Swenson Family Fellowship

Swenson Family Fellowship in Eastern Christian Manuscript Studies for Junior Scholars

For graduate students or postdoctoral scholars with demonstrated expertise in the languages and cultures of Eastern Christianity. Awardees must be undertaking research on some aspect of Eastern Christian studies requiring use of the digital or microfilm manuscript collections at HMML. Postdoctoral scholars are understood to be those who at the time of application are within three years of being awarded a doctoral degree. The program welcomes international applicants, but does not sponsor J visas.

  • Funder

    Established in 2012 by Dr. Gregory T. and Jeannette Swenson, with their son Nicholas Swenson

  • Awarded

    Semi-annually

  • Number

    At its discretion, HMML may choose to award more than one fellowship per cycle

  • Amount

    $2,500 – $5,000, based on project proposal and length of residency (two to six weeks)
Swenson Scholar Swenson Scholar

Notices

Apply for a Fellowship at HMML

Scholar Resources

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Use of funds

  • Funds may be applied toward travel to and from Collegeville, housing and meals at Saint John’s University, and costs related to duplication of HMML’s microfilm or digital resources (up to $500)
  • Fellowships may be supplemented by other sources of funding, but may not be held simultaneously with another HMML award
  • Stipend holders must wait at least two years before re-applying

Application deadline

  • March 15 for residencies between July and December of the same year
  • October 15 for residencies between January and June of the following year

Application submission

  • Letter of application with current applicant contact information, the title of the project, length of the proposed residency at HMML and its projected dates, and the amount requested (up to $5,000)
  • Description of the project to be pursued, with an explanation of how HMML’s resources are essential to the successful completion of the project; applicants are advised to be as specific as possible about which resources will be needed (maximum length: 1,000 words). Use the online Reading Room and contact the curator in charge of your subject area to shape your project proposal. Though priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate the necessity for accessing microfilm and uncataloged digital materials that are exclusively available on site, all applications are welcome
  • Updated curriculum vitae
  • Confidential letter of recommendation by an adviser, thesis director, mentor, or, in the case of post-doctoral candidates, a colleague who is a good judge of the applicant’s work

Applicants

  • Send all materials as email attachments to fellowships@hmml.org
  • Add “Swenson Fellowship” in the subject line

Letter of recommendation authors

  • Send letter directly as email attachment to fellowships@hmml.org
  • Add “Swenson Fellowship + applicant’s name” in the subject line

Fellowship FAQs

Fellowships give people the time, space, and resources to pursue innovative research projects in the retreat-like setting of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML), located on the campus of Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Eligibility

Read through the specific fellowship page you plan to apply for to ensure your project is appropriate, as each fellowship has unique criteria.
HMML prioritizes projects that demonstrate a need to use on-site resources that are not otherwise available. It is advised that you explore HMML Reading Room (vHMML) to see which collections are available online.
If you have received a fellowship from HMML, you must wait two years from your application date to apply for another fellowship.
Yes! HMML’s resources are free and open to all. To reserve a time for your research visit, please complete a “Visiting Scholars” application form. Learn about practical information for traveling and staying at HMML on the Practical Information for Fellows and Visiting Scholars page.

Application Requirements

HMML offers three different types of fellowships. Please check the webpage of each fellowship for the requirements.
HMML considers two primary criteria for fellowship application:
  • The demonstrated need to visit HMML in person to examine on-site resources.
  • The suitability of the proposal for HMML’s collection.
Submit questions to fellowships@hmml.org. Please note that HMML has a small staff that handles a large number of inquiries from researchers worldwide; response times may vary.

Submitting Your Application

Send all application materials as email attachments to fellowships@hmml.org. In the subject line of the email, please identify the fellowship you are applying for.

For Accepted Fellows

At a minimum, you must give HMML a 3–4 weeks’ notice before your arrival to ensure everything is prepared for your visit.

Please note HMML staff are available during HMML’s office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Private study rooms are offered to fellows for the duration of their visit, and can be accessed during the open hours of Alcuin Library at Saint John’s University.

When planning your visit to HMML, please keep in mind that there are dates throughout the year when HMML is closed or has limited hours. HMML cannot host fellows or visiting scholars from December 17–January 15 due to Winter break. HMML is also closed for holidays and has shorter hours during the summer months.
No. Fellows are required to have continuous residency. In rare circumstances and cases of special need, HMML will consider a request to divide the award.
Yes. Fellows are welcome to extend their stay; however, the amount of the fellowship stipend cannot be increased. After the fellowship period ends, the researcher will assume responsibility for all expenses.
No. HMML cannot provide sponsorship for visas. We recommend using VisaWizard to determine the specific requirements for your travel.

Applicants from outside the United States are encouraged to apply for HMML fellowships and as visiting scholars. In order for HMML staff to fully support visiting researchers, fluency in spoken English is required.

HMML strongly encourages international visitors to ensure that their visa and documentation are prepared and complete before arriving in the United States.

Applicants planning to stay on the Saint John’s University campus or at the College of Saint Benedict must purchase health insurance in advance of the visit, and will be asked to show proof of coverage. Insurance plans for travelers to the United States are available from numerous online providers at reasonable cost.

Questions

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