Advancing Academic-Research Careers (AARC) Award Application Instructions and Frequently Asked Questions
Please read carefully, as several requirements for AARC have changed in 2012.
Application Instructions
- Completed application form
Application form will be posted here shortly. Save the file as "your name_AARC_application.pdf."
- Cover letter (limit one page)
Explain how this award will facilitate advancement of your academic-research career. Save the file as "your name_AARC_cover_letter.pdf."
- Mentored teaching plan (limit three pages)
The plan must be composed of mentored activities. Specify how the plan is a logical next step in the development of your teaching/mentoring skills. List the specific activities, the type and frequency of interaction with your teaching mentor(s), and measurable learner outcomes. Save the file as "your name_AARC_teaching_plan.pdf."
- Mentored research plan (limit three pages)
The plan must be composed of mentored activities. Specify how the plan is a logical next step in the development of your research skills or program. List the specific activities, type and frequency of interaction with your research mentor(s) and measurable learner outcomes. Save the file as "your name_AARC_research_plan.pdf."
- Budget proposal for the 18-month funding period
Justify all expenditures. There are no requirements concerning how to divide funds between the teaching and research activities. Examples of acceptable uses of funds include, but are not limited to: purchasing equipment/supplies/books, paying assistants or research participants, and paying awardee's registration fees and/or travel expenses for a training course or conference. Funds may not be used for indirects, teaching buyout, or to cover travel expenses for anyone other than the awardee. If funds are requested to attend a conference, you must provide a rationale for why that particular conference is the best option. Save the file as "your name_AARC_budget.pdf."
- CV
Include education, employment history, publications (peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed listed separately), presentations (invited and contributed listed separately), courses taught, service, theses and dissertations directed (if applicable), funding history (list both funded and unfunded applications), and honors/awards/affiliations. Save the file as "your name_AARC_CV.pdf."
- Letters of recommendation (limit one page each)
Include a letter from each member of your mentoring team, expressing both their assessment of your potential as an academic-researcher and their commitment to mentoring you as defined in your plan. Save the file as "your name_AARC_recommendation_mentor_name.pdf."
- Letters of support (limit one page)
Include a letter from your chair (or equivalent) expressing support of your proposed activities for the full 18-month duration of the award. Save the file as "your name_AARC_support.pdf."
Submit all application materials as PDF attachments to academicaffairs@asha.org by May 15, 2012.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application & Review Process
Mentors
Award Details
Can I apply for and receive the AARC Award and an ASHF 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.
How does the AARC Award application review process work?
Each AARC award application will be reviewed by a minimum of three faculty researchers who volunteer to review. Reviewers will evaluate your application for how likely this award is to facilitate the advancement of your academic-research career as stated in your cover letter, whether your mentoring plans present a logical next step for you and how likely the activities are to further develop your skills, the appropriateness of your budget for the activities proposed, and your potential for a successful academic-research career based on your CV and letters of recommendation. Award recipients will be determined based on reviewer assessments.
How will the mentored teaching and research plans be evaluated?
Each plan will be weighed equally in the review of your application. The number of activities, and funds allocated for them, need not be equal across the two plans; however, the contents of each plan should be equally important to your development of skills needed for a successful academic-research career.
Who can serve as my mentors?
Your mentors are the people you'll be working with on your proposed project. There should be at least two mentors; one who will support your teaching plan and the other to support your research plan. They should have an awareness of your interests, needs, and aims as described in your teaching and research plans. They should also be in a position to provide you with advice and feedback during the development of your plan and throughout the funding period. Mentors may be at your university or based elsewhere. Lastly, for the purposes of the AARC Award, each mentor must have a research doctorate, and at least one of your mentors must be a faculty member in a communication sciences and disorders department (or the equivalent).
One of my proposed mentors 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?
If one of your mentors is also your CSD program director or department chair, one letter from that individual is sufficient. It is recommended that both roles be disclosed in the letter.
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 in August.
What is the intended timeframe for the 18-month budget period?
The intended timeframe for the 18-month budget period is approximately August–February of the subsequent academic year.
If selected, how and when will the AARC Award be disbursed?
Your award payment will be made in full in August. The check will be made out to your university. ASHA will require a letter from your university's Grants Management Office indicating its willingness to receive the check and to complete a Form W-9.
Is the AARC Award considered taxable income?
ASHA cannot offer specific tax advice. You will need to confer with your institution about their tax reporting practices. To help you understand your obligations, contact your university's Grants Management Office or the IRS.
Are there any post-award requirements?
Yes, interim and final progress reports are required. Awardees are required to request approval (in writing) for any changes to their mentoring plans or budget.
What if I still have questions?
Please contact ASHA's Academic Affairs and Research Education unit at academicaffairs@asha.org.