EMU Graduate Studies in English

Graduate Studies in English > Events and Awards

Events and Awards

The graduate program in English offers several awards and events each year. Below are a few examples; additional events and awards may vary by degree program and year.

Awards

English Department Award of Academic Excellence
The English Department’s Award of Academic Excellence is given each year in each area of concentration within the department. The award includes a letter of recognition and a gift. Students are nominated for this award by the graduate faculty in the department. A committee reviews the nominations each April.

Graduate Dean's Award for Research Excellence
The Graduate Dean’s Award for Research Excellence recognizes currently enrolled graduate students for excellence on a particular original research project, whether ongoing or completed. Students must have a minimum of 15 graduate credit hours completed toward the degree and be in good academic standing. The award is $250 in cash, and winners receive a plaque of recognition.

The deadlines for applications are November 15 for fall and March 15 for winter. Applications should be submitted to the Graduate Dean's Office, Starkweather Hall. For additional information and the application form, click here.

Master's Thesis Award, Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools
The University may nominate one student for this regional award. Nominees must have earned the MA degree within the calendar year from October 1 to September 30. Nomination materials include two copies of the thesis; the written endorsement of the Graduate Dean, Eastern Michigan University; a one-page resume; and two copies of an abstract. The abstract, not to exceed 300 words, describes the student’s research and its significance. It must contain the title of the thesis and the name of the author but not the name of the nominating institution. A letter from the faculty thesis director may accompany the nomination. All materials must be received by the Association by November 1. The recipient of the award receives a $500 honorarium, plus $500 toward travel expenses to the Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools.

English Department faculty are encouraged to nominate outstanding theses.

Events

Graduate Orientation
Each year the department has a graduate orientation in mid to late September. The orientation, which is for both new and returning students, provides general information and updates about graduate studies within the department. Some programs also have separate program orientations to answer more specific questions about their programs and requirements.

Departmental Fall Picnic
Every September, the department hosts a picnic at Gallup Park. All faculty, lecturers, staff, and graduate students are invited. Highlights include a softball game, plenty of food (we bring dishes to pass), and lots of good conversation. It’s a great way to kick-off the school year.

Graduate Workshops and Colloquia
Each fall and winter, programs and the department sponsor workshops and colloquia for graduate students. Workshops are offered on applying to Ph.D. programs and other pertinent topics, and colloquia are sometimes offered that feature faculty and student research.

Departmental Conference
Every winter, usually in January, the department sponsors a conference that features elementary, middle, and high school teachers and students and faculty from our own department. We usually have a keynote speaker who holds workshops in the department on the Friday preceding the conference.

Graduate Research Fair
The Graduate Research Fair is a university-wide conference that features the research of graduate students. It is put on by the EMU Graduate School. The day-long conference has numerous concurrent and poster sessions and is followed by a banquet and awards ceremony. Faculty members nominate students for participation in the Research Fair.

Year-End Graduate Celebration
Every April, the department hosts a year-end graduate celebration at which we present the department awards for academic excellence and other recognitions. This is an event where we come together to celebrate our accomplishments for the year and to enjoy one another’s company.

Department of English Language and Literature
612 Pray-Harrold | Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: (734) 487-4220 | Fax: (734) 483-9744