WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE SCHOOLS

20142015 WAGS/UMI INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY AWARD

The Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) and University Microfilms International (UMI) are
pleased to announce the 20142015 WAGS/UMI Innovation in Technology award. This $1,500 award may
be given either to a masters thesis or to a doctoral dissertation and is intended to recognize the
innovative application of technology to scholarship. Each member institution may submit one
nomination for this award.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

This award may be given either to a masters thesis or to a doctoral dissertation for the development
of an innovative technology and its utilization for the creative solution of a major problem.
Each submission requires a written nomination by Graduate Dean Robin L. Garrell. The internal
institutional selection processes are the responsibility of the endorsing official.

GUIDELINES FOR THE 20142015 WAGS/UMI INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY AWARD

1. A nominee must have earned the masters or doctoral degree within the period of July 1, 2013
through June 30, 2014. Nomination materials should be assembled in the following
order and submitted electronically as one PDF file:

a. A summary prepared by the student (1,000-1,500 words) describing the research and
how it demonstrates innovative or creative use of technology in the conduct of
scholarship. This summary should be directed to a general academic audience of non-
specialists.
b. Letters from the major professor and one additional faculty member. The letters
should include information regarding the significance of the technological innovations
in the work for the discipline, and for the students department and institution.
c. A copy of the student nominees cv or resume.

2. All nomination materials must be submitted electronically in a single PDF file titled:
nominees last name department name_techinnovation.
3. Nominations are due July 31, 2014; send to uclafellowship@grad.ucla.edu
4. Initial screening will be based upon
a. originality,
b. creativity,
c. scholarly significance of the use of technology, and
d. overall quality
e. 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.

5. The 20142015 award consists of a certificate of award, $1,500 to the recipient, and travel
expenses for the student and students adviser to receive the award at the annual meeting of
the Association.
J:\Apps\EXTRAMURAL\WAGS\2014-15\CGS UMI Distinguished Thesis Checklist 2014-15.docx
WAGS/UNIVERSITY MICROFILMS INTL
DISTINGUISHED MASTERS THESIS AWARD CHECKLIST
201415


Please email the nomination materials assembled in the order below by 4:00 pm on Jul y 31, 2014, to
uclafellowship@grad.ucl a.edu. The file name should be nominees last name department name_mastersthesis. The
Graduate Division cannot accept incomplete applications.

______ Evidence of Masters Degree filed within the period Jul y 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014

______ Non-technical summary (prepared by the nominee and written for a general academic audi ence of non-
specialists) describing the research and its signifi cance
1,0001,500 words maximum
typed double spaced on 8.5-in. X 11-in. white paper with 1-in. margins all around
no less than 12 pt. type (e.g., Times New Roman)
numbered pages
nominees name on each page

______ Two letters of reference, signed and on departmental letterhead, that evaluate the significance and
quality of the thesi s work. Submit separatel y to address below in seal ed envelope with writers
signature across the back flap. From the WAGS/UMI guidelines: The letters should include information
regarding the significance of the thesis, the contri bution of the thesis to the program of the degree-
granting unit, and the impact of the thesis on the knowledge base of the discipline.
One letter from department head or major professor
One letter from another faculty member of applicants choosing

______ CV or resume

Initial screening by WAGS/UMI will be based upon four criteria:
a. Originality
b. Significance of the study
c. Overall quality
d. Outcomes and accomplishments from the thesis

Finalists will be asked to provide three complete copies of the thesis
.


Questions? Please contact

N. Chrie Francis
UCLA Graduate Fellowships & Financial Services
1228 Murphy Hall/Campus Mailbox 144401
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1444
cfrancis@grad.ucla.edu
310-206-2557