DIALOG/DISCCRS
Symposium Application Instructions

The goal of these symposia is to catalyze formation of interdisciplinary collegial networks and prepare new professionals to meet the specific challenges involved in building successful interdisciplinary careers. DIALOG focuses on the aquatic sciences while DISCCRS concentrates on climate change/impacts.

Eligible individuals may apply for more than one symposium, but will only be allowed to attend one. See http://aslo.org/phd.html for information on the latest symposia. Application deadlines will be strictly enforced.

Step 1: Register your Ph.D. Dissertation Abstract

Register your Ph.D. Dissertation Abstract using the interactive form at http://www.aslo.org/forms/phdform.html.

We encourage you to register as soon as you complete your Ph.D. The rest of the application materials may be submitted any time before the application deadline.

Step 2. Prepare and submit a resume and two essays

Submit one electronic file with the following three Application components to dialog@whitman.edu (for DIALOG) or disccrs@whitman.edu (for DISCCRS).

1. Resume (2-page limit)
   Include the following (You may include other information if you have space, but DO NOT submit reprints or anything more than 2 pages total in length): Name; research interests/skills (3 lines maximum); college/university educational history (list dates attended, degree, institution, and subject area); professional employment (list current position first; include job title, institution and start/end dates); academic awards/honors; full citations of publications (published, in press, or submitted should be included: do NOT include papers in prep); presentations at scientific meetings; educational/community service, professional society memberships.
2. Essay #1 (1/2 page maximum length)
   Describe a component of your Ph.D. dissertation or current research as though you were writing for a well-educated adult with minimal science background. You should provide the following: Title, context for your work; central question/topic, your method of addressing this question, results and importance/significance/potential impact of your findings. In other words, what was the question, why is it important, what was your major result and how does it advance our understanding/benefit society? Be sure to include an interesting/intriguing title, something that will attract a reader.
3. Essay #2 (1/2 page maximum length)
   Please describe your current and future career goals, including their interdisciplinary and collaborative aspects. What do you expect to gain from the symposium, and how might your participation benefit other participants?

Resume and Essay Format

1. Format all pages to fit 8.5" X 11" paper with 1" margins: Text must fit within a 6.5" x 9.0" block (16.5 cm x 22.9 cm)
2. Use times 12 font or equivalent
3. Use a separate sheet of paper to begin each of the three sections
4. Start the three sections as follows:
   Center 'Resume' followed by your name on the first line of the Resume
   Left justify 'Essay #1' followed by your name on the first line of the first essay, and
   Left justify 'Essay #2' followed by your name on the first line of the second essay.
5. Save all 3 sections in one document; If possible, save file in Rich Text Format (rtf)
6. Label the file "DIALOGAPP_<your first initial_your last name>.rtf", or "DISCCRSAPP_<your first initial_your last name>.rtf". Example: DIALOGAPP_C_Weiler.rtf

Instructions for Submitting Resume and Essays

1. All applications must be submitted electronically. There is no need to follow up with a "hard copy".
2. Label the ‘subject’ line DIALOGV [or DISCCRS] App. <Your Full Name>.
   Example subject line: DIALOGV App. Caroline S. Weiler
3. Send applications to dialog@whitman.edu (for DIALOG) or disccrs@whitman.edu

Step 3: Request two letters of Recommendation

Be sure to request these well before the application deadline so that your referees will have plenty of time to respond.

Instructions for Referees

1. Support letters should be sent electronically by the referee to dialog@whitman.edu (for DIALOG) or disccrs@whitman.edu (for DISCCRS).
2. Letters should be placed in the body of the e-mail message (do not send attachments; letter-head stationary is not needed). There is no need to follow up with a hard copy.
3. Subject line should state "DIALOG [or DISCCRS] reference letter for [applicant’s name]"
   Example Subject Line: DIALOG reference letter for Susan Weiler

The complete application package, including the letters of recommendation are due on or before the application deadline.

Address Questions to:

C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D.
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA 99362
USA
dialog@whitman.edu
disccrs@whitman.edu
Tel: 509-527-5948
Fax: 509-527-5961