
The Medieval Institute awards a variety of teaching and research application (service) assistantships to students enrolled in the M.A. program. In addition, the Richard Rawlinson Center’s Tashjian Study Fellowship provides support to an M.A. candidate who has demonstrated interest in Anglo-Saxon studies or manuscript research, typically for a summer research trip. The institute's Conference Exchange Grant supports travel to Imbas, an interdisciplinary conference for graduate student scholars, hosted annually by the National University of Ireland, Galway.
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 M.A. program. Incoming students with prior teaching experience may be awarded teaching assistantships.
The Medieval Institute customarily employs research application assistants in a variety of clerical, editorial, and research capacities. Research Application assistantships are awarded to exceptionally promising incoming students and to students in good academic standing who are continuing in the M.A. program.
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 employment in a clerical, editorial, or research position.
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)
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Assistantships are awarded at the discretion of the Director of the Medieval Institute. Teaching and research application assistants are chosen for their scholarship and manifest interest in Medieval Studies as well as for their ability to perform the needed service.
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 research application assistantships is customarily made by March 31 for the following academic year.
Photo: Display case in the hallway outside the Richard Rawlinson Center