Dissertation Completion Program

The purpose of the Dissertation Completion Program is to offer support to advanced graduate students in the final year of their dissertation or final creative project. The program provides up to three awardees with:

  • Private, quiet office space – Our new space at 605 E Jefferson Street is just off-campus. Only a 5-minute walk from downtown, it’s convenient, yet not as busy as campus buildings.
  • Convenient, welcoming space – Free use of all areas, including fully equipped meeting rooms and break rooms (free coffee!), copier/scanner, office supplies, and more! Our administrative and IT staff are here to help, too.
  • Collaboration and structure to keep you focused – Bi-weekly meetings with other participants, faculty, and professional staff members to provide updates on goals and progress, talk about roadblocks and resources, and network with others.
  • Funding to support your work – We can offer a small amount of funding for travel, research, or other appropriate support.

Application Info

Deadline to apply: October 2, 2023 (5:00 p.m.). Funding decisions will be made by October 13 and residencies may begin immediately.

Eligibility: Currently enrolled PhD students who are actively working on their dissertation (or final project), and who have a planned completion date in the current academic year, are eligible to apply. Participants must commit to spending regular, planned time at the Center each week and regularly attend our bi-weekly meetings to share progress with the group. Dissertation does not need to be public policy-related, but priority will go to projects of significant public interest.

Length of program: October 2023 through May 2024

Application Materials and Guidelines:

  • Application should be 2 pages maximum, double-spaced.
  • Include your name, school/department/unit, contact information, and your dissertation title (and/or a very brief description of the work), and your planned completion date.
  • How will this program help you? What resources will you need? What are your goals for the award period? Include a proposed timeline for your work, including goal deadlines.
  • If accepted into the program, what day(s), time(s) each week will you plan to work in-residence at the PPC?

Include a brief letter of support from your dissertation chair. The letter should specify your current level of progress with the dissertation and the anticipated completion date.

Email your PDF application to Julianna Lee (julianna-lee@uiowa.edu), assistant director, Public Policy Center. Email or call 319-384-2852 with questions.