The Silha Fellowships and Research Assistantships (2024-2025)
The Silha Research Assistantships, based at the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota, provide outstanding University of Minnesota law and graduate students with the opportunity to work on a variety of Silha Center projects. Research Assistants have helped research and write a comprehensive outline on global data protection and digital privacy law for the Practising Law Institute’s annual Communications Law in the Digital Age conference, drafted comments on proposed regulations and rules before federal and state courts and administrative agencies, and prepared amicus briefs, including before the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to undertaking scholarly research, Silha Fellows and Research Assistants are responsible for the writing, editing and production of the Silha Center’s Bulletin. http://www.silha.umn.edu
Applicants for the Silha Research Assistantships should demonstrate strong legal research skills and excellent writing skills. Students pursuing a law degree or a concentration in legal scholarship are ideal. Applicants with an undergraduate journalism degree and/or prior experience in journalism are very strongly preferred. Applicants should also have an interest in media ethics.
The number and duration of available assistantships will depend on available funding, but are typically awarded for one academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). At least one position will begin in Summer 2024. Applicants seeking a Research Assistantship for Summer 2024 only will be considered. Appointments range from a minimum of 10 hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week, and include a stipend and, during the academic year, partial tuition and health insurance benefits.
Please submit the following:
1. A completed HSJMC scholarship application
2. A résumé or curriculum vitae
3. A copy of academic transcripts (need not be certified)
4. A cover letter describing the applicant’s interests in media law and/or ethics, including how these interests could benefit the Silha Center and how an association with the Silha Center would enhance the applicant’s professional and academic progress
5. Two short writing samples: one should be a legal writing sample, and one should be non-legal, preferably a journalism writing sample (reporting rather than commentary is preferred).
To obtain a copy of the HSJMC’s scholarship application, or to submit a completed Silha Center Research Assistantship application, please contact Kassie Snyder, Hubbard School Graduate Student Services, at 612-625-4054 or e-mail [email protected] Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but should be submitted no later than Friday, March 15, 2024 at 4 p.m.