[Federal Register: June 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 118)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 33765-33776]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19jn98-41]
[[Page 33765]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Education
_______________________________________________________________________
34 CFR Parts 662, 663, and 664
Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship
Program, Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program, and
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program; Proposed Rule
[[Page 33766]]
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Parts 662, 663, and 664
RIN 1840-AC53
Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship
Program, Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program, and
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program
AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Secretary proposes to amend the regulations governing the
Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area
Studies--Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program,
Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program, and Group Projects Abroad
Program. These amendments are needed as a result of changes in
terminology applicable to these programs and changes in the selection
criteria. The proposed regulations would change the names of these
programs, remove obsolete references, modify the selection criteria,
and make other technical changes.
DATES: Comments must be received by the Department on or before July
20, 1998.
ADDRESSES: All comments concerning these proposed regulations should be
addressed to Karla Ver Bryck Block, U.S. Department of Education, 600
Independence Avenue, SW., Suite 600C Portals Building, Washington, DC
20202-5331. Comments may also be sent through the Internet to:
comments@ed.gov
You must include the term ``Fulbright-Hays'' in the subject line of
your electronic message.
Comments that concern information collection requirements must be
sent to the Office of Management and Budget at the address listed in
the Paperwork Reduction Act section of this preamble. A copy of those
comments may also be sent to the Department representative named in
this section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karla Ver Bryck Block. Telephone:
(202) 401-9774. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-
800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through
Friday.
Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an
alternate format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer
diskette) on request to the contact person listed in the preceding
paragraph.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Invitation To Comment
Interested persons are invited to submit comments and
recommendations regarding these proposed regulations. To ensure that
public comments have maximum effect in developing the final
regulations, the Department urges commenters to identify clearly the
specific section or sections of the proposed regulations that each
comment addresses and to arrange comments in the same order as the
proposed regulations.
All comments submitted in response to these proposed regulations
will be available for public inspection, during and after the comment
period, in Suite 600C Portals Building, 1280 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time, Monday through Friday of each week except Federal holidays.
On request the Department supplies an appropriate aid, such as a
reader or print magnifier, to an individual with a disability who needs
assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public
rulemaking docket for these proposed regulations. An individual with a
disability who wants to schedule an appointment for this type of aid
may call (202) 205-8113 or (202) 260-9895. An individual who uses a TDD
may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339,
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
To assist the Department in complying with the specific
requirements of Executive Order 12866 and its overall requirement of
reducing regulatory burden, the Secretary invites comments on whether
there may be further opportunities to reduce any regulatory burdens
found in these proposed regulations.
Background
On March 4, 1995 the President announced a Regulatory Reinvention
Initiative to reform the Federal regulatory system. In response to the
President's initiative, on August 23, 1996 the Secretary issued an
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to request public comment
on the changes being considered in the Department' programs to simplify
regulations and reduce regulatory burden (Regulatory Reinvention, 61 FR
43639, August 23, 1996). Regulations for the International Education
Programs in 34 CFR Parts 662 (Higher Education Programs in Modern
Foreign Language Training and Area Studies--Doctoral Dissertation
Research Abroad Fellowship Program), 663 (Faculty Research Abroad
Fellowship Program), and 664 (Group Projects Abroad Program) were
included in the ANPRM. The Secretary received no comments on changes
proposed in the ANPRM for the International Education Programs.
Proposed Regulatory Changes
As part of the President's Regulatory Reinvention Initiative, the
Department is reviewing and revising the regulations governing the
Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area
Studies--Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program,
Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program, and Group Projects Abroad
Program. The Secretary is proposing amendments which are needed to
improve the application review process and to update the regulations in
light of developments in the field of foreign language, area, and
international studies, including political developments abroad,
modifications in the policies and practices of the J. William Fulbright
Foreign Scholarship Board, and interpretations of regulations. In the
spirit of reinventing government, the goal of the proposed changes is
to markedly reduce burden associated with the regulations.
The proposed regulations would change the names of these programs
to align them with how they are popularly referred to in the field.
Additionally, the proposed regulations would make changes in the
terminology applicable to these programs, remove obsolete references,
and make changes in the selection criteria. The proposed regulations
would also reorganize the sections, change the names of several section
titles, correct errors in the numbering of the sections, and make other
technical changes to improve the regulations.
