Apply for Innovation in Technology award

Submitted by Susan M. Henrichs
Phone: (907) 474-7464
06/04/04

The Western Association of Graduate Schools and University Microfilms International are pleased to announce the 2004-2005 WAGS/UMI Innovation in Technology award. This $500 award is intended to recognize the innovative application of technology to scholarship. Each member institution may submit one nomination for this award. More information about the award is at http://www.wiche.edu/wags/innovation.htm.

Eligibility requirements

Both master and doctoral students are eligible to be nominated. This award may be given either to a master’s thesis or to a doctoral dissertation which makes a contribution to the innovative and/or creative use of technology in the conduct of scholarship. This innovative use of digital technology may be applied either to the research or the presentation of a thesis or dissertation, or to both. The thesis or dissertation need not be submitted to the student’s institution by means of an ETD (Electronic Thesis or Dissertation) process in order to be eligible to receive the award.

Each nomination requires a written endorsement of the dean of the graduate school (college) or equivalent office. The internal institutional selection processes are the responsibility of the endorsing official.

Guidelines for the 2004-05 WAGS/UMI Innovation in Technology award

1. A nominee must have earned the master’s or doctoral degree within the period of July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004. Nomination materials must include:

a. An original plus eight copies of the written endorsement cited in the Eligibility Requirements above

b. An original plus eight copies of a summary prepared by the student (100-1500 words) describing the research and how it demonstrates innovative or creative use of technology in the conduct of scholarship.

c. An original plus eight copies of a letter from the department head or major professor. This letter should include information regarding the significance of the technological innovations in the work for the discipline, and for the student’s department and institution.

2. All nomination materials must be postmarked no later than August 16, 2004, and mailed to Dr. Elizabeth L. Feetham, Secretary-Treasurer, Western Association of Graduate Schools, c/o University of Washington, Graduate School, Box 353770, G-1 Communications Building, Seattle, WA 98195-3770.

3. Initial screening will be based upon originality, creativity, scholarly significance of the use of technology, and overall quality. The technological contribution to the degree program and/or the institution may also be a consideration. Finalists will be asked to provide three complete copies of the thesis or dissertation.

4. The 2004-2005 award consists of a certificate of award, $500 to the recipient, and travel expenses for the recipient to receive the award at the annual meeting of the association hosted by Idaho State University in March, 2005.

Contact: For more information about the Innovation in Technology award, contact Marilyn Gray at (206) 543-9054 or megray@u.washington.edu.