Doctoral Student Academic Technology Equity Fellowship

2023 Doctoral Student Academic Technology Equity Fellow Announced! 

CSUN's Office of Academic Technology in collaboration with the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and the Research and Sponsored Programs office, are excited to announce Stephen Than, CC23 Educational Leadership Cohort, as the 2023 Doctoral Student Academic Technology Equity Fellow!

Stephen currently teaches psychology courses at California State University, Fullerton as an adjunct faculty member and also works as an early childhood educator with children.

Stephen's proud of his connections to CSUN, having earned his bachelors in Child and Adolescent Development and a masters in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in early childhood education (ECE).

Among Stephen's current projects is the Masters of ECE podcast, a collaborative project to share their experiences and knowledge. The cohosts make hot topics in the field of ECE relatable and easily consumable. Topics covered include gender identity in ECE, language and literacy, mental health care for ECE professionals, and leadership. Past research endeavors include infant language development, men in the early childhood field, and the development of college professors. 

Stephen is dedicated to learning more about ways for faculty to integrate technology into their courses, ensuring students are engaged and participating in the learning process. This includes utilizing accessible programs, accessible documents and files for individuals of differing abilities (deaf/blind/etc.), and resources to make technology widely accessible to students to close the digital equity gap.

In addition to the opportunity to explore research interests, Stephen will receive a $2500 award to support his studies.

CSUN's Office of Academic Technology in collaboration with the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and the Research and Sponsored Programs office, launch the Doctoral Student Academic Technology Equity Fellowship. This fellowship supports doctoral-level research and professional development in topics that include:

• Digital Equity
• Identification and promotion of best practices in technology-based education
• Solutions toward improved access to technology regardless of ability and socio-economic background

These topics are presented in the context of minority-serving institutions (in higher education settings) and Title I schools/districts (in elementary and secondary settings) with a large number of first-generation and/or low-income students.

As a collaborative initiative, the fellowship presents an opportunity to support doctoral student research skills and writing development; faculty development in academic technology; institutional efforts to advance equity and social justice; and campus resources to enhance services to students, faculty, and staff.

Background

Since 2008-09, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program has supported student dissertation research and scholar-practitioner leadership development. Further, the doctoral program has been a collaborative partner to support faculty and staff in critical engagement of challenges in campus climate and student learning and development. The transition to remote learning and the emergent challenge of digital equity among students revealed the need to stimulate research in the area of digital divide and social justice with the ultimate goal to facilitate equitable access to technology.

Eligibility

Doctoral students who are admitted or currently enrolled in CSUN's Educational Leadership Program are eligible to apply.

Expectations

Fellows will have an opportunity to conduct doctoral-level research and develop writing skills; participate in faculty development with Academic Technology; enhance institutional efforts to advance equity and social justice; and promote technology resources and services for students, faculty and staff. Under the direction of the AVP of Academic Technology Fellows will be expected to: (1) participate in staff meetings and/or individual consultations in Academic Technology, and (2) facilitate a faculty workshop on academic technology, or deliver a talk to campus constituencies on a topic of scholarly and/or research significance related to equity in technology and education.

Deadline

This is an annual fellowship to start in summer and end at the end of the spring term. The application deadline for the next Fellowship is June 1, 2023, at 11:00 pm.

Selection Process and Award

A committee comprised of representatives from the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Academic Technology, and Research and Sponsored Programs will review applications and select a final candidate. Successful fellows will receive a $2,500 stipend. Fellows may request reimbursement for expenses incurred directly related to the fellowship. Those expenses will be deducted from the final award.

Application Procedures

Applications will be completed using the InfoReady system. Incomplete applications or those received outside the InfoReady system (i.e., via email) will not be considered. The application includes a vita that you will attach at the end of the application form and must include the following:

Background:
Name
Date
Advisor/Dissertation Chair
Program Entry Term
Cohort: 〇 K-12 〇 Community College

Guided Questions:
Briefly share your general availability to participate in meetings to support fellowship activities.

Briefly describe what you feel are the most important professional development training needs of faculty/staff in higher education and/or PK-12 school settings related to technology (250 words maximum).

From your experiences in your area of professional practice, briefly describe the most pressing issues in digital equity in higher education and/or PK-12 school settings (250 words maximum).

For more information, please contact the Doctoral Program Office at (818) 677-2403 and edd.mdecoe@csun.edu.