Weir Fellowship

Through the leadership and generosity of Elizabeth Weir, ARC is proud to offer an annual action research fellowship. Weir Fellows work on projects that have been thoughtfully developed using action research strategies. This means the researcher and the community co-investigate, co-create, and co-implement ideas to improve their shared quality of life. 

Fellowship Expectations

• The Fellow will successfully implement an action research project as outlined in the application
• The Fellow must submit an operational guide at the end of the semester to encourage sustainability
• ARC will meet regularly with the Fellow to provide guidance and support
• ARC and the Fellow will make a presentation about the project that is open to the campus and the community

Fellowship Guidelines

• The project must be completed in either the spring semester or May Term 
• One fellowship will be granted each year
• The Weir Fellowship is valued at up to $1000
• The Fellow may use the funds as a stipend or for project expenses

Eligibility

• All IWU students who will be registered students in spring are eligible
• Students may apply individually or in a small group
• Prior recipients of the fellowship are not eligible to apply again
• International students and graduating seniors are eligible to apply

Applications: Please use this google form to apply.

Timeline

• Oct 9, 2023: Open for applications
• Oct 17, 2023 1-2pm: Info Session with Deborah Halperin, Ames #114
• Nov 9, 2023: Application due by noon
• Nov 13, 2023: All applicants notified of status of application

Fellowship will be selected by a panel of IWU faculty and staff and based upon the following criteria:

• Overall quality of the application
• Use of community-based action research methodology
• Confidence in the ability of the fellow to execute the project
• Potential for the project to forge and sustain collaborative efforts

Previous Weir Fellows

2023 Weir Fellow: Shea Atkins '23

2022 Weir Fellow: Viktoriya Salgalova '22 Titan Pantry

2021 Weir Fellow: Peyton Howe '22

2020 Weir Fellow: Devan Patel '22

2019 Weir Fellow: Daniel Maisch '22

2018 Weir Fellow: Benjamin Nielsen '18

2017 Weir Fellow: Hannah Gallee '17

2016 (no Weir Fellowship awarded this year)

2015 Weir Fellows: Leo Martinez ’15, Nettie Rauch ’15, Jacquelyn Schirmacher ’18, Amanda King ’15, Rachel Shaffer ’17

2014 Weir Fellows: Lexia Swope ’15 and Julie Lewis ’16

2013 Weir Fellows: Dave McGrath & Nettie Rauch

2012 Weir Fellows: Danny Kenny & Ryan Dyar

2011 Weir Fellows: Kaitlyn Fancher & Matt Hill