Guidelines and Information for Reviewers

The President's Research Fellowships in the Humanities provide opportunities for University of California scholars to undertake projects that will enhance humanities research efforts at the University and make contributions to thought and knowledge. The Fellowships are intended for a range of full-time University faculty, including those who have already made significant contributions to scholarship, as well as those who are beginning their careers. Projects may cover a range of disciplines and take a variety of forms.

Please judge the application according to the following selection criteria and add any other comments you think might be helpful.

1. The significance of the contribution that the proposed project will make to thought and knowledge in the applicant's field and to the humanities generally, either directly or indirectly.
2. The clarity and cogency of the conception, definition, organization, and description of the proposed project.
3. The appropriateness of the proposed project goals, strategies, and timetable.
4. The likelihood that the applicant will complete the project within a reasonable period. Please note that this criterion does not assume that the project should be completed within the Fellowship year.

We would appreciate receiving from you a frank assessment of the application. Your written evaluation will become a part of the applicant's formal record, and will serve to aid in the review discussion and determination of proposals. Additionally, your written comments will be the main source of reviewer feedback to unsuccessful proposers, and will be provided anonymously upon request. Consequently, it is important that your comments be constructive, and include any perceived weaknesses and suggestions for improvement, along with a brief narrative on the strengths and potential impact of the proposed research. The integrity of this process will depend greatly on your providing a thoughtful, written review for each proposal.

REVIEW PROCESS AND PROCEDURES

Steps in the Review Process

1. The Fellowships Selection Committee reviews individual proposals;
2. the Selection Committee meets to discuss, select, and rank proposals; and
3. the Selection Committee's recommendations are referred to the President's designate.

The application submission deadline is Friday, October 23, 2008.

The entire review process will be completed and awards announced by the middle of March.

Review Procedures

The applications you received have been reviewed for eligibility and completeness.

Please judge the proposal according to the criteria above, and note in your review the reasons for your evaluation. Your comments should not include extraneous personal statements about the applicant. However, feel free to note questions about the application for discussion at the review meeting during which you will be asked to give a final rating and ranking of the proposals based on the discussion.

PRESIDENT'S RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS IN THE HUMANITIES
Office of Research
University of California, Office of the President
1111 Franklin Street, 11th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607-5200
Phone (510) 987-0493
Fax (510) 987-9456
E-mail: laureen.oconnell@ucop.edu