FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM NATIONAL SCREENING COMMITTEE REVISED REVIEW PROCESS AND RATING SCALE

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1 FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM NATIONAL SCREENING COMMITTEE REVISED REVIEW PROCESS AND RATING SCALE FULBRIGHT NATIONAL SCREENING COMMITTEE (NSC) MEMBERSHIP The Fulbright NSC consists of individuals with specialized discipline and world area expertise who evaluate applications and recommend candidates for further consideration to binational Fulbright Commissions and U.S. diplomatic posts in more than 130 countries. The presidentially-appointed J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board confirms the final selection of Fulbright grantees. Members of committees are appointed by IIE on the authority of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Prospective members are identified based on recommendations from IIE staff, bi-national Fulbright Commissions, Fulbright Program Advisers on U.S. college and university campuses, current committee members and individual self-nomination. Disciplinary, geographic, demographic and institutional balance is taken into consideration in determining the final composition of the review committees so that membership broadly represents a given year s applicant pool. Committee membership is typically for a three-year term, not necessarily consecutively. IIE conducts a needs-analysis to assess the overall pool of applications in relation to available awards. In certain circumstances, a member s term may be extended for an additional year. THE REVIEW PROCESS A comparative approach is used in the National Screening Committee review process. It includes both rating and ranking the applications for a specific country or, in a few of cases, for a specific field. Each sub-committee consists of three members with international experience, who represent different fields of study. Committees will read and rate the same set of approximately 75 applications. Meetings are facilitated by an IIE staff member. IIE analyzes the application trends and assigns candidates to one of 160 committees IIE reviews applications for technical eligibility and completeness Reviewers receive the applications at least three weeks prior to the meeting Applications are reviewed by all committee members DIVERSITY IN THE PROGRAM The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board has re-emphasized its interest and concern that these exchanges be broadly representative of all segments of U.S. society. Furthermore, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State strives to ensure that its efforts reflect the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of people from traditionally underrepresented audiences in all its grants, programs and other activities and in its workforce and workplace. Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. The Bureau is committed to fairness, equity and inclusion. Candidates who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States should be given preference, provided their qualifications are approximately equivalent to those of other candidates. 1 P a g e

2 . FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT NATIONAL SCREENING COMMITTEE (NSC) ACADEMIC COMMITTEES ORGANIZED BY COUNTRY OR WORLD REGION Senior Faculty Mid-career professionals Country/World Region experience Variety of disciplines FIELD OF STUDY: SCIENCE, BUSINESS, CREATIVE WRITING, ARCHITECTURE Field specialists Professionals & faculty Country/World Region experience optional ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS ORGANIZED BY COUNTRY OR WORLD REGION Full-time language, ESL, TESOL faculty International Educators Country/World Region experience COMMITTEES IN CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS Arts professionals Faculty International experience NSC MEMBER PROFILE * TYPE OF INSTITUTION ASSOCIATE'S 2% BACHELORS 9% MASTERS 24% DOCTORATE/RESEARCH 64% PUBLIC 55% PRIVATE 45% MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS 22% U.S REGIONS NORTHEAST 12% MID-ATLANTIC 27% SOUTH 26% MIDWEST 21% ROCKY MT/WEST 13% OTHER FORMER FULBRIGHT GRANTEES 27% REFERRED BY FPAS OR NSC 36% SERVED ON NSC BEFORE 63% *Data from 2018 NSC Member Profile. Statistics change slightly from year to year 2 P a g e

3 Guidelines for Review of Academic Applications REVIEW CATEGORIES In reviewing applicants in academic fields, three equally-weighted categories are considered: Plan, timeline PROJECT PROPOSAL/GRANT Methodology PURPOSE Affiliation Feasibility APPLICANT S QUALIFICATIONS & BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE APPLICANT S PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & FIT WITH FULBRIGHT MISSION DESCRIPTION OF THE CATEGORIES & CRITERIA Academic background/ training/ experience Accomplishments/ extracurricular activities/ work experience/ military experience Adaptability/flexibility Motivation Future Plans Community Engagement Advances Diversity in the Program Project Proposal/Grant Purpose (See Degree Level as a Factor below) Presents compelling project which can best be accomplished by utilizing resources available in the host country Clearly articulates plan, timeline, and methodology Establishes feasibility of proposed project or study plan can be carried out in the host country, as described, with the resources at hand Demonstrates understanding of constraints and challenges, as well as benefits, of undertaking project/study in host country Identifies appropriate in-country support to carry out the project or appropriate institution at which to study. Countries will have varying requirements for the affiliation and how this is presented in the application may vary. Applicant's Qualifications & Background/Experience Possesses academic background/training/experience specific to proposed project or study plan Acquired host country language proficiency required by the host country or for project; additional proficiency may depend on country requirements, opportunities to learn or study the language and/or a plan presented by the applicant Recognition of achievements - breadth & quality of candidate s accomplishments/ extracurricular/work experience beyond the proposed project (See Degree Level as a Factor below) Consider personal constraints to accumulating accomplishments and trajectory of achievements over time Personal Attributes Adaptability, flexibility, motivation, openness to different points-of-view, leadership Capacity to define and achieve goals and/or to adjust depending on circumstances Limited experience living in host country (See Host Country Experience below) Project relates to the candidate s future career plans Advances diversity in the program (See Diversity in the Program below) Awareness of Fulbright mission of mutual understanding Exhibits a commitment to cultural and community engagement 3 P a g e

