Program Overview

Belmont University Fellows are appointed to a 12-month, full-time contract (with University benefits) that includes teaching (up to three courses per semester, but not less than two courses per semester) each year (including summer teaching/research assignments), under the guidance and supervision of the Faculty Mentor.  The Fellow is engaged in scholarly activity with the Faculty Mentor and Belmont students.  Fellows begin their two-year fellowship on June 1; exceptions may occur.

The Fellow will regularly participate in sessions, programs and activities provided by the Teaching Center for the Fellows and for the first- and second-year faculty development groups.  Fellows and mentors will also participate in general Teaching Center activities available to all faculty.

Purpose

The Office of the Provost and the Welcome Home Diversity Council developed the Belmont University Fellows Program as a post-doctoral teaching and research program designed to provide a comprehensive, university-level teaching and research training experience for future faculty members to under-represented groups. The program is designed as a two-year program where the Fellow works directly with one, or more, exceptionally talented faculty mentors at Belmont to develop a strong portfolio of experiences for those interested in pursuing a career at teaching-intensive institutions. In addition to being focused on supporting the careers of those who are traditionally under-represented in their discipline, consistent with Belmont hiring practices, Fellows must also be practicing Christians. Preference is given to candidates who have recently completed their terminal degree or have completed all requirements for their degree, except for their dissertation, and will be completing the dissertation within the first six months of their appointment as a Fellow at Belmont.

Responsibilities of the Fellow

Fellow appointments are governed by Belmont University Policy. The purpose of a fellow appointment is to provide the holder of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree with additional teaching, service and scholarly training for an academic career. Thus, the role of Fellow appointees is clearly differentiated from full-time faculty. Fellow appointments are characterized by all of the following conditions:

• The contract is provisional, written for one year and renewed after successful completion of the first year.
• The contract primarily involves teaching, service and scholarship.
• The Fellow’s activity is viewed as preparatory for a full-time academic career.
• The Fellow works under the mentorship and supervision of a faculty member.
• The Fellow has the freedom and is expected to publish the results of their research or scholarship during the period of the appointment.

Appointment as a Fellow carries with it an obligation to the mentor, the Department with which the fellow is associated and the University. These obligations include:

• The conscientious discharge of teaching, service and scholarly responsibilities.
• Conformance to ethical standards in research.
• Open and timely discussion with the mentor regarding all facets of the Fellow's research activities.
• Prompt disclosure to the mentor regarding the possession and desire to distribute materials, software, copyrightable and potentially-patentable discoveries derived from the Fellow's work.
• Collegial conduct towards members of the research faculty and others.
• Compliance with all applicable university policies and applicable terms of any sponsored agreement which provides support for the Fellow.

• The Fellow shall follow the program manual and will be expected to perform as a full-time employee at the location at which they are assigned. 

Proof of doctoral degree

To be eligible for a fellow appointment at Belmont, international applicants must hold an advanced degree that is equivalent to those provided by U.S. institutions. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide transcripts that certify that they have received their degree, and it is the responsibility of the mentor to make sure that the documentation is satisfactory. Belmont University does not hire persons requiring financial support for VISAs. Originals of transcripts will be kept in the Provost’s office.  If the applicant has completed all requirements toward the advanced degree but has not received their degree, they must provide the documents certifying their status has been affirmed in its final form, including all necessary signatures, and indicate the date that the degree will be conferred.  In no case will a fellow appointment be made unless the applicant’s degree has been formally approved by the degree-granting institution. This same rule applies to applicants receiving their degree from Belmont University. There may be an occasion in which a future Fellow is appointed to an adjunct or full-time position at Belmont. Such an appointment should follow normal procedures for filling the position.