Effective Date: Monday, 18 November 2024 (Revised on April 26, 2025)

1. Purpose

The Orapuh Fellowship Programme (OFP) supports advanced education, research, and professional development in oral and public health, fostering innovation and leadership. The programme emphasises individual autonomy, accountability, and leadership.

2. Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Hold a relevant degree or equivalent experience in oral or public health.

  • Demonstrate strong commitment to advancing oral and public health.

  • Submit a research statement and curriculum vitae.

3. Application Process

  • Submission: Applications must be submitted through the official OFP portal.

  • Documentation: Applicants must provide a CV, academic transcripts, and a research statement.

  • Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.

4. Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected based on:

  • Academic and professional qualifications.

  • Quality and feasibility of the proposed research focus.

  • Potential impact on oral and public health.

  • Performance in selection tests.

5. Membership Terms

  • Status: Successful applicants are admitted as Members of the Orapuh College of Scholars.

  • Duration: The membership typically lasts one year.

  • Funding: Members must self-fund their research and related costs, though they will have access to Orapuh resources.

  • Responsibilities: Members must independently:

    • Conduct research,

    • Review books,

    • Participate in lectures and assessments,

    • Engage in Orapuh activities,

    • Deliver a series of academic and clinical presentations,

    • Publish research findings in Orapuh journals.

Members are fully responsible for planning, executing, and reporting all activities under the supervision of the Chief Fellow and Registry Unit.

6. Mentorship and Support

  • Each member is linked to a mentor for general advice and professional guidance.

  • Members are responsible for initiating and scheduling mentorship interactions.

  • Access to symposia, clinical meetings, workshops, and seminars is available.

  • Coordination: The Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS) provides administrative support, but members coordinate their activities independently.

Accepted members may use the post-nominal acronym MOCS after their name while active in the programme.

7. Reporting and Evaluation

  • Progress Reports: Members must submit monthly activity and progress reports directly to the Chief Fellow and Registry Unit.

  • Final Report: Members must submit a comprehensive report summarising their research outcomes at the end of the programme.

  • Evaluation: Members are evaluated based on:

    • Attendance,

    • Assessment outcomes,

    • Quality of monthly reports,

    • Research publications,

    • Presentations,

    • Contributions to Orapuh initiatives.

Only members who meet all requirements successfully are awarded the title of Fellow.

8. Code of Conduct

  • Members must adhere to Orapuh’s ethical and professional standards.

  • Misconduct may result in disciplinary action or termination.

9. Termination Policy

  • Membership may be terminated for poor academic performance, ethical violations, or non-compliance with programme requirements.

  • Written notice will be provided, and members will have the right to appeal.

10. Post-Fellowship

  • Fellowship Status: Upon successful completion, members are awarded Fellowship status and can use FOCS after their name.

  • Alumni Network: Fellows remain perpetual members of the Orapuh College of Scholars (OCS).

  • Continued Engagement: Fellows are encouraged to participate in future Orapuh projects and events.

11. Professional Development

  • Members have access to:

    • Advanced workshops and training sessions,

    • Opportunities to present at Orapuh conferences,

    • Publication support with subsidised article processing charges (APC).

12. Health and Safety

  • Members have access to lectures offering health advice, stress management strategies, and mental health support.

13. Certification

  • Certificates: Successful members will receive:

    • A Postgraduate Fellowship Certificate reflecting their focus area (for a fee).,

    • A Fellowship of Orapuh College of Scholars (FOCS) Certificate (for a fee).,

    • A PG Fellowship Transcript (for a fee).

This revised policy strengthens autonomy, accountability, and excellence among Orapuh College of Scholars members, with clear progression from Member to Fellow based on achievement.