Office of Naval Research Summer Faculty Research Program
and Sabbatical Leave Program

Frequently Asked Questions

• General
• Eligibility
• Terms of Appointment
• Application Process

General

What are my chances?

In recent years ASEE has been able to offer appointments to approximately 25% of the applicants. Some participating centers have large programs, and some have small programs. The estimate is based on recent years' participation; the actual number could be larger or smaller than the estimate.

I've been at the same stipend level for several years how do I move to the next stipend level?

When deciding appointment levels the committee looks to see if the applicant has made any improvements in his/her area or field of research.  For example, just to name a few,  they are looking to see how many first author papers you have published, or how many conferences you have attended and presented papers.  All this information can be listed on the Summer Faculty Application.

I am a professor at my university will I automatically receive the Distungished Summer Faculty level?

The appoitment levels are not based on tenue, but on your accomplishments in your area or field of research.

Why am I asked demographic information?

This information will not be provided to evaluators and will not impact your eligibility in any way. It is used to determine the degree to which members of diverse sections of the eligible population are aware of and apply for this program. See the Privacy Act Statement for more information.

As providing this information is voluntary, if you do not wish to answer the questions, simply select the "I do not wish to respond" option under each question.

Eligibility

I am an Adjunct or Emeritus Professor – am I eligible?

As long as you hold a regular teaching or research position at a U.S. college or university, but not if the position is in title only with little or no teaching or researching duties.

I am a professor of social/behavioral sciences – am I eligible?

Yes, you are eligible to participate in the program. Several research centers have ongoing research projects involving psychology, sociology, etc. For more information about specific labs, please see the Participating Labs page. You may also contact the Laboratory Coordinator to further discuss the research opportunities available.

I am a professor of humanities/liberal arts – am I eligible?

Yes, you are eligible; however, the program is directed toward science and engineering research, therefore the number of opportunities available is very few. Please see the Participating Labs page and see what opportunities are available. You may also contact the Laboratory Coordinator of the lab(s) you are interested in to further discuss the research opportunities available.

I am a permanent resident of the U.S., but have not been granted citizenship yet – am I eligible?

Yes, you are eligible; however, some navy labs require security clearance and/or special handling of legal permanent residents. It is best that you contact the appropriate navy labs and find out the requirements.

I have applied for legal permanent resident status – am I eligible?

If your permanent residency is granted before the start of your appointment, you would be eligible. Your appointment to the summer faculty research program can be conditioned on your obtaining permanent residency. Some navy labs require security clearance and/or special handling of legal permanent residents. It is best that you contact the appropriate navy labs and find out the requirements.

Terms of Appointment

Is housing provided?

No, acquiring housing for the duration of the program is the responsibility of the fellow. A modest relocation allowance is provided to qualifying fellows. Housing availability and cost vary from center to center. Navy host personnel and Laboratory Coordinators may be able to assist participants in finding suitable housing. The pre-program visit provides a good opportunity to seek housing.

What are the stipend levels?

Stipends are tentatively set for $1,400 per week at the Summer Faculty Fellow level, $1,650 per week at the Senior Summer Faculty Fellow level, and $1,900 per week at the Distinguished Summer Faculty Fellow level.

What are the requirements for each level of appointment and how is that determined?

The three levels of appointment are: Summer Faculty Fellow, Senior Summer Faculty Fellow and Distinguished Summer Faculty Fellow. The number of faculty members who qualify for the different levels of appointment varies each year. As an example, the breakdown of the 2010 program participants by level of appointment is shown below.

2011 Summer Program - Level of Appointment:

Summer Faculty Fellow:	46%
Senior Summer Faculty Fellow:	35%
Distinguished Summer Faculty Fellow:	19%

Qualifications for Senior Summer Faculty Member:

1. At least 6 years (preferably more) of research experience in his/her field of expertise after earning a Ph.D. or equivalent degree.
2. Substantial, significantly documented record of research accomplishments and publications, particularly in refereed journals and books.

Qualifications for Distinguished Summer Faculty Member:

1. Hold a senior appointment at a leading research university.
2. Internationally recognized for their research achievements.

Each year, the Level of Appointment for all participants is determined by a panel of scientists and engineers. Decisions of the review panel are final.

Application Process

What happens after I submit my application to ASEE?

After your application is received, it is submitted to the U.S. Navy laboratories that were selected on your application. The lab research staff reviews the applications and sends a list of selected faculty to ASEE. In early February, a panel of experts from various disciplines is convened to review the selected applications and determine the level of appointment for each fellow. All applicants are then notified of the status of their application to the program.

How do I apply?

Through the online application. You will need to create a login and password to access the application.  This will allow you the opportunity to save information and return to your application in the likely case that you have not updated your CV.  ONLY online application will be accepted.

I created a login and password last year.  Can I use the same login and password to access the application this year?

No, the logins and passwords used in previous years will not allow you to access the application. 

How many labs may I apply to?

You may apply to a maximum of 2 labs.

What if I need to change my application or select different labs?

Please email the ONR Program Manager at onrsummer@asee.org at ASEE to determine the possibility of changing your application.

I am a current participant, how do I apply for another summer?

Previous participants who wish to apply for a subsequent summer at a Navy center must submit a new application to ASEE each year.

How will I know if my mentor submitted his reference letter?

There is a status button located in the left margin of your application, which allows you to view the status of your previous summer's mentor reference.  The status will read "Received" or "Not Received."

I submitted my application and my reference said he/she did not receive the reference email?

Unfortunately, once you submit your application you will be unable to change the information you enter regarding your reference.  Please be sure to notify your reference that he/she will be receiving an email regarding your performance during the previous year(s).  Also, be sure to note his/her's correct email address because as previously stated you will be unable to change or correct the information for your reference once the application has been submitted.

I cannot load my CV, why?

Be sure you are uploading your CV in PDF format.  The system will ONLY accept files in this format.  You will have to scan your CV and convert it into PDF format.  WORD or WORDPERFECT document will cause an error in the system and will not be loaded.   

I loaded my CV why do I need to type in the boxes asking about Conferences, Citations, Presentations, etc?

The evaluation committee is concerned with your most recent accomplishments but may want to review your career accomplishments.  This is all very helpful to the reviewer when deciding which summer level to place an applicant.