When do applications open?
Applications for Scholars-in-Residence open in January. Please check our website for the Call for Applications when it is posted.
What is the time commitment for the program?
Scholars-in-Residence is a full-time commitment during the program period (4 weeks in May). It is a very intensive program, and students are normally expected to devote full time and energy to it during the month of May, without pursuing other studies or employment.
In exceptional circumstances, students who are accepted into the program may request permission to take one course or accept up to 15 hours of other employment per week (not both, and not more) alongside participation in SiR, as long as the course or work schedule does not conflict with scheduled SiR research and other program activities. Even in exceptional cases where permission is granted, you must attend all SiR working sessions as scheduled by your supervisor and for the group activities scheduled for your session (i.e., St George, UTM, or UTSC).
Can I work or take courses during the Scholars-in-Residence program?
In exceptional circumstances, students who are accepted into the program may request permission to take one course or accept up to 15 hours of other employment per week (not both, and not more) alongside participation in SiR, provided that the course or work schedule does not conflict with scheduled SiR research and other program activities. You must attend all SiR working sessions as scheduled by your supervisor and for the group activities scheduled for your session (i.e., St George, UTM, or UTSC).
Do SiR participants have to live in residence for the duration of the program?
From its inception, SiR has been an immersive, residential experience. SiR’s organizers believe strongly in the importance of community; the program is partly intended to create space for extra-curricular conversations and learning among a highly motivated and multi-disciplinary cohort of students. In fact, we often hear from students who have completed the program that the residential aspect was among the most unique and rewarding parts of Scholars-in-Residence. For all of these reasons, we do indeed expect all participants in the in-person SiR program to live in residence.
Do I need letters of recommendation?
The Scholars-in-Residence application requires the names and email addresses of two referees; it’s important to get your referees’ permission before including them as such. However, please inform your referees that SiR does not require formal letters of recommendation. Instead, our supervisors may reach out for brief, informal assessments via email or phone. Only the referees of short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Does the program cost anything?
No, Scholars-in-Residence does not cost students anything; in fact, accepted RAs are paid a $1,000 stipend. Participants in the in-person session are also given a complimentary residence room and a partial meal plan.
Can graduating students apply?
Yes, students set to graduate in June are eligible and welcome to apply. Students who have already graduated are not eligible; participants must be currently-enrolled undergraduates at U of T.
I have another question about Scholars-in-Residence.
Please send any inquiries to scholars.in.residence@utoronto.ca.