Off-Campus Dissertation Research Fellowship Selection

Off-Campus Dissertation Research Fellowship Selection Rubric
Category Category Measures
Academic Record Applicant has a strong academic record as evidenced through one or more of the following: publications/presentations; awards/honors, professional experience, grants/fellowships, etc. listed on their CV and/or referenced by the advisor or nominator; scholarly, professional, or community activities that have enhanced their teaching and/or research qualifications; cross-disciplinary research endeavors.
Readability Applicant's materials are clearly written and understandable to a general audience outside of their field and utilize appropriate use of text, charts, and graphs.
Research Design Applicant's workplan is clearly outlined, supported by their travel plans, and feasible for the timeline proposed. Research goals explore specific and important questions, acknowledge potential benefits and limitations, and are supported by appropriate quantitative or qualitative methodology; IRB approval has been granted, if necessary.
Travel Feasibility Applicant's materials demonstrate they have arranged for appropriate support in their proposed destination, including arranging for faculty or institutional support, confirming access to key archives, libraries, and other repositories, demonstrating safe access to fieldwork site, etc. Applicant's timeline is sufficient to ensure progress during the fellowship period, including necessary travel arrangements. Applicant's materials clearly indicate off-site research is appropriate at this time in terms of their research and overall progress.
Travel History Based on the provided materials, including letters of support, the proposed workplan would provide the applicant with an initial opportunity to conduct this research effort or build upon (not duplicate) previous or current research efforts. Priority should be granted to applicants that (1) have had minimal opportunities to conduct off-site research efforts (due to teaching or other academic/professional obligations, travel or cost prohibitions, or other circumstances) or (2) whose proposed efforts would permit them to complete their research.
Off-Campus Dissertation Research Fellowship Scoring Considerations
Score Scoring Considerations
1 Applicant qualifications are evident for all category measures and compelling, relevant, numerous, and clearly-articulated for all measures
1.5 Applicant qualifications are evident for all category measures and compelling, relevant, numerous, and clearly-articulated for most measures
2 Applicant qualifications are evident for most of the category measures, but are not as compelling and numerous as a “1” or “1.5” score
2.5 Applicant qualifications are evident for most of the category measures, but are not as compelling, numerous, and well-articulated as a “1” or “1.5” score
3 Applicant qualifications are lacking for some category measures or are not as compelling or clearly-articulated as a “2” or “2.5” score
3.5 Applicant qualifications are lacking for some category measures and are not as compelling or clearly-articulated as a “2” or “2.5” score
4 Applicant qualifications are insufficient for some or most of the category measures or cannot be assessed because the information provided is poorly articulated

Overview of Selection Process

Each application will be reviewed by a minimum of three faculty reviewers who will assign a score in each category. Scores will range from 1-4, with “1” representing the strongest score. Half-point scores (1.5, 2.5, 3.5) will be available. Scores will be standardized and averaged to create a composite score for each applicant. All applicants will be ranked according to their composite score, lowest to highest (with 1 being the strongest score). The ranking will be considered for the final selection. In the event of a tie, priority will be based on funding priority, program ranking, and expanding program diversity within the cohort, as appropriate.

Contact Us
Graduate School Fellowships Office
gradfunding@unc.edu