4 Degree Level as a Factor In the evaluation of individual candidates, reviewers should not compare candidates of varying degree levels or professional experience. Some committees or countries will review for all degree levels bachelor s, master s, doctorate. Other committees may review only BA level candidates or only MA and PhD candidates. This means that another committee is reviewing the other degree level. Compare the quality of the project and necessary qualifications against degree-level peers. Degree Factors to Consider with Project Proposal Bachelor s level candidates May be enrolled in course work and have closer supervision Advanced degree candidates Expected to work independently without close supervision with emphasis on a clearly described and coherent research project. Degree Factors to Consider with Qualifications and Personal Attributes Bachelor s level candidates Extracurricular activity and community engagement record may have greater weight when determining rating. Advanced degree candidates Extracurricular activity and community engagement record may not be as extensive as for undergraduates since some candidates may be involved in more full time academic or professional work/research. Other attributes in the category may carry more weight, along with potential for community engagement, when rating. At the meeting, the committee will be able to reconcile degree-level issues, if necessary, when making their final recommendations to be sure that all degree levels are represented. Host Country Experience/Previous Fulbright Grants One of the objectives of the Fulbright Program is to provide an educational exchange experience to those not previously afforded such an opportunity. As per FFSB Policy: Preference will be given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience abroad, especially in the country to which they are applying. With this in mind, extensive recent experience is defined as: Applicants who have had previous Fulbright grants. Applicants with recent experience in host country defined as six months or more at the postundergraduate level in the last five years. Undergraduate study abroad is excluded. Applicants with substantial recent experience abroad (any other country) defined as study, teaching, research, or work for a period aggregating more than 12 months during the past five years, excluding undergraduate study abroad. However, the demands of the field may require that this preference be set aside. Examples include difficulty of living and working conditions, required language fluency, the nature of the particular field study, and assignments for which recent relevant experience abroad may be an asset. Recommendation of candidates with extensive recent experience in the country to which they are applying should be made only in rare and compelling circumstances. Also, excluded are applicants who lived in the host country as a minor, but whose high school and higher education was completed in the U.S.; unless they maintain frequent visits to the host country. These factors should be noted and taken into consideration when assigning the rating in Personal Attributes category. That is, an otherwise Exceptional or Very Good rating may be lowered depending on the length and type of host country or experience abroad. Diversity in the Program The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board has re-emphasized its interest and concern that these exchanges be broadly representative of all segments of U.S. society. Committee members should be familiar with the Diversity Statement. These factors should be noted and taken into consideration when assigning the rating in Personal Attributes category. That is, an otherwise Marginal, Good or Very Good rating may be raised depending on the contributions of diversity that the candidate will contribute to the program. 4 P a g e

