Preparing a Successful SSHRC/OGS Proposal
This comprehensive guide outlines the steps necessary to prepare a successful SSHRC/OGS proposal application by the October 15 deadline. It covers essential components such as the online application forms, academic accomplishments, letters of appraisal, and the plan of study. Tips include articulating your research idea, not assuming a specialist audience, and ensuring grammatical perfection. The guide emphasizes time management for submissions, seeking feedback, and providing adequate material to referees. Familiarize yourself with technical specifications and requirements for both SSHRC and OGS applications.
Preparing a Successful SSHRC/OGS Proposal
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Presentation Transcript
Application Packages: deadline October 15 OGS Online application form (personal data, educational background, discipline information) - 3 pages Significant academic accomplishments – 1 page Scholarships and awards – 1 page Plan of study – 1 page All academic transcripts Two Academic Assessment Reports Summary sheet SSHRC Web-based forms (profile, educational background, work experience, credentials, publications, areas of study) - 9 pages Program of study - 1 page (MEd) or 2 pages (PhD) + Bibliography – 1 page All academic transcripts Two Letters of Appraisal Checklist OGS
Online forms • log into system to register/create an account • can work in sessions, save files • give yourself lots of time to complete (system can go down) • note technical specifications / instructions for every section • finalized files must be printed, signed, and sheets ordered as per checklist
Program/Plan of Study • clearly and strongly articulate your plan – sell your research idea • don’t assume a specialist audience • strive for grammatical perfection • use all of the space allocated • ask others for feedback (supervisor, peers, someone qualified in your area of study) • provide a copy to referees – they will need to see it to write your letters of appraisal • prepare for multiple drafts!
Theoretical framework: In what body/bodies of theory is your problem situated? Methodology: What is your underlying approach to your research? Method: How will you undertake your research? Details of fieldwork Analysis of data Dissemination of your research Inverted triangle structure Big picture: What is the problem you are studying? Explain why it is (broadly) important.
Program/Plan of Study • Must demonstrate: • strong academic background; • knowledge of your field of study; • research ability and potential; • originality; and • excellent communication skills.
Further resources • “The Secrets of Succe$$ful Grant Applications” • “Strategies in Use in Successful SSHRC Applications” (2004 study analyzing 7 successful proposals)
Letters of Appraisal • Ask faculty who can write specific, detailed letters • Give faculty plenty of time • Provide faculty with plan of study • Provide faculty with recent cv and a note highlighting recent achievements (e.g., awards, presentations, publications, relevant professional successes)
Final steps • Checklists/summary sheets • submit packages to Office of Graduate Studies by deadline • review process • results in April • Good luck!!
