Cultivating Underrepresented Students in Philosophy

Program Description

CUSP is an all-expense paid 2-day workshop held at the Pennsylvania State University each April for up to 8 promising prospective graduate students in philosophy from traditionally underrepresented groups (such as, African Americans, Chicano/as and Latino/as, Native Americans, Asian Americans).

During their visit to campus, students will be exposed to the life of philosophy in the department and to the discipline of philosophy more broadly by attending workshops and lectures, speaking with graduate students and faculty, and investigating what it means to pursue a graduate degree in philosophy at the Pennsylvania State University.

The Department of Philosophy is grounded in the history of philosophy pursued in an international context, with specialties in Continental and American philosophy.  The program is committed to fostering and promoting genuine dialogue across international borders and philosophical traditions, both established and emerging.

Nominating Process

The Department of Philosophy solicits nominations of underrepresented students who have shown promise in philosophy and who intend to apply to graduate school in philosophy during 2010-11 to enter Fall 2011.  Nominations must be made by a faculty member familiar with the work of the student.  Nomination letters may be sent electronically to Christopher P. Long, Director of Graduate Studies, longc@psu.edu. 

Please include:

  • Name of the Student Nominated
  • Name, position and contact information of the nominating faculty member
  • A narrative explanation of why the faculty member thinks the student will succeed in graduate school.

To ensure full consideration, nominations should be received by February 15th.

Program Dates and Contact Information

Spring 2010 CUSP date is to be announced. It will be held at the University Park campus of the Pennsylvania State University. Please check back for posted date.

Questions about CUSP may be directed to either:

Shannon Sullivan
Department Head
Department of Philosophy
240 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-1647
sws10@psu.edu

Christopher P. Long
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Philosophy
240 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-6969
longc@psu.edu

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