Home » How to Apply » FAQs

FAQs

What does “mid-career” mean?

Most successful applicants have been in the workforce for at least five years, and they have made a significant contribution to their profession, vocation, field, or constituency. Examples of contributions include, but are not limited to, founding an organization, spearheading a successful organizing drive, administering a government program, developing a social policy, implementing a curriculum or training program, and producing several noteworthy pieces of art (literature, painting, poetry, etc.).

May non-U.S. citizens apply? May out-of-state or non-U.S. residents apply?

Non-U.S. citizens are welcome to apply. Out-of-state or non-U.S. residents may apply but should be aware that the program is designed primarily for New York City residents. The fellowship does not offer housing.

What are the tuition benefits and stipend for Revson Fellows?

The Revson Fellowship guarantees coverage for six units of credit (the equivalent of two courses) per semester. Fellows may also audit an unlimited number of courses. In addition, 2009-2010 Revson Fellows will receive a stipend for the academic year. This stipend is received in three installments over the course of the nine months. The stipend for 2009-2010 is $28,000. Fellows may also choose to receive a full year of student health insurance, which is covered by the fellowship.

Is the stipend taxable?

Columbia does not withold taxes on the stipend checks but the stipend is in many cases considered taxable income. The Fellowship cannot provide tax advise to Fellows and strongly encourages Fellows to consult an accountant.

What are the educational prerequisites for applicants?

There are no educational prerequisites for the Revson Fellowship, and the program strives to include fellows of diverse educational backgrounds. Most fellows hold at least a high school diploma, and all applicants should feel comfortable working in a university environment.

Which courses at Columbia are available to me?

The vast majority of courses at Columbia University are available to Revson Fellows. Like all students, Revson Fellows must meet departmental requirements for enrollment. These requirements vary from department to department. In rare cases (for example, core classes in the Journalism School and workshop classes in the School of the Arts), non-degree students are not permitted to enroll in courses. With these exceptions, we encourage you to sketch out your ideal course program in your application. The Revson Fellowship assists fellows in gaining admission into the courses of their choice.

As a Revson Fellow, may I enter a degree program at Columbia?

Although the Revson Fellowship is not primarily designed for full-time degree candidates, some fellows do enroll in degree programs upon approval by the director of the fellowship. Most fellows do not enroll in degree programs. Instead, they take advantage of the freedom to select courses from various schools and departments to suit their self-designed study programs.

Because tuition benefits are provided by Columbia University, all fellows are enrolled at Columbia University and may be enrolled in Columbia University degree programs. Tuition benefits can also cover individual courses at the Columbia’s affiliate institutions (Barnard College, Teachers College, Jewish Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary), but tuition benefits are not applicable for students who are enrolled in degree programs at these affiliate institutions at the time of their Revson Fellowship.

Do tuition benefits cover Columbia summer session courses or courses taken at other universities?

No. Tuition covers only courses taken at Columbia University during the fall and spring semesters.

How much time are Fellows expected to commit to the Revson Fellowship?

Fellows are expected to devote three days per week to their program on campus during the academic year. In addition to individual commitments, all fellows must attend the weekly Revson seminars, where they meet one another and host external speakers. Requirements are fully outlined in the brochure and on the website.

Do Revson Fellows continue working during their Fellowship period?

Fellows are expected to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the university. The Revson Fellowship requires a commitment of three days per week for the eight and a half months of the academic year (September to early May). If fellows continue to work, it is strongly urged that they cut back on other time commitments in order to reap the full benefits of their time at the university.

In describing my study program, do I need to identify specific courses or professors?

Successful programs of study try to be as specific as possible in areas study, possible courses, etc. We advise you to do some research on faculty, courses, and seminars that might address your interests. Wherever possible, you should integrate university resources into your program of study in order to give the selection committee an idea of how you will spend your time at Columbia. Fellows take at least two courses each semester, so your proposal should identify at least four courses.  Successful applications describe why the courses are of interest to the applicant rather than simply listing the courses. You can also identify faculty members you would want to work with. In the interest of space, we recommend that you limit your course selections to no more than 6-8 courses. Information found in the Program of Study section will assist you in designing your program of study.

I can only find course listings for the current and past semesters. How do I know what courses will be offered next year?

Columbia does not post course information for the following year in advance. Applicants should base their program of study proposal on past course offerings. Courses found on the Course Directory and through department websites and school bulletins can be used in the program of study. Applicants should not worry about the days and times that courses are offered as this will likely change each year. Once selected, Fellowship staff will assist Fellows in selecting courses that fit their schedules. Fellows will often need to have some degree of flexibility in their schedules to be able to take the courses of greatest interest to them. While some courses are offered in the evening, many meet during the day.

Should I contact professors and/or departments to obtain permission to take a course or to get more information?

No. We ask that applicants refrain from contacting professors or departments. You should write your program of study proposal with the assumption that you would have permission to take a course or engage in an independent study with a faculty member. The Fellowship Office obtains permission for Fellows once they are selected into the program.

What if I have trouble finding classes or have questions about designing my program of study?

Please contact the Revson Fellowship Office for assistance (212-854-6029 or revson@columbia.edu).

If I am selected as a nominee, when must I decide whether to accept the Fellowship?

Because the program wishes to respond to all applicants in a timely fashion, we ask that nominees be prepared to accept the fellowship when it is offered. If a nominee requires an extended interval, he or she may take up to a week to accept or decline the fellowship.

I applied in the past. Can I receive a copy of my application or reactivate my letters of recommendation?

No. To protect applicant privacy, applications from previous years are destroyed. The Selection Committee will make their decision based only on your new application.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Questions that are not addressed in the FAQ may be addressed to the Revson Fellowship by phone at (212) 854-6029 or by e-mail.