Award Description, Selection Criteria and Process
The John Mohan Russian Study Award is a needs-based award available to both graduating students and undergraduates. The award is designated and intended primarily to fund projects and study abroad opportunities in the Russian language after graduation, but awards can also be made to current Russian language students who need to take a course in the United States or abroad during the summer.
Post-graduate awards are meant to provide graduating seniors who have seriously pursued the study of Russian with an opportunity to develop their language skills in the Russian-speaking world through a program or project of their own design. Under certain circumstances, the award may be used by students of sophomore standing or higher, who have completed at least one year of Russian language study; in these cases students may pursue the study of Russian in a summer language program in the US or in Russia. For post-graduation projects, students must use the award within 18 months following graduation.
Projects that have the effect of developing Russian language skills are favored and these may include: structured study programs (such as an ACTR semester), volunteerships, or internships, which have cultural, political or social value. The award is not intended for students engaged in profit-making activities. Projects that immerse the student in the Russian language are preferred.
Students who apply for this Award should have pursued the study of Russian in a serious way. Usually that means that at least two years of college-level Russian have been completed. The Russian department can furnish interested students with application forms as well as advising assistance. Most years, applications are due by March 1st, although the contact person in the Russian Department may change that date. Awards are generally announced by April 30th.
This award is need-based, and designed to provide opportunities for contact with the cultures in the Russian speaking world. Students who have not had the opportunity previously to study in the region are favored, although recipients in the past who have already been to the region have proposed interesting projects that have been funded.
Completed applications should be submitted to the Chair of the Russian Department. S/he will consult with the other members of the department and add departmental comments to the applications. All applications with departmental comments are distributed to a review committee that consists of a member of the Russian Department designated by the Chair, and alumnae founders of the Award.
The Award is drawn from funds raised by three devoted friends of the Russian Department: Diane Fisher Perkinson '82, Sharon McKee '82 and Emily Silliman '81.
