Practice,
Reflection,
Advocacy,
eXcellence,
Inquiry,
Solutions: 
A Pre-Doctoral and Recruitment Program for Tomorrow's Culturally Diverse Information Studies Faculty and Leaders

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If you do not find your question, contact Dr. Clara Chu at cchu@ucla.edu or Elizabeth Martinez at emfuture@hotmail.com.

1. What are the goals of the program? To get persons interested in PhD work? Are PRAXIS students expected to continue into a PhD at UCLA or at another institution?
Yes, to increase the diversity of LIS faculty and researchers. PRAXIS was designed as a program to provide working librarians an opportunity to explore the possibilities of a doctoral program, be involved in research and writing as expected in a PhD program, and with the knowledge attained be able to have a stronger PhD application. For those who decide after the program that they are not ready for the PhD, they will have obtained a Post-MLIS Certificate, have produced a publishable paper and book review, presented their research on panel and poster presentations at the ALA conference in Toronto, and be able to take their technology, policy and research skills and contribute to the profession as a leader and researcher. They can apply to a doctoral program at a later time when they are ready.
Dr. Chu is also collaborating with other faculty at universities across the nation to get interest in admitting PRAXIS students into their programs.

2. What kind of support will there be to assist people getting into a PhD program?
PRAXIS students will have mentors and faculty advisors to provide information on doctoral studies and programs around the country, assistance with application, letter of reference, and any other requirements. Potential pipeline programs are being explored. If a PRAXIS student wants to continue and apply for the UCLA Fall 2003 doctoral program, they will have advisors and faculty to help them prepare the application that is due in mid-December 2002.

3. Why is this program a Pre-doctoral program versus a Doctoral program?
PRAXIS is designed for working librarians who want to update their skills and abilities in research, technology, and information policy prior to entering the doctoral program. Many librarians of color have expressed that they were interested in the doctoral program but were not sure that they were ready. PRAXIS students who apply for and enter the UCLA IS Doctoral program in Fall 2003 will receive credit toward courses and residency requirements.

4. How long is the plan of study?
PRAXIS is a 9 month program with a 6 month residency – January through June 2003 and a course and seminar in the summer. It is expected that students will attend fulltime as 3 courses and a weekly seminar are required in the Winter and Spring quarters. We understand that some students will work part-time either at UCLA or outside jobs.

5. Is the program on-going or will it be funded in subsequent years?
PRAXIS received one year funding from IMLS. We want to apply for another year next spring. The Post-MLIS Certificate is a regular offering in our department.

6. Are persons interested in PRAXIS expected to take a leave of absence from their positions and return to their jobs after the program? Is this a full-time commitment?
Students may take a leave of absence or work part-time to attend this full-time program. It is an opportunity for working professionals to take full advantage of the resources available here, focus on their studies, and engage in a rich learning environment. PRAXIS students have a dedicated study space in our building which will facilitate study and dialogue.

7. Does this program provide any monies toward actual attainment of a PhD?
There is expectation that PRAXIS students who continue in Fall 2003 in the Doctoral program here will receive funding through fellowships and/or graduate student assistant jobs. UCLS IS guarantees first year doctoral studies funding.

8. Does this program provide credit toward attainment of a PhD?
Courses taken by PRAXIS students and their 6 month residency apply toward the PhD if they enroll in the UCLA Fall 2003 doctoral program.

9. What is your definition of diversity?
Please see the definition of diversity used in the IMLS proposal under National Impact - Professional issues

10. How many students will be admitted to PRAXIS?
The IMLS grant provided for 8 PRAXIS pre-doctoral students.

11. What are the amounts of the PRAXIS scholarships?
PRAXIS students from California will receive $15,000 and out-of-state students will receive $20,000. This amount includes tuition, fees and a stipend.

12. What is the selection process?
The selection of students will be made by the PRAXIS Selection Committee which consists of Dr. Virginia Walter – Chair of IS, Dr. Greg Leazer, and Dr. Clara M. Chu.

13. Is there an Advisory Committee?
Yes. An Advisory Committee is being formed which will include the Chair of IS, faculty, a doctoral student, and a representative of the Diversity Mentoring & Recruitment Committee.

14. What is the deadline to apply? When will the selection of PRAXIS students be made?
The deadline to apply for PRAXIS is November 13, 2002. PRAXIS students will be selected by November 22, 2002. For more information, see Application information

15. Is an MLIS required to apply for PRAXIS?
Yes. PRAXIS is a Post-MLIS Certificate program and requires a master’s degree in library and information science.