FAQ

A selection committee comprised of faculty and administrators will review applications and choose applicants for interviews. Applications are typically due in early April, and decisions made at the end of April. Four students are selected as Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellows.

Applicants are selected based on the following criteria:

• Academic promise;
• Potential for a faculty career in academia in core Mellon fields of study, and particularly in the arts, humanities and social sciences;
• Contribution to diversity in their designated fields of study;
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding the barriers faced by underrepresented minorities, breaking down stereotypes, and increasing understanding across racial and ethnic groups;
• Commitment to participating fully and enthusiastically in all aspects of the MMUF program, including attendance at conferences and meetings; and
• as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, undocumented or DACAmented status.

All students who are at least Sophomores and who have at least 2 more years left in their academic career at CSUSB are welcome to apply for MMUF, though applications are particularly encouraged from African-Americans, Latinos and Latinas, Native Americans, and other under­represented minorities (URM).

The time commitment varies as your research projects progress. Typically, fellows should anticipate spending approximately 10 hours/week attending workshops and activities and working on their independent projects. Fellows will meet weekly at Mellon workshops. Also, fellows are expected to meet regularly with their Mellon faculty mentor. Throughout the academic year, fellows will work on making active progress on their independent research and preparation for graduate school. Summer months should be dedicated to research or other professional development opportunities related to these academic goals, such as the First Summer Fellowship Program (FSFP) in June, and the CSUSB Extended Summer Opportunity in August.

Students must be sophomores/juniors and must have at least 2 years left, though the Mellon funding will only cover 2 years, even if they stay on longer. 

Sophomores or juniors, who:

1. Have a passion for research, teaching, mentorship, and genuinely open to a career in higher education
2. U.S. student (citizen, permanent resident, DACAmented ,or undocumented)
3. Genuinely considering graduate study in a Mellon designated field,
4. Committed to the goals of MMUF.
5. A minimum GPA of 3.5

Yes! The MMUF program is seeking students who enjoy research and want to get the most out of their education.

A fellowship is an agreement to conduct research and participate in a program. In exchange, fellows receive financial support, mentorship, and other benefits.