Q: Is this opportunity open to all prospective doctoral students?
A: This funding opportunity is open to US citizens and permanent residents only.
Q: How long does a Project CAPER doctoral program take?
A: There are many variables that impact the duration of a doctoral program. Project CAPER programs are designed to be completed in 3 to 4 academic years.
Sample Program Timeline:
Years 1 & 2: Coursework and research assistance
-Full-time scholars typically take 9-12 credit hours of coursework during the Fall and Spring semesters. Scholars may also take 6-9 credit hours during Summer semesters.
-Scholars are expected to contribute to the research activities of the lab during Year 1.
-During Year 2, scholars should begin to develop their own research interests in collaboration with CAPER mentors in preparation for candidacy and dissertation work.
-At the conclusion of Year 2, most scholars sit for candidacy exams and move toward their dissertation research.
Years 3 (& 4): Dissertation work & job search
-After successful completion of the candidacy exam, scholars work with their university mentors to develop and propose the dissertation research plan.
-Following a successful proposal, scholar candidates collect and analyze data, write dissertation manuscripts and defend the dissertation research.
-During their final year, scholars can expect to begin the job search process. University and CAPER mentors will assist scholars with creating and revising job search materials such as curricula vitae, cover letters, and job talk presentations.
Q: How long does Project CAPER's current funding last?
A: Project CAPER began funding scholars in Fall 2022. All graduates for Project CAPER are expected to complete their programs by the end of the current grant in 2027.
Q: What is included in the Project CAPER funding package?
A: Our competitive funding package includes a tuition waiver for each semester in the program, a cost of living stipend, and annual travel funding.
Q: How can scholars use annual travel funding?
A: Travel funds enable CAPER scholars to attend professional conferences and professional development opportunities in the United States. CAPER scholars work with their advisors to identify meaningful travel opportunities each year.
Q: What careers can Project CAPER scholars pursue after completing the program?
A: Project CAPER is designed to provide the tools and training needed to pursue careers in higher education, including tenure-stream roles in research and teacher training universities. Project CAPER alums can also pursue lecturer or clinical faculty positions, as well as K-12 roles in APE instruction and administration.
Q: What is the service obligation after graduation?
A: Scholars have a service obligation to the US Department of Education. Upon exiting the program, scholars must work in a full-time (or full-time equivalent basis) for two years for every one year of scholarship that was received and report it to the US Department of Education. The employment must be a paid position where at least 51% of the time is spent benefiting people with disabilities. For more information on the service obligation, please visit: https://pdp.ed.gov/OSEP/Home/regulatoryfaqs
Q: How do I know if my preferred institution is accepting new scholars?
A: Prospective scholars should contact their school(s) of interest to learn about enrollment availability.
Q: How do I know which CAPER institution is right for me?
A: When selecting a doctoral program, it is important to contact your prospective doctoral advisor before submitting an application. Please email Project CAPER program director(s) of interest by clicking the "Contact" buttons on the main page. Once interest is received, Dr. Haegele, Kirk, or Wilson will set up a phone or Zoom session to help answer your questions.
Q: I'm ready to apply to a CAPER school. How does the application process work?
A: After meeting with the director at the university they are interested in attending (ODU, UGA, or U of I), potential scholars should follow that institution's application procedures. Scholars must first be accepted to one of our three participating universities, then can qualify for Project CAPER.