Roshan GIDP in Persian and Iranian Studies
Established by the Arizona Board of Regents: MA, PhD 2016
Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies offers MA and PhD degrees focusing on a) modern or classical Persian literature and culture or b) Iranian (or other Persian speaking societies’) history, religion, social organization, and politics. The program intends to prepare graduates to work in academic, public, and private positions where extensive and expert knowledge of Iran or other Persian speaking societies such as Afghanistan and Tajikistan is required. In addition to the completion of core courses, superior language competency in Persian is expected. Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies also creates a broad forum for scholarly activities around Persian and Iranian studies on campus and in the wider community.
Program Contacts
Program Address
Anne Betteridge, Executive Committee
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Julia Clancy-Smith
History
Linda Darling
History
Richard Eaton, Executive Committee
History
Melissa Fitch
Spanish and Portuguese
Kevin Fitzsimmons
Environmental Science
Ben Fortna
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Leila Hudson
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Scott Lucas, Executive Committee
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Masud Mansuripur
Optical Sciences
Narges Nematollahi
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Parviz Nikravesh
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Yaseen Noorani, Executive Committee
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Farhang Shadman
Chemical and Environmental Engineering
Kamran Talattof, Chair
School of Middle Eastern & North African Studies
Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies
Preamble
The Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies (Roshan GIDP) at the University of Arizona offers rigorous, secular, scientific, and consequential graduate-level training in Persian literature, culture, history, and politics. The Program, offering M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, prepares students for careers in academia as well as in the public and private sectors, with expertise in Persian-speaking societies.
Aligned with the strategic goals and missions of the University of Arizona, the Graduate College, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Roshan GIDP advances research, broadens educational access, and enhances career readiness through interdisciplinary collaboration, financial support, and mentorship. As part of the University of Arizona’s group of GIDPs, it contributes to the university's research initiatives and interdisciplinary engagement, with a specialized focus on Persian and Iranian history and civilization. Through its focus on and dedication to "the preservation, transmission, and instruction of Persian culture," the Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute—which provided grants to endow four faculty positions in Persian and Iranian studies at the University of Arizona and played a key role in establishing this program—has served as an inspiration for the University of Arizona's Roshan GIDP.
Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs (GIDPs) report to the Dean of the Graduate College.
Article 1. Faculty Membership in the Program
Faculty membership in the Roshan GIDP is open to faculty at the University of Arizona who are willing to commit to the program. This commitment is demonstrated through participation in developing and maintaining the Roshan GIDP, teaching courses, serving on thesis and dissertation committees, and/or serving as a major or minor advising professor. Tenured, tenure[1]eligible, and professor of practice faculty will hold regular memberships, while untenured or non-tenure-eligible faculty may hold associate memberships.
Criteria for membership include a demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary work and excellence in research and teaching, as evidenced by research funding, publication records, and superior teaching evaluations or awards. The program's Executive Committee (EC) will periodically review members of the Roshan Graduate Interdisciplinary Program to ensure they continue to meet these standards.
Membership can be initiated through self-nomination or nomination by a current member of the Roshan GIDP. Nominations require submission of a candidate's curriculum vitae and a letter of commitment to the Executive Committee. If the EC votes to recommend membership, a request is submitted to the Graduate College's GIDP Administrator for approval and appointment.
The members of the Roshan GIDP may meet periodically to review the Program.
Article 2. Executive Committee (EC) and Chair of the Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Persian and Iranian Studies
The Roshan GIDP in Persian and Iranian Studies is administered by a Chair and an Executive Committee (EC) of five members. The Chair and EC members are appointed for renewable five-year terms. These positions are filled through faculty elections. Nominations for faculty members for both positions are received by the EC, and faculty may run for one or both roles. Decisions are made by the majority vote of members present at a meeting or through a 51% return of ballots. The roster of elected members may be forwarded to the GIDPs for approval and appointment. The EC may also include one graduate student member, elected by students, who serves a renewable one-year term.
A) Responsibilities of the Executive Committee
1. Draft and implement procedures for selecting and reviewing members of the Roshan GIDP.
2. Develop and implement policies and procedures for the operation of the graduate program, including admissions, curriculum, student supervision, completion of degree program requirements, and decisions regarding program resources.
3. Appoint or recommend members to serve on the GIDP's standing committees, including the Graduate and Advisory Committee.
4. Constitute ad hoc committees as needed for effective operations.
5. Act on recommendations from the EC and the Advisory Committee regarding academic advising for new students and evaluations of students' progress.
6. Conduct Academic Program Reviews (APR) in accordance with UA and ABOR requirements.
7. Facilitate communication within the Roshan GIDP and with supporting academic unit heads and deans.
8. Seek funding from university, state, federal, and private sources.
9. Solicit nominations for vacant Executive Committee positions to ensure continuity.
B) Responsibilities of the Chair of the GIDP
1. Administer the Program and the activities of the EC with support from the Roshan GIDP program coordinator.
2. Convene and chair EC meetings.
3. Act on behalf of the EC to implement Program policies.
4. Represent the Program to the university administration, granting agencies, prospective students, and other constituencies.
5. Prepare and submit annual reports of the Program's activities and accomplishments to Grant Providers and other entities in compliance with UA and ABOR policies.
C) Potential Position of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS)
In specific circumstances—such as an increase in student enrollment or the need to divide responsibilities—the GIDP Chair may recommend a faculty member for election as a co-chair or Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The EC votes on this recommendation.
If appointed, the DGS advises first-year students who have not yet selected an advisor, oversees the admissions process, conducts annual assessments, and evaluates graduate students' progress. The DGS advises the EC on policies, procedures, and updates to the Program Handbook.
Article 3. Graduate / Advisory Committee (GAC)
The Graduate and Advisory Committee (GAC) supports essential daily responsibilities, such as reviewing student applications, organizing campus visits for finalists, and maintaining academic and cultural events. GAC previews and rates graduate admissions applications for EC admission decisions, and coordinates efforts to uphold the Program's excellence. Decisions made by the GAC are reported to the EC for final approval.
The GAC includes 4 faculty members from the Roshan GIDP.
Article 4. External Advisory Council
The Advisory Council of the Roshan GIDP consists of distinguished external experts and supporters who provide strategic guidance and constructive feedback and advice on the program's secular and systematic goals, overall direction, and opportunities for improvement and growth. The Council evaluates the program's quality, relevance to market demands, alignment with contemporary academic and professional standards, and potential for fundraising. By offering diverse external perspectives, the Council helps ensure the program stays current and effectively prepares students for careers in Persian and Iranian studies. The Roshan GIDP Chair, supported by a faculty member, emeritus faculty member, or staff, assists the Advisory Council in organizing and facilitating meetings and reviews.
Article 5. Amendments & Quorum for Member Voting
The bylaws may be amended or revised through a motion by the EC and a two-third positive vote by the Program's regular membership.
EC Vote to Accept Bylaws:
February 8, 2016
EC Vote to Revise Bylaws:
April 14, 2023