Faculty Development Programs
Sample
Letter to External Reviewer
Global Scholar Award
This sample letter contains information about the Global Scholar Program which may be helpful to referees in evaluating a Global 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 Global Scholar program is a faculty development program which grew out of the University’s strategic planning process. As a state university with national and international obligations, the University is committed to understanding and contributing to global issues and trends. The International Program’s strategic plan seeks to achieve a faculty globally oriented in their teaching, research, and service by offering development opportunities for faculty members to reexamine and reorient teaching and research in the direction of global themes. This program is intended to provide the opportunity for tenured faculty members, with established records of research and teaching, to consider their research and teaching in relation to significant globalizing trends. Faculty who have not previously carried out research on international issues are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications for international research that incorporate new and innovative approaches and methodologies are also encouraged.
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 resume are enclosed. Also enclosed are (a) a sheet detailing the general 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 28, 2001 to the UI Global 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 Global Scholar Awards Program, 319-335-3560. Your contribution is deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Name
Enclosures