5 Guidelines for Review of ETA Applications REVIEW CATEGORIES In reviewing applicants for English Teaching Assistantships three equally-weighted categories are considered: Rationale/motivation for ETA grant GRANT PURPOSE English Language Proficiency Supplementary Project, where required APPLICANT S QUALIFICATIONS & Academic background/ training/ experience Accomplishments/ extracurricular activities/ work BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE experience/ military experience APPLICANT S PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & FIT WITH FULBRIGHT MISSION DESCRIPTION OF THE CATEGORIES & CRITERIA Adaptability/flexibility Leadership Future Plans Community Engagement Advances Diversity in the Program Grant Purpose Clearly describes what the applicant will bring to their classroom as well as explain any ideas they have on how to reach students coming from a different pedagogical tradition and culture Ability to express oneself competently, clearly and distinctly in English, orally and in writing o Excellent communication skills o Ways the applicant uses the English language in their essays and throughout the application o Knowledge of grammar, sentence structure, and narrative development Demonstrates understanding of constraints and challenges, as well as benefits, of teaching English in the host country or world region. Indicates why they chose the country/region Description of Supplementary Project, when required by host country (see Supplementary Project below) Applicant's Qualifications & Background/Experience Meets requirements established by host country for qualifications and preferences o Possesses academic background/training/experience relative to country requirements o Participates in tutoring or non-classroom instructional activities such as camp counseling, athletic coaching, or workshop/conference presentations is desirable for all countries o Has appropriate work, internship or volunteer experiences Is not overqualified for the program (See Experience below) Acquired host country language proficiency, as required by country; some host country language experience and/or plan to acquire it is desirable, even if not required Recognition of achievements - breadth and quality of candidate s overall accomplishments/ extracurricular/work experience Consider personal constraints to accumulating accomplishments and trajectory of achievements over time Personal Attributes Maturity, adaptability, flexibility necessary for a successful teaching experience abroad Capacity to define and achieve goals and/or to adjust depending on circumstances Demonstrates leadership capability Limited experience living/studying/working in host country is desirable (see Host Country Experience below) Advances diversity in the program (See Diversity in the Program below) Awareness of Fulbright mission of mutual understanding Exhibits a commitment to cultural and community engagement 5 P a g e

6 Supplementary Project (depending on Country Criteria/ Requirements) Some countries ask for a brief description of a supplementary project. This should be no more than one paragraph in the Statement and is intended to provide insight into how the applicant will utilize time outside the classroom. When recommended or requested in the Country description: Briefly describe a supplementary project that could be of benefit to their host community projects need not be education-related as long as they reflect the Fulbright mission Important that the applicant indicates an understanding that their work as a teaching assistant is a primary focus Projects that require an applicant to be located in a specific city or with a particular institution or that may require more than part-time attention may indicate that the candidate is too project-focused, suggesting a less compelling candidate for the ETA Program Experience Teaching/Tutoring. Be aware that some countries, do not list teaching experience as a preference. Experience may be considered to raise rating, but lack of it should not lower a rating. EXCEPTIONS: Countries which require some classroom experience or a specific degree, lack of or weak experience and/or academic credentials may lead to a lower rating. Professional Experience. On the other hand, too much teaching experience and/or an advanced degree in an TESOL may be considered less desirable in the context of this program s design, for most countries. The decision not to recommend a candidate is appropriate if the candidate could be considered for a full-time teaching position in a higher education environment. All factors need to be weighed, including country requirements, the applicant s motivation for applying to this particular program and the balance of experience and education. Academic Achievement. Academic and/or professional achievement should be given appropriate weight in the overall consideration of the candidate. However, do not over value Grade Point Average at the expense of other factors in this category, even in the Exceptional range. References and a Campus Committee Evaluation (for enrolled applicants). Speak directly to the skills and qualities of a successful English Teaching Assistant. Host Country Experience One of the objectives of the Fulbright Program is to provide an educational exchange experience to those not previously afforded such an opportunity. As per FFSB Policy: Preference will be given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience abroad, especially in the country to which they are applying. With this in mind, extensive recent experience is defined as: Applicants who have had previous Fulbright grants. Applicants with recent experience in host country defined as six months or more at the postundergraduate level in the last five years. Undergraduate study abroad is excluded. Applicants with substantial recent experience abroad (any other country) defined as study, teaching, research, or work for a period aggregating more than 12 months during the past five years, excluding undergraduate study abroad Age should not be considered a factor for selection, except if noted otherwise as a country requirement. Keep in mind, however, that an important role of the teaching assistant is to present U.S. culture and society to a range of audiences who are primarily school-aged or university level students. If otherwise well-qualified, concerns about the candidate s age or experience can be noted and discussed at the meeting. Diversity in the Program The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board has re-emphasized its interest and concern that these exchanges be broadly representative of all segments of U.S. society. Committee members should be familiar with the Diversity Statement. These factors should be noted and taken into consideration when assigning the rating in Personal Attributes category. That is, an otherwise Marginal, Good or Very Good rating may be raised depending on the contributions of diversity that the candidate will contribute to the program. 6 P a g e

