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What is the primary purpose of the AARC Award?
The primary purpose of the AARC Award is to increase the retention of doctoral-level faculty in higher education. ASHA sponsors this award in support of the Association's Strategic Objective to Increase Research Commitment.
How can AARC Award funds be used? Examples of appropriate uses of funds include:
- Purchasing necessary supplies (e.g., books, software)
- Attending the ASHA Convention and/or other scientific meetings
- Traveling to meet with your primary mentor
- Visiting clinics to observe the work that's being done there/to discuss issues related to your research
- Supporting faculty salary
The AARC Award offers a large degree of flexibility in the way award funds may be used; however, when applying, be certain to explain to the review committee why a particular expenditure is a good use of the AARC Award monies (i.e., how will this help further your career as a teacher-researcher?). This information should be included in the Budget and Justification section of your application.
Can AARC Award funds be used to reimburse my university for "indirect costs?"
AARC award funds are not to be used for "indirect costs," such as university staff time spent processing your award check, etc., and should not be included in your proposed budget. The AARC award is not a research "grant" in the traditional sense.
Can I apply for the AARC Award if I have already received funding from another organization?
Yes. Although some of the AARC award funds may be used to conduct research, the award is not a research "grant" in the traditional sense.
Can I apply for and receive the AARC Award and the ASHF New Investigators Research Grant in the same year?
You may apply for and receive the AARC Award and the ASHF New Investigators Research Grant in the same year, as they have distinct purposes. However, please inform both ASHA and ASHF of your intent to apply for both awards.
I am an international student attending an international university. Am I eligible to apply for the AARC Award?
Only students attending a university in the U.S. are eligible to apply for the AARC Award.
I am currently a PhD candidate set to defend my dissertation in the coming months. I will officially have my doctorate by August 1st, as stated in the award's eligibility criteria. I have already obtained a faculty position, to begin in the fall. Should I list my current university as my affiliation on my application, or the university where I will be a faculty member in the fall?
Since you have received confirmation of your faculty appointment, it will be acceptable for you to list that institution's name on your application. (Also be sure to obtain a letter of support from the chair of that particular department, as it is important for him or her to know that you are planning to apply for this award.) Please do not forget to indicate how/where you may be reached over the summer (i.e., June-August) so that we can notify you of the status of your application. Please provide both a valid e-mail and mailing address.
Can my essay be longer than 500 words?
We won't count the words! However, your essay should not be much longer than 500 words.
I'm required to provide you with a letter of recommendation from my "primary mentor." Who is that?
Your primary mentor is the person you'll be working with on your proposed project. He or she should have an awareness of your interests, needs, aims, etc. relative to your project. He or she should also be in a position to provide you with advice, counsel, etc. during the development of your plan and throughout the coming year. Your mentor may be someone at your university or based elsewhere. Lastly, for the purposes of the AARC Award, please ensure that your primary mentor is a communication sciences and disorders (CSD) faculty member. Non-CSD faculty may be listed as secondary mentors.
Please take note of the following:
- The same individual may serve as a mentor for two or more AARC applicants.
- There is no limit to the number of mentors that you are allowed to have.
- You may list a retired faculty member as a mentor; however, it is best if your primary mentor is NOT retired.
I would like to co-submit an application with a colleague. Is this possible?
It is possible for two colleagues to submit a joint application. Please note that, in the event a joint application is selected to receive an award, only one (1) $5,000 award will be given. Please be aware of this fact as you draft your budget and justification.
My proposed primary mentor is also my CSD program director or department chair. Do you require two letters of recommendation from this individual? Should I ask someone else for a letter of recommendation?
One letter of recommendation is sufficient. Your proposed primary mentor should make it clear in his or her letter of recommendation, however, that he or she is also your CSD program director or department chair.
I'd like to ask someone who has emeritus status as a faculty member to be my primary mentor. Would that be all right?
An individual who has emeritus status as a faculty member may serve as your primary mentor.
Are there any specific requirements regarding the letters of recommendation/support?
There aren't any specific requirements regarding the letter of recommendation from your primary mentor or letter of support from your CSD program director or department chair. But generally, your letter of recommendation should show that your mentor is aware of your interests, needs, goals, etc. relative to your proposed project. It should also show that he or she is in a position to provide you with advice, counsel, etc. during the development of your proposed plan and throughout the coming year. Generally, your letter of support from your CSD program director or department chair should show his or her/the program's commitment to you and to your proposed plan.
To whom should my letters of recommendation/support be addressed?
Your letter of recommendation from your primary mentor and your letter of support from your CSD program director or department chair should be addressed to:
Dr. Sharon E. Moss
Director of Scientific Programs & Research Development
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
2200 Research Boulevard, #245
Rockville, MD 20850
Can my letters of recommendation/support be sent to you electronically?
Five copies of your letter of recommendation from your primary mentor and five copies of your letter of support from your CSD program director or department chair must be mailed to Dr. Sharon E. Moss. Please include the two original letters (signed and on letterhead) and four copies of each original letter. The letters may be sent with the rest of your application materials (strongly preferred) or sent to Dr. Moss separately.
What is the intended timeframe for the 18-month budget period?
The intended timeframe for the 18-month budget period is approximately August 2008-February 2010.
Is there an option to submit my AARC Award application packet electronically?
Your application packet must be submitted in hard copy form (the original application plus four copies.)
What will the AARC Award application review process entail?
Each AARC award application will be reviewed by a minimum of three reviewers. Award recipients will be determined based on reviewer assessments. Reviewer scores and comments will be shared with award applicants at the close of the review process, if requested.
When is the application due?
Applications must be received by May 15, 2009.
If I have been selected to receive an award, when will I be notified?
You will be notified of the acceptance status of your application on or around August 1, 2009.
If selected, when will I receive my AARC Award payment?
Your award payment will be made in full at the beginning of the funding period (your academic year.)
Will my Award check be made out to me or to my university?
Your award check can be made out to either you or to your university. Please let ASHA know your preference. If your award check is to be made out to your university, ASHA will require a letter from your university's Grant Management Office, indicating its willingness to receive the check and to complete a Form W-9.
Is the AARC Award considered taxable income?
If you received the funds directly from ASHA, your award amount will be reported to the IRS on Form 1099, and a copy of the form will be sent to you. If ASHA disburses the award directly to your institution, you will need to find out what its tax reporting practices are.
ASHA cannot offer specific tax advice. However, the award may be considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). To help you understand your obligations, additional information may be found in IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education [PDF], or through your university's Grants Management Office.
What if I still have questions? Please contact Dr. Sharon E. Moss, Director of Scientific Programs & Research Development, at smoss@asha.org
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