The Gerald R. Ford Scholar Award in Honor of Robert M. Teeter is an annual award of $5,000 given to a doctoral student to support dissertation research in any field related to any aspect of the United States political process and public policy during the last half of the 20th century. Of special interest is the role and analysis of public opinion in that process. The recipient determines use of the award money including, but not limited to, travel, reproduction fees, administrative costs, and other research and writing expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. program (coursework and examinations) except for the dissertation by the application deadline. The award must support research to be conducted after the award is announced, a portion of which must be carried out at the Ford Library, and will not be granted retroactively for research already completed.

Applications and Deadlines

Applicants must demonstrate their professional potential by submitting each of the following:

• an abstract describing the dissertation, no longer than 150 words;

• a 5- to 10-page proposal that describes the topic and outline of the dissertation. The proposal should provide both a description of the project and the ways in which Ford Library resources can advance the research on the topic, and additionally address how the dissertation will relate to current scholarship on the subject. A bibliography of up to two additional pages should also be included. The proposal and accompanying bibliography should use 12-point font and be double-spaced (page count does not include footnotes or bibliography);
• three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s qualifications for the award (one of these letters must be from their academic director that includes a statement approving the dissertation topic);
• unofficial transcripts from all graduate schools attended (the Selection Committee reserves the right to request official transcripts); and
• a curriculum vitae.

The application deadline is March 31, 2016. Applications and letters of recommendation can be submitted by mail, e-mail, or fax. Applications submitted by mail must be postmarked by the deadline.

Requirements of the Scholar and Reporting Responsibilities

The Scholar must submit a brief report on the work done under the award to the Director of the Gerald R. Ford Library no later than six months after receipt of the award, acknowledge the support awarded in the resulting publication(s), and present a copy of the resulting dissertation to the Gerald R. Ford Library when it is completed and accepted.

For additional information, please see http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/library/fsa.asp[fordlibrarymuseum.gov]