1. SSHRC: What is it? Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
Federal government granting agency
Allocates research $ to masters, doctoral, postdoctoral, and faculty researchers

2. Why are there 3 Doctoral Awards?
One application, three possible awards
• Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships (JAB CGS): $35,000 a year for up to 36 months
SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships: $20,000 a year for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months
Also: Some CGS recipients may be considered for the honour of having their scholarship named a Canada Graduate Scholarship to Honour Nelson Mandela, should SSHRC deem their application to be aligned with at least one of five themes championed by Mandela: national unity; democracy; freedom and human rights; leadership; children’s participation in society; and children’s health.

3. Supplements
Aileen D. Ross Fellowship: A $10,000 supplement is awarded yearly to a SSHRC doctoral award recipient conducting poverty-related research in sociology.
Queen’s Fellowship: A $10,000 supplement is awarded yearly to a SSHRC doctoral award recipient entering a Canadian Studies program at a Canadian postsecondary institution. At the time of application, candidates registered in the first year of, or who intend to enroll in, such a program are considered eligible
You must indicate your desire to be considered for a supplement from the appropriate drop-down menu in your application form. You must also provide an explanation of why your research should be considered for a supplement.

4. SSHRC: Can I apply? Yes, if …
You are:
a citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
applying for support to pursue your first PhD (or equivalent);
pursuing doctoral studies in the social sciences or humanities;
not have already received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) or SSHRC to undertake or complete a doctoral degree; and
not applying in the academic year to NSERC or CIHR.
NB: at the time of application, you need not be assured of admission to a degree program.

5. SSHRC: Am I competitive? Yes, if …
You have a minimum overall average of 80% in each degree
You have two people who can write *excellent* letters of appraisal
You have research publications or public scholarship
You can tell the general public how your research project might affect their lives

6. SSHRC: How do I apply? Everyone needs:
the web-based Doctoral Award application form, completed, printed, and signed
the program of study (maximum two pages)
bibliography and citations (maximum five pages)
research contributions (maximum one page)
official and/or certified copies of all undergraduate AND graduate level transcripts
two completed letters of appraisal in sealed envelopes (maximum one page each)
the Departmental Appraisal
the completed, printed, and signed Consent to Disclosure of Personal Information form
the Application Checklist

7. SSHRC: How do I apply? Some will need:
supplement justification (if applicable, maximum one page per supplement)
joint or special initiative justification (if applicable, maximum one page per initiative)
allowable inclusions (if applicable, maximum one page)
official letter to confirm part-time study and/or leave of absence (if applicable, maximum one page each)

8. SSHRC: How is my application assessed?
Research Potential, shown in:
the program of study and its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge;
relevant professional and academic experience, including research training, as demonstrated by conference presentations and scholarly publications;
two written evaluations from referees; and
the departmental appraisal (for those registered at Canadian universities)
2) Academic Excellence, shown in:
Transcripts
Awards
Distinctions
3) Communication, Leadership, shown in:
Program of study
Relevant experience

9. SSHRC: When do I have to do this?
Your department will have an EARLIER deadline so they can write the departmental assessment letter. Ask them for that date – that is the one you are working toward
The deadline for fully completed applications to be submitted to SGS is November 13: your dept. or unit will forward applications to SGS

10. SSHRC: What’s the hardest part?
Figuring out how best to follow all the SSHRC instructions AND highlight your qualifications at the same time
Ensuring your letters of reference are excellent
formulaires/index-eng.aspx
Writing the Program of Research

11. SSHRC: I need more help! Good.
SSHRC FAQ page: read it, print it, keep it with you!
questions_frequentes/doctoral_awards-bourses_de_doctorat-eng.aspx
Tech support – any questions/problems with the web forms, contact SSHRC:
Proposal Writing Workshops: contact Gail Lamkin to register
October 3 and November 7
10:00 to noon
IIC 2014
Consult widely
Get your supervisor and letter writers to edit your program of study AND proofread your forms
Have your peers read through everything – they can spot places that don’t make sense