Medieval Institute
Financial Aid
The Medieval Institute awards a variety of teaching and non-teaching (service) assistantships to students enrolled in the MA program. In addition, the Richard Rawlinson Center’s Tashjian Study Fellowship provides support to an MA candidate who has demonstrated interest in Anglo-Saxon studies or manuscript research, typically for a summer research trip.
Teaching Assistantships
The Medieval Institute customarily employs Teaching Assistants as instructors or co-instructors of MDVL 1450, Heroes and Villains of the Middle Ages, in the Fall and Spring semesters. Teaching assistantships are usually awarded to students in good academic standing who are continuing in the MA program. Incoming students with prior teaching experience may be awarded teaching assistantships.
Non-Teaching Assistantships
The Medieval Institute customarily employs Non-Teaching Assistants in a variety of clerical and editorial capacities. Non-teaching assistantships are awarded to exceptionally promising incoming students and to students in good academic standing who are continuing in the MA program.
Application Process
The deadline for applications for assistantships for the following academic year is February 15. Applicants must submit a completed application form—together with a résumé listing teaching, clerical, and editing experience—to the Director of the Medieval Institute. Continuing students must also arrange for two letters of reference from people at WMU who are familiar with the student’s academic achievement and personal qualities. Those letters should address the student’s suitability for college teaching and/or a service assistantship.
Application Form
The assistantship application form is available in two formats, as a Microsoft Word form and as an interactive PDF file.
Assistantship Application Form (Microsoft Word form to download or complete online, print out, and submit to the Director of the Medieval Institute by February 15)
Assistantship Application Form (interactive PDF file to complete online, print out, and submit to the Director of the Medieval Institute by February 15)
Viewing PDF files requires Adobe Acrobat Reader© or comparable software. You can download the reader for free.
Selection
Assistantships are awarded at the discretion of the Director of the Medieval Institute. Teaching and Non-Teaching Assistants are chosen for their scholarship and manifest interest in the discipline as well as for their ability to perform the needed service.
Notification
In accordance with the TAU contract, notification of awards for teaching assistantships is made by March 31 for those who will be employed the following Summer Session, the following Fall and Spring Semesters, or the following Fall Semester and by December 1 for those who will be employed the following Spring Semester.
Notification of awards for non-teaching assistantships is customarily made by March 31 for the following academic year.
Photo: Display case in the hallway outside the Richard Rawlinson Center