The substantive changes proposed in the regulations are discussed
with respect to each part. A number of the substantive changes proposed
would affect each of the parts being amended (34 CFR Parts 662, 663,
and 664). Therefore, in the discussion of the proposed changes under
Part 662, it is noted whether the proposed change would be duplicated
in a corresponding section of Parts 663 or 664.
Part 662
The name of Part 662 would be changed to Fulbright-Hays Doctoral
Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program. Throughout Parts 662,
663, and 664 the ``Board of Foreign Scholarships'' would be changed to
``J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship
[[Page 33767]]
Board'' to reflect the change in the name of the board.
Proposed Sec. 662.3 would delete current paragraph (a)(3) to
eliminate persons ``in the United States for other than a temporary
purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent
resident'' as eligible applicants. The proposed change reflects the
Secretary's decision that to receive a federally funded fellowship, a
person should demonstrate commitment to the United States, either by
being a citizen or permanent resident. The proposed change furthers the
goal of the program to train people who will then serve in the United
States educational field. The proposed change would also apply to
Secs. 663.3 and 664.3.
Proposed Sec. 662.3 would also delete current paragraph (a)(4)
which states that a resident of the Trust Territory of the Pacific
Islands is eligible for a fellowship, since these islands are no longer
a trust territory. The proposed change would also apply to Secs. 663.3
and 664.3.
Proposed Sec. 662.7 would revise the list of terms used in this
part that are defined in 34 CFR Part 77, and it would add 34 CFR Part
80. Terms that are not used in this part would be deleted.
Proposed Sec. 662.7(c) would change the definition of
``dependent''. The proposed regulation would add the requirement that
the individual being claimed as a dependent must accompany the
recipient to his or her training site for the entire fellowship period.
Also, the proposed regulation would narrow the definition of
``dependent'' to exclude parent(s) of a participant or parents of the
participant's spouse. Both changes in the definition are grounded in
the need to conserve limited program funds. By requiring that in order
to receive a dependent's allowance the dependent be at the training
site for the entire fellowship period, the Secretary will preclude the
use of program funds for short term visits. The changes in the
dependent's definition with regard to parents would bring the program's
policy toward dependents more in line with similar fellowship programs.
Additionally, only once in more than 30 years of program administration
has a dependent's allowance been requested for a parent.
Proposed Sec. 662.7(c) would eliminate the definition for ``foreign
currencies'' since all foreign currency accounts previously available
to the Secretary for operation of this program have been exhausted.
All of the proposed changes to Sec. 662.7(c) would also apply to
Sec. 663.7(c).
Proposed Sec. 662.10 incorporates the language found in current
Sec. 662.21. Paragraph (c) of current Sec. 662.21 which addresses
requirements for an applicant who plans to conduct research in the
former USSR and Eastern European countries was deleted, since changes
in the research climate in those countries have eliminated the need to
require an applicant to apply to the International Research and
Exchange Board. The proposed change would also apply to Sec. 663.10.
Proposed Sec. 662.20(d) preserves and clarifies the current
position of the Department relating to veteran's preference. The
regulation would add language to clarify that if two scores are tied
and one of the applicants is a veteran, the applicant who is a veteran
will receive a preference. The proposed change would also apply to
Sec. 663.20(d).
Proposed Sec. 662.21 would revise the selection criteria. The
revised criteria would reflect a greater consistency with criteria used
in comparable fellowship programs. This would facilitate writing
fellowship applications for individuals since the applications would be
similar.
There would also be a greater emphasis on foreign language
training. Since these programs were originally intended to enhance the
foreign language competence of individuals trained in American schools,
the criteria would be modified to give greater emphasis to having
acquired a foreign language. Paragraph (c)(3) would add the requirement
that the applicant be proficient in one or more of the languages of the
country or countries of research, excluding English and the applicant's
native language. The proposed language most likely would result in a
decrease in the number of applications from individuals wishing to
conduct research in English and would encourage non-native born United
States citizens or resident aliens to acquire an additional foreign
language. The Department has experienced a substantial increase in the
number of applications for conducting research in English.
