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The Office of Faculty Development invites applications for a new cohort of Scholarly Writing Fellows (SWFs) for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

SWFs work with faculty and librarian writers across campus to carve out time to meet their writing goals in writing circles. SWFs launch and lead one writing circle each semester, although SWFs can choose to lead only for one semester. SWFs will facilitate each session and guide their writing community by leading conversation, writing goal setting and planning the weekly meeting format to meet the needs of the group.

Over the academic year, SWFs not only benefit from developing new connections with other writers, but also from having dedicated time for their own scholarly writing. As an additional benefit, SWFs receive a $250 research stipend per circle (i.e. $500 for the academic year, if leading a circle each semester).

The SWF Program is open to all full-time faculty and librarians at UMass Amherst. SWFs must commit to participating in one two-hour training session on August 26 at 10 a.m., another check-in meeting prior to Spring 2026 (to be likely held in January prior to the start of classes) and an end-of-year check-out in May. These trainings and meetings will help SWFs become oriented to the process and principles of running writing circles.

Throughout the year, fellows also receive guidance from Rebecca Dingo, OFD senior fellow and associate director, to support the implementation of their writing circle.

Appointments will be made for up to six fellows. Applications are due Friday, June 27.

To learn more about the fellowship or to apply, visit the OFD’s website.