January 11, 2023
Frances Nkechi Adiukwu
University of Port Harcourt
Dear Dr. Frances Adiukwu,
Congratulations! It is my great pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to the 2023-2024 cohort of the
University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program, organized by the African Studies Center (ASC) at
the University of Michigan (U-M). With your acceptance to the UMAPS program you join a prestigious group of more
than 200 academic staff from African universities who have taken part in the program since 2009.
Your acceptance is for the F23 cohort, for which the program dates are August 1 – December 20, 2023. Please note that
we have not been able to honor applicants’ semester preferences in all cases, nor will we be able to make changes to the
semester assignments.
The UMAPS program takes place at the U-M Ann Arbor campus. It provides access to U-M research libraries and facilities,
on-campus housing in the Munger Graduate Residences, health insurance, and a stipend to cover living expenses. The
program begins with a number of virtual introductory events prior to the program start date and additional, mandatory
orientation events in the first weeks of the program. UMAPS fellows are expected to attend a series of writing workshops
and present their research to the wider campus community at one of the UMAPS research colloquia.
One of the most valued parts of the program, according to UMAPS alumni, is that you are paired with a U-M faculty
member who will serve as a faculty host during your time in Ann Arbor. Professor Melvin Mcinnis, in the Psychiatry
Department, School of Medicine has agreed to serve in this capacity.
We ask that you notify us by email of your intention to accept or decline this award by Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Once
we have received your acceptance, we will share more information about the relevant U-M policies that have bearing on
your residency at U-M. Please check your email often (including spam) and provide alternative contact information if
necessary. And please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have at this time (asc-contact@umich.edu).
On behalf of all of us at the African Studies Center,
Omolade Adunbi
Director, African Studies Center
Professor, Department of Afro American and African Studies
Professor, University of Michigan Law School