Faculty Development Programs
Sample
Letter to External Reviewer
Faculty Scholar Award
This sample letter contains information about the Faculty Scholar Program which may be helpful to referees in evaluating a Faculty Scholar Award proposal. Applicants may wish to send a similar letter with the evaluation form, their resume (CV), and proposal to the external reviewers. It is anticipated that applicants often will first contact referees informally (e.g., by phone or e-mail) to request their assistance, and the sample letter assumes that the referee has agreed to provide an evaluation.
Dear (reviewer):
The University of Iowa's Program of Faculty Scholar Awards gives scholars the opportunity and encouragement for research and creative work of the highest quality. By providing conditions for concentrated work on the frontiers of research and the arts, the Faculty Scholar Awards facilitate exceptionally promising projects by some of the University's most able faculty members.
As you know, I have applied for one of these awards and I am very grateful that you have agreed to serve as an external reviewer to evaluate my proposal. My proposal and CV are enclosed. Also enclosed are (a) a sheet detailing the award criteria and a set of review/evaluation questions that will be used to judge the proposals internally and (b) an evaluation form for you to provide a quantitative evaluation of the proposal. Two of the main points you might consider in making these judgments are: (1) the quality and importance of the proposed scholarly work as compared with other current efforts in the field, and (2) my ability to make a significant contribution to the field. A letter or commentary more fully expressing your opinions and explaining your qualitative judgments should be attached to the form. Your review will be held in strictest confidence and made available only to the collegiate and university committees which recommend to the Provost the final selection of candidates.
The evaluation form and comments must be returned by September 27, 2002 to the UI Faculty Scholar Awards Program, Office of the Provost, 111 Jessup Hall, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316. A pre-addressed stamped envelope has been enclosed for your convenience. If you prefer, you may fax the form and comments to UI Faculty Scholar Awards Program, 319-335-3560. Your contribution is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Name
Enclosures
