For Recommenders

The recommendation form will include the following questions. (Please note each prompt has a suggested word limit.)

• How long have you known this student and in what capacity? 
• Within the context of the discipline, please briefly describe the significance of the proposed project. 
• Within the context of the discipline, please evaluate the student’s qualifications to carry out the proposed project and the feasibility of the project’s scope.
• Describe the faculty-student mentoring relationship in some detail (e.g., how often will you and the student meet, what are your expectations for the student) and why this plan is appropriate for the project. 
• In what ways do you anticipate the project enhancing the student’s academic development (e.g., completion of an honor’s project) and possibly career and personal development (e.g., presentation at a conference, preparation for graduate school)? 
• Is there anything else you wish to communicate to the selection committee about this student?

Once a student submits their Phase One application, an automated email will be sent to the faculty mentor(s) that the student listed in the application.

The automated email will include links to two different recommendation forms: one for faculty recommending one student, and one for faculty recommending multiple students.

Recommendation forms should be saved as a PDF and sent to Gina Pappas (gpappas@bowdoin.edu) by the Phase Two deadline.

Please note: if you are recommending multiple students, please submit a separate form for each student.

Research involving human or animal subjects must be either covered by an approved protocol or found exempt before any research can commence. Research cannot be approved retroactively; therefore, projects that may inform a future independent study or honors project must receive approval prior to conducting the research.

Projects involving human subjects will need to be reviewed by Bowdoin’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). Human subjects research includes collecting data through interviews and surveys, using private information from identifiable individuals, and experimental testing on individuals. For more information about the role of the IRB, or for answers to questions about the submission process, please email IRB@bowdoin.edu.  Projects involving vertebrate animals will need to be reviewed by Bowdoin’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). For more information, please email the IACUC chair at iacuc@bowdoin.edu.  

When students submit their Phase Two application, they will be asked to make a binding decision regarding whether they are seeking support for 8, 9, or 10 weeks at $615 per week to carry out their proposed project. Applicants have been instructed to discuss with their faculty mentors what would be the appropriate duration of their fellowship and to consider their own research goals and availability as well as their faculty mentors’ availability when making this decision. Be aware that selected fellows are expected to commit full-time effort to their research project and faculty mentors must approve the duration of the fellowship period.

Frequent problems observed in students’ fellowship applications:

• Proposed activity’s contribution to the broader field or community not clearly stated.
• Procedures omitted, vaguely stated, or unrelated to the project; project unrealistic or unlikely to succeed.
• Failure to speak adequately to the student’s development.
• Failure to demonstrate the student’s and the mentor’s engagement in the project.
• Inflated or unreasonable budget, or narrative or notes that do not clearly support the budget.

In addition to the above, please also keep in mind:

• Inadequate attention to style raises questions about the student’s commitment to the project and likelihood to succeed.