7 REVIEW CATEGORIES Guidelines for Review of Applications in the Creative and Performing Arts In reviewing applicants for the Creative and Performing Arts three equally-weighted categories are considered. Quality of Work Sample Talent, skill, potential ARTIST S QUALIFICATIONS General Experience, Background & Accomplishments PROJECT PROPOSAL/GENERAL Rational & relevance of project to host country Affiliation/ host country support for project/applicant EXPERIENCE, BACKGROUND & Accomplishments/ activities/ work experience/ military ACCOMPLISHMENTS experience APPLICANT S PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & FIT WITH FULBRIGHT MISSION DESCRIPTION OF THE CATEGORIES & CRITERIA Adaptability/flexibility Motivation Future Plans Community Engagement Advances Diversity in the Program Artistic Qualities/Achievement: As with other fellowships in the arts, applicants must exhibit a high level of talent and skill relative to applicants of equivalent degree or experience level. At a minimum, successful applicant s background and training must be at the level of a graduating senior or first year graduate student. Applicant s Qualifications & Background/Experience Recognition of achievements - breadth & quality of candidate s accomplishments/ extracurricular/work experience beyond the proposed project. Consider personal constraints to accumulating accomplishments and trajectory of achievements over time. Acquired host country language proficiency, as required by country; some host country language experience and/or plan to acquire it is desirable, even if not required Statement of Grant Purpose Presents compelling project which can best be accomplished by utilizing resources available in the host country Demonstrates understanding of constraints and challenges, as well as benefits, of undertaking project/study in host country Identifies appropriate in-country support to carry out the project or appropriate institution at which to study. All candidates in the Arts should have a letter of affiliation in their application or indicate what steps they are taking to finalize an affiliation. Personal Attributes Adaptability, flexibility, motivation, openness to different points-of-view Capacity to define and achieve goals and/or to adjust depending on circumstances Project relates to the candidate s future career plans Limited experience living in host country (See Host Country Experience below) Advances diversity in the program (See Diversity in the Program below) Awareness of Fulbright mission of mutual understanding Exhibits a commitment to cultural and community engagement 7 P a g e

8 Host Country Experience One of the objectives of the Fulbright Program is to provide an educational exchange experience to those not previously afforded such an opportunity. As per FFSB Policy: Preference will be given to candidates who have not had extensive recent experience abroad, especially in the country to which they are applying. With this in mind, extensive recent experience is defined as: Applicants who have had previous Fulbright grants. Applicants with recent experience in host country defined as six months or more at the postundergraduate level in the last five years. Undergraduate study abroad is excluded. Applicants with substantial recent experience abroad (any other country) defined as study, teaching, research, or work for a period aggregating more than 12 months during the past five years, excluding undergraduate study abroad Age should not be considered a factor for selection, except if noted otherwise as a country requirement. Keep in mind, however, that an important role of the teaching assistant is to present U.S. culture and society to a range of audiences who are primarily school-aged or university level students. If otherwise well-qualified, concerns about the candidate s age or experience can be noted and discussed at the meeting. Diversity in the Program The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board has re-emphasized its interest and concern that these exchanges be broadly representative of all segments of U.S. society. Committee members should be familiar with the Diversity Statement. These factors should be noted and taken into consideration when assigning the rating in Personal Attributes category. That is, an otherwise Marginal, Good or Very Good rating may be raised depending on the contributions of diversity that the candidate will contribute to the program. 8 P a g e

9 USING THE RATING SCALE The three Review Categories are weighted equally. NSC Members assign a Category Rating for each of the three Review Categories. o 5 Exceptional to 1 Poor The Individual Reviewer Rating is determined by the sum of the three Category Ratings. o 15 Exceptional to 3 Poor The Reviewer Rating (Sum) or NSC Rating is the sum of the three Reviewer Ratings o 45 Exceptional to 9 Poor Description NSC RATING (Reviewer Rating Sum) Exceptional 45 Very Good Good Marginal Poor Below 22 Exceptional (Rating 45) The candidate presents exceptional qualities or characteristics in all three categories. All candidates with an exceptional rating will be recommended and moved forward to the host country for selection. Very Good (Rating 36-44) The candidate presents a very strong record in all categories. All candidates in this range, except in the most competitive programs, would be recommended and moved forward to the host country for selection. Good (Rating 30-35) The quality of the candidate s record in each category may be acceptable for a Fulbright. They rate well in all three categories, with perhaps several very good ratings. Candidates in this category may be qualified as their overall record is solid, but when compared with candidates at higher levels, they may not be as compelling. Depending on the number of grants offered and the size and quality of the applicant pool, many candidates, but not all, in this range may be recommended and moved forward to the host country for selection. Marginal (Rating 22-29) Given the overall high quality of Fulbright applicants, candidates in this range may have acceptable records, but overall their application is just average. Candidates in this range may have several good ratings, but may also have some individual ratings of marginal. Candidates with an overall rating of marginal will not be recommended. Poor (Rating below 22) is assigned when the candidate is short of attaining the essential qualifications or qualities that would be expected in a Fulbright Student grantee. In most cases a candidate with a 1 rating in any category by at least two of three members will not be recommended, regardless of the ratings in other categories. Candidates with a poor rating will not be recommended. 9 P a g e