Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies | College of Liberal Arts
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MSIs and Community Colleges Research Travel Fellowships

LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections at The University of Texas at Austin announces the availability of travel fellowships for faculty from community colleges and qualified Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the U.S. to conduct research at the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, one of the premier libraries in the world focused on Latin America. In accordance with Title VI National Resource Center guidelines, this funding is limited to projects that focus on countries in Latin America and does not include the United States and Puerto Rico.

In partnership with the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS), the Benson Collection is a regular destination for visitors from throughout the world. Founded in 1926 and named, in 1975, to honor its director of three decades, the library excels in humanities and social sciences disciplines, in addition to an array of scientific and professional literature published in Latin America. The library’s holdings include nearly a million books, magazines, newspapers, journals, and other materials. This collection is complemented by a world-class archival collection containing manuscripts, art, maps, letters, and other one-of-a-kind materials. The collection is continually enriched by a vigorous acquisitions program and by a growing collection of original digital resources available online.

The travel fellowships are designed to deepen institutional linkages, further research interests, and enhance Latin American curricular content at participating institutions. Each fellowship provides up to $3,000, which will cover allowable travel costs and up two weeks stay in Austin, TX in compliance with UT and U.S. Department of Education policy.

Allowable costs include: including airfare, ground travel (mileage, tolls, bus, taxi, Uber, Lyft, train, etc.), lodging (nightly rate including taxes and fees), and per diem. Allowable rates for Meals and Incidentals are set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and the maximum allowable GSA rates can be found here: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates?gclid=CjwKCAiAtt2tBhBDEiwALZuhAPuDp-ENQVynQRrw0EeP2Ym7Cp1QwhBoAZWjzhAgDinsQPNaG5Z6ORoCsowQAvD_BwE

Three fellowships are available for summer 2024; travel must take place before August 1, 2024. [Travel dates are subject to change based on UT Austin’s pandemic-related travel policies and other travel restrictions.]

This program is generously funded by a grant from the US Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center Program.

Eligibility

  • PhD from an accredited institution preferred; MA or equivalent considered for faculty of community colleges
  • Current faculty appointment at a community college or qualifying MSI*
  • Research and teaching interest in Latin America

* If you are at a qualifying MSI that does not appear on the list, please note this on your application.

Application Process
Applicants must submit the following:

  • A completed application form (PDF, 150K)
  • A letter of interest addressed to LLILAS Director Adela Pineda Franco, PhD, specifying the following:
    • Your topic of research
    • Your plan of activities and/or the materials that will be consulted
    • A description of how your research will enhance your curriculum and enrich classroom learning
    • The anticipated dates of your proposed visit in summer 2023
  • A current curriculum vitae (CV)

Applications are due on or before 5:00 PM CT on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Please upload applications to this link. Please combine your materials in a single doc (Word or PDF) and use this format to name your application: YOURLASTNAME.MSI2023

Selection Process
A review committee comprised of LLILAS faculty and Benson librarians will evaluate applications and select two applicants for summer 2024 awards. All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications by early April 2024, via e-mail.

Funding & Reports

  • Airfare can be booked directly by LLILAS Benson, but the rest of the funds will be paid as a reimbursement after the trip is completed
  • Funds may ONLY be used for travel, lodging, and per diem (UT per diem rate: $51).
  • Funds may not be used for the purchase of equipment or materials of any kind.
  • No later than 10 days after an awardee's return travel, awardees are required to upload here a 1–2 page research report in the form of a letter addressed to LLILAS Benson. Reports will be provided to the U.S. Department of Education for grant reporting purposes.
  • Receipts must be submitted within 10 days after the trip, otherwise we cannot committ to reimburse them.

Questions? Contact Edith Flores, Academic Program Coordinator