Residency Program
What is the Wilson College Residency Program all about?
The residency is intended to provide individuals with dedicated time and support to pursue a project/program that will benefit the Wilson College community, including its undergraduate students, the professional development of the recipient, and any proposed community partners.
Successful applicants will hold the title of Practitioner in Residence (PiR) or Scholar in Residence (SiR) depending on their background and proposed work. Residencies range from 4 to 12 months, with funding ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the duration and scope of the project. Use of these funds may be allocated towards a stipend and/or research allowance.
There is an expectation that SiR/PiRs will create an on-campus presence through regular activities which will vary based on the location, and preexisting commitments. The Wilson College staff will work with each SiR/PiR to determine the nature of their on-campus presence.
Register and attend our virtual Residency Informational Session February 21, 2025 from 1-2pm or email us at wilsoncollege@mcmaster.ca
A Zoom link will be provided once registration completed.
The Wilson College Residency Program offers two distinct residency streams
Practitioner-in-Residence (PiR)
Practitioners from diverse fields, including those who are active in government, civil society, and the private sector. The award is intended for individuals who want to collaborate with an academic community, share their practical experience with students, and develop a project or program that will benefit their professional goals, Wilson College, and the broader community.
Scholar-in-Residence (SiR)
Visiting scholars from all ranks with research programs that will advance the mission of Wilson College are welcome to apply. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work is interdisciplinary. The program is intended for academics who are on sabbatical, or research leave.
Theme for 2025-26
Tomorrow Starts Today: Next Generation in Civic Action
In both turbulent and more hopeful times, effective leadership and civic engagement seek creativity, active participation, and collaboration from all members of society. In response, Wilson College’s over-arching theme entitled: Tomorrow Starts Today: Next Generation in Civic Action reflects on how youth participate and engage with various societal actors.
What do we mean by civic action?
Civic action is an expression of how individuals and organizations participate in the democratic life of their communities and country. The Residency will provide opportunity to challenge and explore how, and to what extent, youth engage in civic action.
The program offers
Internal & External Community Networks
Establish connections with McMaster faculty and staff, and other interdisciplinary connections to support your work. PiR/SiRs will receive access to McMaster University libraries, invitations to university events and workshops, administrative support for event design and planning, and the opportunity to be integrated into Wilson College.
Individual and Peer Support
PiR/SiRs may have the opportunity to receive one-on-one mentorship and guidance from faculty, staff and other PiR/SiRs (current and past).
Connection with the College
PiR/SiRs will be asked to share their work with students and faculty at McMaster and will be expected to attend in-person engagements. Activities may include providing a guest lecture in a course, hosting informal engagement sessions, leading a workshop, or participating in public events.
Project Promotion
In addition to being featured on Wilson College’s website, Wilson College will support and provide a suite of knowledge mobilization resources for communicating your work to a wide audience.
Application Instructions
To be assured of consideration, applications may be submitted via Google Form or emailed to wilsoncollege@mcmaster.ca
Deadline extended: FEBRUARY 28, 2025
Documents include:
- A cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest in the program, their experience, and relevant skills to undertake the project (one page maximum).
- An up-to-date resume/CV
- A completed Wilson College Residency Application.
Selection Timeline
- Early December 2024: Open Call for Wilson Residency 2025 Applications
- Early January 2025: Informational Session
- February 2025: Deadline for Application
- March 2025: Application Review
Residency applications will be reviewed by the Wilson College Residency Review Committee and successful candidates will be notified by March 15.
Preference will be given to Canadian citizens/permanent residents. Current graduate students are not eligible for this residency program.
For further information or to answer any questions you may have, please email, wilsoncollege@mcmaster.ca.