2024-2025 Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program
The application period for the 2024-2025 Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program is now open. The application deadline is Friday, March 15 at 5pm EST.
Sponsored by the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives, this program seeks to provide undergraduate and graduate students at UNC Greensboro with a hands-on learning opportunity in archives and academic librarianship. It is open to undergraduate and graduate students in any academic discipline. Prior work experience in a library or archives is not required, although students with a demonstrated interest in a library, archives, or public history career are preferred.
Want to learn more about the Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program? Register for one of our upcoming information sessions here:
Please note that attendance at one of these virtual information sessions is not required.
Ready to submit your application to the Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program?
Apply here
About the Fellowship Program
The Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program is designed to provide UNC Greensboro students with an intensive, hands-on experience working in an academic special collections and university archives department. During the fall 2024 semester, students will participate in an intensive training session focused on introductory readings and discussions of archival theory and practice. Each student will also participate in a series of two-week rotations within different areas of Special Collections and University Archives. These rotations will include archival arrangement and description, digitization, reference and instruction, preservation, and outreach.
In spring 2025, the Fellows will work in collaboration with the Fellowship Coordinator and other staff in Special Collections and University Archives on a project of their choice.
Additionally, throughout the academic year, the Fellows will participate in monthly workshops focused on job-training skills and professional development in academic librarianship and archival work. These workshops will be developed with the skills and interests of the Fellows in mind.
Application Timeline
The deadline to apply for the 2024-2025 Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program is Friday, March 15 at 5pm EST.
A committee composed of representatives from the University Libraries will review applications and will select the Fellows by Friday, April 19. The Fellowship Program will begin in August 2024 with the start of the fall 2024 semester. It will conclude at the end of the spring 2025 semester in April 2025.
Eligibility
The Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellowship Program is open to undergraduate or graduate student at UNC Greensboro. Fellows must be enrolled for both the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.
Students majoring in any academic discipline are invited to apply, although students with a demonstrated interest in a career in library, archives, or public history are preferred. Prior work experience in the University Libraries or in the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives is not required.
Work Schedule
Fellows will be expected to work approximately 12 hours per week during each academic semester. At least 8 hours per week will be spent on-site working in Special Collections and University Archives (virtual work must be approved in advance by the Fellowship Coordinator).
Please note that Special Collections and University Archives is open from 8am until 5pm, Monday through Friday. On-site work must be performed during our hours of operation.
Funding
The Hodges Fellowship Program will provide a stipend of $3000 per semester ($6000 per year) to each Fellow. An additional $300 will be made available for each Fellow to use for conference registration fees or other expenses related to the competition or dissemination of their Fellowship work.
Applying for the Hodges Fellowship Program
The application for the 2024-2025 Hodges Fellowship Program may be found here. Applications should include:
- Student's name
- Student’s level of study and area of study/major
- A current resume
- A brief (approximately 500 word) statement of interest, outlining the applicant's interest in becoming a Martha Blakeney Hodges Fellow (why are you interested in this position, and how might it help you in your future career?)
- Contact information for one reference who can speak to the student’s academic interest or work background (for example, a professor, an academic advisor, a work or internship supervisor, etc.)
University Libraries's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The University Libraries seek to promote and provide a culture of diversity and inclusiveness for all library patrons and library staff through their collections, programs, and services. The University Libraries define diversity as "the vibrant variety of human characteristics that combine to shape each one of us." These characteristics include not only the familiar categories of race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation, but also age, cognitive style, disability, economic or educational background, national origin, native language, marital status, affiliation, and more. Valuing diversity means recognizing that we are all shaped by numerous and varied factors, making each of us uniquely qualified to contribute to the collective goal of the libraries -- to serve the diverse information needs of our diverse user groups. We encourage applications from students from all backgrounds, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment for student research and inquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know a lot about archives or libraries, and I don’t have any work experience in those areas. Am I eligible for the Hodges Fellowship Program?
We do not expect the Fellows to come into the program with prior work experience or knowledge of archives and libraries. Perhaps you were introduced to Special Collections and University Archives in a class, and you want to learn more about the work we do. However you came to learn about archives and libraries, we're happy to have you apply, and we're happy to help you learn more about the work we do.
I have a job on campus. Am I eligible for the Hodges Fellowship Program?
Probably. It would depend on the number of hours you work in your campus job. For graduate students with assistantships, we would need to work with the Graduate School to confirm your eligibility for the Fellowship Program.
I am graduating in December. Am I eligible for the Hodges Fellowship Program?
Unfortunately, the Fellowship Program is only open to students who will be enrolled at UNCG in both the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters.
What is the minimum GPA required for participation in the Hodges Fellowship Program?
There is no minimum GPA required for participation in the Fellowship Program.
I require accommodations for a disability. Am I eligible for the Hodges Fellowship Program?
Of course! We will work with you to create a situation in which you can succeed.
I am an international student. Am I eligible for the Hodges Fellowship Program?
International students with a valid work visa are eligible for the Fellowship Program.
I will be beginning my studies at UNCG in Fall 2024. Am I eligible for the Hodges Fellowship Program?
Yes! As long as you are enrolled at UNCG in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, you are eligible for this program. That said, the application form above requires you to log in with your UNCG credentials. If you do not yet have UNCG credentials, please contact please contact program coordinator Erin Lawrimore for information on an alternate method of applying.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact Erin Lawrimore, Professor and University Archivist & Student Engagement Coordinator in the Martha Blakeney Hodges Special Collections and University Archives.