1) Q. Do I have to contact a specific department? Do I send my recommendations to a specific department?
No, please do not send your applications to specific academic departments. Please send all materials to this address only:

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee
c/o Center for Africana Studies
Johns Hopkins University
Greenhouse 118
3400 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD. 21218

*We cannot guarantee receipt of materials sent to any other address.

2) Q. Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply? Can international candidates apply?
International candidates can apply. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen but if you are not, you will need to obtain the appropriate visas before you teach in the U.S., if you have not already done so.

3) Q. What academic areas can apply? I am a (anthropologist, sociologist, etc.). Am I excluded from applying?
This year, the fellowship is themed oriented, on the “Concepts of Diaspora”. Applications should have this theme. Applications with other themes will not be considered.

4) Q. Is there an age limit? When do I have to have my Ph.D.? Do I have to have received my Ph.D. before I apply?
There is no age limit. We only ask that you not have gotten your Ph.D. before June 30, 2004, but that you must have received it before you begin teaching for the fellowship on June 30, 2009. You do not need your Ph.D. in hand at the time of application.

5) Q. What kinds of courses can be taught? What does an acceptable academic statement of research and teaching proposals consist of?
Courses may be upper or lower level undergraduate courses that are both unique in that they are your interests, and that they fill a niche in the department to which the committee assigns you. There is no limit on the length of the academic statement, but it is recommended that you keep your proposals as concise as possible. Background on previous teaching experiences and pedagogy methods are welcomed.

7) Q. Can I email my application letter/CV/proposals to you?
No, please mail to address listed in answer #1.

8) Q. Can I have my reference letters emailed to you by the recommenders? What if I
can not reach my recommender?
Yes, recommenders may email their letters to cpoux1@jhu.edu. Emailed letters must be followed by a hard copy. We will only accept recommendation letters postmarked after the deadline. PLEASE SEE NEXT QUESTION.

9) Q. When is the deadline?
The application postmark deadline is Friday, November 14, 2008. In order for the committee to read applications in a timely manner, we can only guarantee the full consideration of your application if you application is complete by Friday, November 28th. After this date, complete applications will have already been sent to the committee. It is in your best interest to ask for letters early, and mail your application by the deadline. Incomplete applications are not considered.

10) Q. How will I know that my application was received in full?
Applicants will be notified when we have started their file provided the information we have contains a valid email address. After that, we will notify you when your application is complete.

11) Q. When can I expect notification on the committee’s decisions?
If at any point your application is no longer under consideration, you will be notified via email.