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