Here are some common questions asked about HELI:
Q: How do you pronounce it?
A: Heel-eee. Like it’s a HEALING experience.
Q: Are there any fees associated with participating in the Institute?
A: There is no registration cost for scholars and we also provide lodging and some meals. Scholars are responsible for travel costs and some meals.
Q: I am a PhD student/not yet in grad school/an undergraduate student, can I apply for HELI?
A: Our Institute has a primary target audience of post-doc and early faculty. As a PhD student/pre-PhD student you are not eligible to apply, but once you have earned your PhD we hope you will consider us again!
Q: I noticed that the focus of the institute was to assist those in tenure track positions. My college does not have tenure so, I was wondering if it precludes me from being eligible?
A: You are eligible to apply. Portions of the Institute programming do focus on tenure issues, but there is much more to it than that. We suggest perusing the programs from previous years to get a feel for what we provide and how it could be relevant to you. We have PDFs of the past few programs available on the site: https://uwheli.com/program-agendas/
Q: One of the Institute requirements is “a letter from the chair or dean of the department/school/college of your academic appointment outlining your readiness for the Institute and your academic research plan for the next 3 years.” I am working in a health department and not with a university – am I still eligible and will a letter from my supervisor suffice?
A: Yes, a letter from your supervisor will suffice. As long as your supervisor can speak to your readiness and research plan, that is sufficient.
Q: Where can I find application materials?
A: The application to HELI is typically released in late January with a deadline in mid-February. We post a Word document version of the application in advance so applicants may begin working on their essay responses and requesting their letters of support before the online application formally opens.
If you have additional questions not answered here, please contact cche@ictr.wisc.edu at any time!
Health Equity Leadership Institute 