that enhance and advance their fields and are critical to the UO’s mission of excellence.

Incoming Promising Scholars | Current Promising Scholars | Past Recipients

Incoming Promising Scholars

Learn about the expectations as part of your award acceptance. If you have any questions about the award, contact the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at deigradstudies@uoregon.edu

Before Your Arrival:

Complete the short Promising Scholar Arrival Questionnaire and upload a recent headshot.
Claim your Duck ID, set up your UO email, enroll in DUO, and register for your courses through DuckWeb.
Optional - Update your UO email signature using this guide

First Term:

Attend the Promising Scholar Welcome Reception in the Graduate Student Lounge (Room 111) in Susan Campbell Hall.

Current Promising Scholars

Learn about the exclusive resources and the expectations. If you have any questions about the award, contact the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at deigradstudies@uoregon.edu

Exclusive Opportunities and Resources for Promising Scholars:

SOAR Awards: $300 award for professional development, academic, or mentoring training opportunity once per term for one year
Leaders for Change Award: $250 award for a collaborated research panel presenting at the annual Graduate Research Forum
CV and Resume consultations: Email Jody at prodevgradstudies@uoregon.edu to schedule a one-on-one and ongoing consultations.
Headshot Services: Email Ashly at commsgradstudies@uoregon.edu to schedule a time.
Individual Development Plan to focus and reach your academic goals
Commencement honor cords for Promising Scholars

Surveys:

End of the Year Questionnaire: Complete each spring term.
Graduation Survey: Complete before you graduate.

Note:

Notify the Director of Diversity and Inclusion at deigradstudies@uoregon.edu immediately if you are withdrawing from your program or transferring to another school or program.

PSA Archive of Past Recipients

The Promising Scholar Award, originally called the Fighting Fund Fellowship, was created in 1996 and renamed the Promising Scholar Award in 2007. Since 1996, more than 600 outstanding graduate students have received the award.

See the list of past PSA recipients