Residency Requirement

Fellows are expected to be in residence in Ann Arbor for the academic years of appointment (September to May) and to participate in the activities of the Society of Fellows. Off-campus research leave during academic terms will be permitted only in rare cases, only for brief periods of time, and only upon written application to the Chair of the Society well in advance of the proposed leave. Any leave granted will count as part of the fellowship tenure.

Fellowship Deferral

In general, the Society of Fellows does not permit start date deferrals. In extremely rare situations, extenuating circumstances occur that affect a selected fellow’s ability to begin their appointment. These situations may include a medical emergency, family emergency, delay or denial of a visa to study in the United States, or natural disaster. Deferrals are only discussed following a fellowship offer. When these types of circumstances occur, the fellow may be granted a start date for the following fall. All appointment start dates must align with the first day of the fall term (non-negotiable).

Circumstances such as employment, enrollment at another institution, funding, or indecisiveness are not appropriate justifications for requesting a deferred appointment start date.

Relocation Allowance

The Society of Fellows provides a one-time relocation allowance of $2,500 (before taxes) to incoming fellows provided as reimbursement in September following the beginning of their appointment. Exceptions to this standard practice are atypical and rarely granted. In situations of extreme need and financial hardship, the relocation allowance may be requested as an advance but is not guaranteed. Incoming fellows should note that relocation monies are considered taxable income by the IRS.

Visa Sponsorship

The Society of Fellows welcomes international scholars to apply to the fellowship. The Society of Fellows will normally pursue J-1 status for its international postdocs who require sponsorship. Sponsorship of other immigration statuses (including H-1B status) is rare and will require a policy exception. International applicants who have just earned their degrees in the United States will be expected to take advantage of J-1 Academic Training (AT) or any F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) time (including STEM OPT), if available. The Society of Fellows will work with the International Center to pursue the relevant immigration status and employment authorization sponsorship, as needed, if F-1 OPT or J-1 AT are not available to an individual applicant.

Conflict Resolution

Should a conflict arise within the Society of Fellows or with the Society of Fellows Administrator, the issue should be referred to the Chair of the Society of Fellows. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Chair of the Society of Fellows, or if the issue involves the Chair, it should be referred to the Dean of the Rackham Graduate School. Any issue that cannot be resolved by the Dean should be referred to the Graduate Student Affairs Officer and Resolution Officer.