Promoting collaborative research on ideas central to the pressing issues of our time.

Colloquia Details and Application

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The purpose of the colloquia is to bring together scholars from interdisciplinary fields around a theme, topic, or project in order to create new energies and conversations in spaces that may not otherwise occur.  The Institute will function as an intellectual home for up to five groups each academic year, and can provide support such as publicity for events and room reservations.

 Colloquia meetings can consist of readings and discussion, writing workshops, or guest speakers and other presentations. Groups may invite speakers or other visitors for public events. Two faculty coordinators will be responsible for ensuring regular meetings of the group, communicating with the Associate Director, and submitting a year-end report detailing the important outcomes of the year for the participants as well as all expenditures for the year. All non-tenured and tenure-track faculty members are eligible to serve as coordinators; however, at least one coordinator should be from the College of Liberal Arts. Group members should consist of a mix of faculty members and graduate students, from at least two departments within the University and/or Commonwealth campuses. Funding of up to $1500 is available for materials and honoraria. Examples for the use of funds include books for reading groups, honorarium and/or travel for invited speakers, project based needs, etc. A small food/refreshment budget is also possible for working meetings. Please be advised that the funds will be managed by an Administrative Staff member in the coordinator’s home department, and that all expenditures should be included in the year-end report.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  March 25, 2024

Review Process

Proposals will be evaluated and recommendations made to the Director by the Institute’s Advisory Board. Awards will be announced by mid-May, 2024.

Final Report and Acknowledgements

Coordinators of groups funded in 2023-24 may re-apply for the 2024-2025 round. Year-end reports should be included in the application and will be taken into account for continued support. Coordinators not reapplying should submit a report on their project no later than thirty days after the end of the academic year. Please note that all expenditures for the year should be included in the year-end report.

Appropriate acknowledgment of the Institute’s support must be given in all presentations, publications, and other related group activities.

Application Procedure and Requirements

Applications that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

Collaborative Colloquia Coordinators should submit a single application. All materials must be submitted via the form below by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024. All applicants will receive an email receipt; please email humanities@psu.edu if you do not hear back within one week. All applications must include the following in one PDF document:

  1. Abbreviated CVs (3-4 pages) of two faculty members functioning as coordinators
  2. Proposal (not to exceed 1000 words) including:
    • Name of group
    • Topic Description, including scholarly/artistic significance
    • Outline of 6 (minimum) meetings over the 2024-2025 academic year, including a tentative schedule of when the group intends to meet
  3. Budget proposal for how the funds will be spent, up to $1500. (Please note that groups will be awarded a particular amount based on needs specified, which is different than in years past.)
  4. Names and email addresses of at least 4 faculty/students who have agreed to take part

CONTACT

For more information on Humanities Institute Funding Opportunities, please contact us.

814-865-0495 (phone)
814-863-8349 (fax)

103 Ihlseng Cottage
University Park, PA 16802