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Evaluation and Selection

Candidates should identify a potential primary mentor and contact this mentor prior to applying to the program to ensure alignment between their research interests and goals and those of the mentor. At least one mentor, whether primary or secondary, must hold a tenured position.  

Candidates are evaluated by a panel of faculty reviewers in their own fields and in related fields. Faculty reviewers will evaluate candidates according to their academic accomplishments, the strength of their research proposal, and their potential for faculty careers that will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity through their teaching, research and service. Faculty reviewers also may consider the mentor's potential to work productively with the candidate and commitment to equity and diversity in higher education. Faculty reviewers will submit their recommendations to the Office of the Provost, where the final selections will be determined.

In evaluating the candidates' potential to contribute to diversity and equal opportunity through their academic careers, faculty review committees may consider the following criteria:

Teaching and Service

(Applicants are encouraged to address these points in their Education Background Statements.)

  • Applicants who have the potential to contribute to higher education, the State of Maryland, and the University of Maryland, College Park (University) through innovative teaching techniques that contribute to the goals of the University's Fearlessly Forward strategic plan.
  • Applicants with a record of leadership or significant experience teaching and mentoring students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Applicants with a record of leadership or significant experience performing public service addressing a wide range of societal needs. 

Research

(Applicants are encouraged to address these points in their Research Proposals.)

  • Applicants with the potential to engage in innovative research/scholarship/creative works that seek to inform and/or bring resolution to the grand challenges of our time.
  • Applicants in science, technology, engineering and math fields who can articulate how their research/scholarship/creative works has the potential to serve the needs of the State of Maryland, the University, and beyond.
  • Applicants in any field who have research/scholarship/creative works interests that are translational and can serve the public good.  

Other Factors that may be Considered

Faculty review committees may give less consideration to applicants who:

  • Currently hold tenure-track faculty appointments or have received faculty offers.
  • Have had significant postdoctoral experience.
  • Propose to work in the department where they received their Ph.D..
  • Currently hold a postdoctoral appointment at the University.

Applicants in any of the four situations above should address their circumstances in their application. For example, an applicant who is staying in the same department due to family needs would be given full consideration.