Women of Search Scholarship: Trey Grainger Search Course

In my first go-around with higher education, a teacher said (paraphrasing): never let lack of money be the reason you don't try something. It's true, and not just about money. Finding and pursuing opportunities is a critical life skill, and one that I think should be taught more explicitly.

New publication! Advance HE Fellowships continue to rise in global prominence as a form of professional recognition—but what do they actually mean for educator identity and development? In our newly published paper, we investigated how achieving Fellowship—and staying engaged with Fellowship‑related activities—shapes educator identity across Australian universities. What did we learn? The impact and value of Fellowship are far from straightforward. For some, it’s transformative; for others, the effects are uneven, complex, and shaped by institutional cultures, expectations, career trajectories, and many more. If you’re curious to dive into these complexities and understand what Fellowship really does (and doesn’t do), you can read the full paper. Link in the first comment. 🎁 We have 50 free e‑prints—download yours before they’re gone! Thank to my co-authors: Tim Fawns, Professor Letizia Gramaglia, Lyn Komarzynski, and Allie Clemans

A lot of people have been asking whether they should pursue Advance HE fellowship. Others have been asking whether their institution should run an Advance HE-accredited Fellowship program. Finally, after a lengthy and intensive research study across Australian universities, WE HAVE THE ANSWER: Maybe! It's complicated. It depends. How is it run and supported, what kind of community grows around it, is it valued within the institution, do people have space to do it properly... as ever, it's how you do it. (Monash's Fellows and accredited pathways are, of course, fantastic) Find out more in the paper, linked below Mahbub's post. Thanks Professor Letizia Gramaglia, Allie Clemans, Lyn Komarzynski and especially Dr Mahbub Sarkar, SFHEA for leading the project.

If you are working with that “once in a blue moon” level student who has full or near full financial need, learn about SC.

Scholarships aren’t luck — they’re planned. 🎓✨ From profile building to documentation and timely applications, every step matters. If you want to understand how strategy and smart planning can increase your chances — wait till the end. 👀💼 Because the right approach can make all the difference. #ScholarshipStrategy #SmartPlanning #StudyAbroad #StudentSuccess #PPROEED

Scholarships aren’t luck — they’re planned. 🎓✨ From profile building to documentation and timely applications, every step matters. If you want to understand how strategy and smart planning can increase your chances — wait till the end. 👀💼 Because the right approach can make all the difference. #ScholarshipStrategy #SmartPlanning #StudyAbroad #StudentSuccess #PPROEED

When I started my scholarship journey, I had no clear roadmap. The process felt overwhelming, and there were many moments of uncertainty. But instead of letting that stop me, I chose to learn my way through it. This is Part 1 of how I secured a $120,000 undergraduate scholarship. It wasn’t about contacts or luck. It was about doing the research, understanding where to look, and being intentional with each step. I’m sharing the practical steps I wish I had known earlier, so others can access funding that often goes unnoticed. If you are navigating scholarships or funding opportunities, don’t wait to feel ready. Start with one step, and let clarity follow.

MSVU has officially entered its “SEM era”. And while faculty and staff aren’t required to make friendship bracelets (yes, this is a Swiftie reference), they will be working collaboratively to improve the overall student journey – from recruitment to graduation and as alumni. On January 23, 2026, MSVU launched its first Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Plan which will guide the university’s approach to enrolment, retention, and graduation over the next five years. Students and their experiences are at the heart of the plan. As is a deep commitment to MSVU’s vision, mission, and values. MSVU has been known for offering a supportive and positive student experience, but this is about working together to make it even better and responding to evolving challenges facing students. There was an exceptional turnout at the launch event; the enthusiasm and deep commitment to students among those gathered was notable. (There might even have been a SEM hype track shared, created by MSVU’s very own spoken-word artist, rapper, instructional designer and part-time instructor Dr. Mike McGuire.) Learn more about SEM at MSVU: https://lnkd.in/gygfg-nY

8 days left to apply for the Millennium Fellowship. Today’s tips come from Favour Olusola whose first application was unsuccessful. His second earned him a place as a Millennium Fellow and Campus Director at the Millennium Fellowship. The difference? Clarity and measurable impact. One practical tip he shares is to use the SMART framework when defining your project goals: Specific: Clearly define the problem and target group Measurable: Identify how you will track impact. Achievable: Set realistic outcomes. Relevant: Align your project with a real need. Time-bound: Define a clear timeline. Read more of his insights in the graphic. Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 Repost and share to spread the word! #MillenniumFellowship #countdownseries #applicationtips

What if the most important thing you gain from a program isn't the certificate, but the perspective that changes your life's trajectory? Last night, Aditi Upadhyaya didn't just talk about career paths; she talked about the soul of professional growth. We heard her powerful story of a day in her life that literally and figuratively, took a 180 turn, starting with a literal road accident while waiting for graduate school funding decisions and ending with a life-changing fellowship offer from the University of Pittsburgh. Sometimes, it takes a total upheaval to finally land exactly where you belong. The word Fellow traces back to a "shared vision" or "associate in wealth." Today, that wealth isn't just money, it’s about improving Access, Responsibility, and forming Habit-loops. Aditi spoke about the three pillars explored for anyone looking to bridge the gap between academia and the real world: 🔓 Access Beyond the Classroom: Whether it’s the Daayitwa Fellowship or other international fellowships, these programs open doors to spaces and people that a 9-to-5 job or a textbook inside the four walls of a classroom simply cannot reach. ⚖️ The Weight of Responsibility: Fellowships push you to be accountable. It’s the difference between writing a 75-page academic report that sits on a shelf and distilling it into a 2-page brief that actually shapes decisions. 🌱 Cultivating the Habit loop Mindset: Creating free-flowing spaces to discuss important and burning issues. It’s about forming the habit of asking questions, It's about the habit of challenging, or seeking and showcasing transparency and accountability. From 7 fellows in 2013 to influencing 30 different federal parliament areas today, the impact of the Daayitwa fellowship programs is visible. For those interested in finding out more about these fellowships and how to be a part of them, please do reach out to Aditi. ------ Don’t miss the next conversation! 👇 Drop a "Interested" in the comments or DM us with your email address to be notified about our next session!