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
Please refer to your original award offer letter in your original admissions application portal for award expectations and disbursement schedules. If you have any questions about your 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.
- Your first award disbursement typically clears the Student Billing office in Week 2 of Fall term. To avoid any delays, register for at least one of your Fall courses as early as possible. Consult your program for guidance on which courses to enroll in.
- Optional - Sign up for direct deposit for the quickest and most secure access to your award funds. If you do not set up direct deposit, a check will be mailed to your mailing address on file in DuckWeb.
- Optional - Update your UO email signature using this guide.
- Optional - Request visibility campaign materials for Promising Scholars and those who support you like the email banner below, including door signs and stickers.
First Term:
- Attend the Promising Scholar Welcome Reception and Dinner in the Graduate Student Lounge (Room 111) in Susan Campbell Hall. Meet Promising Scholars, learn about exclusive resources, and enjoy a healthy meal
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
Early June Before Your First and Second Summer:
- All summer award disbursement typically clears the Student Billing office in early July. You do not need to be enrolled in summer courses to receive your award funds, however, to avoid any delays, register for at least one of your upcoming Fall courses as early as possible to maintain your active student status. Consult your program for guidance on which courses to enroll in.
Exclusive Opportunities and Resources for Promising Scholars:
- SOAR Awards: $300 award for the attendance of one professional development, academic, or mentoring training opportunity once per term for one year
- Leaders for Change Award: $250 award for a collaborated research focused on addressing an important issue impacting your community and presenting this research as a panel
- CV and Resume consultations: Email prodevgradstudies@uoregon.edu to schedule a one-on-one and ongoing consultations.
- Headshot Services: Email commsgradstudies@uoregon.edu to schedule a time.
- Commencement honor cords for Promising Scholars
- Request visibility campaign materials for Promising Scholars and those who support you including door signs and stickers .
Surveys:
- End of the Year Questionnaire: Complete each spring term.
- Graduation Survey: Complete before you graduate.
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.
Promising Scholar Welcome Reception
