The Auburn University Holmes Scholars Program includes participants who are dedicated to higher education. Holmes Scholar status shall be reviewed annually and generally shall not exceed a two-year commitment of financial support. The following entry level requisites and professional development opportunities scholar benefits and expectations are:

   A.    Entry Level Requisites

      1. Must be a second-year doctoral student

      2. Submission of application along with curriculum vitae

      3. Three letters of Recommendation

• Letter of endorsement from department head
• Letter from someone in the academy or in higher     education
• Letter from a person of the scholar's choice

      4. Minimum Graduate GPA Requirement of 3.3 (when applicable)

      5. Written Response to Essay Questions

• What are your professional goals upon completion of your degree?
• What is your view of the role and responsibilities of an effective leader and how do you see yourself meeting those roles?
• What is your philosophy of education?
• What is your philosophy of civic responsibility and community engagement?

      6. Applicants will undergo an interview with the Holmes Scholars advisor, dean of the
         college, a current Holmes Scholar, and a faculty member or administrator external to
         the college.   

   B.    Professional Development Opportunities

      1. Networking within the profession

• Attending professional conferences in scholar's program area
• Networking with important stakeholders in the professional community (i.e. internships, job shadowing, etc.)
• Engagement in cultural events and/or training experiences is required a minimum of once per year 

      2. Community Outreach

• Involvement in Professional Development Schools Partnerships
• Involvement in the College of Education outreach efforts (i.e. West Alabama Learning Coalition, Math and Reading Initiative, etc.)  
• Mentoring specifically to K-12 students in rural communities
• Mentoring to undergraduate students through the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and the Minority Peer Mentoring Program 

C.   Scholar Opportunities, Benefits, and Expectations

      1. Induction Ceremony with the president of the university and the associate provost and vice president of University Outreach 

      2. Submission of at least one publication by the end of the scholar's second 
          year         
          

      3. Presenting annually at a professional conference of the scholar's choice

      4. Financial support for attendance at the annual National Holmes Conference 

      5. Choice of attending Regional, Summer Institute, AACTE, or AERA conferences under sponsorship of the College of Education