The points assigned would be changed to allow the readers greater
ability to differentiate among the applications. The proposed changes
in points assigned are reflected in Sec. 662.21(a), (b), and (c). Due
to the extremely high caliber of applications, there is frequently a
clustering of high scores. The proposed point structure would allow
readers a broader range in which to assign points. Under current
Sec. 662.21 points are assigned in a narrow range and a multiplication
factor is applied, which results in significant clustering of like
applications.
The Department has consulted with various experts in language and
area studies as well as administrators of fellowship programs in
developing the proposed revisions to the selection criteria. Their
comments and feedback have been incorporated into these proposed
changes.
The proposed changes to Sec. 662.21 would also apply to
Sec. 663.21.
Proposed Sec. 662.22 incorporates the language from current
Sec. 662.33 and would add a new paragraph (b) to prevent an applicant
from receiving more than one fellowship under the Fulbright-Hays Act in
a given fiscal year. The provision would prevent an applicant from
receiving a fellowship from the Department and United States
Information Agency (USIA) within the same fiscal year. The proposed
change would ensure that limited funds appropriated to the agencies
have a broader impact and are not used duplicatively. The proposal
reflects the current policy statements of the Foreign Scholarship
Board.
Similar to proposed Sec. 662.10, proposed Sec. 662.22 would
eliminate language from current Sec. 662.33(a)(2) which addresses
requirements for an applicant who plans to conduct research in the USSR
and Eastern European countries. Changes in the research climate in
those countries have eliminated the need to require an applicant to
apply to the International Research and Exchange Board. The proposed
change would also apply to Sec. 663.22.
Part 663
The name of Part 663 would be changed to Fulbright-Hays Faculty
Research Abroad Fellowship Program.
Section 663.3 outlines who is eligible to receive a fellowship
under this program. Current Sec. 663.3(d)(1) and (2) would be deleted
from the proposed regulations because they are part of the selection
criteria and should not be considered under eligibility.
Part 664
The name of Part 664 would be changed to Fulbright-Hays Group
Projects Abroad Program.
Proposed Sec. 664.5 would revise the list of terms used in this
part that are defined in EDGAR, 34 CFR Part 77. Terms that are not used
in this part would be deleted.
Sections 664.11, 664.12, and 664.13 propose changes in the length
of the projects, allowing for shorter project periods. The changes are
proposed to allow applicants greater flexibility in carrying out their
projects. The current provisions encouraged longer periods in
[[Page 33768]]
the field, even when they were not necessary for the successful
accomplishment of the project goals. Proposed Sec. 664.11 would change
the length of a short term project from six weeks under current
regulations, to from four to six weeks. Proposed Sec. 664.12 would
change the length of a curriculum development project from six to eight
weeks under current regulations, to four to eight weeks. Proposed
Sec. 664.13 would change the length of a group research project from
two to twelve months under current regulations, to three to twelve
months.
In order to be consistent with Parts 662 and 663, proposed
Sec. 664.30 would add a new paragraph (d) which establishes that the
Secretary will consider for funding only projects that an applicant
proposes to carry out in a country in which the United States has
diplomatic representation.
Proposed Sec. 664.31(a)(2)(v) and (b)(4) which address the
inclusion of underrepresented groups in the selection criteria for
applications would be revised to be consistent with the Education
Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR)
(Sec. 75.210(c)(5) and (d)(1)(iv)). The proposed language would require
the applicant to ensure that participants in the Fulbright-Hays Group
Projects and its personnel selected for employment are selected without
regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or handicapping
condition.
Proposed Sec. 664.33(b)(1) would allow for greater flexibility in
establishing annual per diem rates, consistent with the cost of living
in overseas areas. Current regulations require a maintenance stipend to
be based on 50 percent of the amount established in the U.S. Department
of the State publication ``Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for
Foreign Areas''. Proposed Sec. 664.33(b)(1) would eliminate the 50
percent limitation which would permit an upwards or a downwards
adjustment based on the cost of living in the host country.
Clarity of the Regulations
Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations
that are easy to understand. The Secretary invites comments on how to
make these proposed regulations easier to understand, including answers
to questions such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the
proposed regulations clearly stated? (2) Do the proposed regulations
contain technical terms or other wording that interferes with their
clarity? (3) Does the format of the proposed regulations (grouping and
order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce
their clarity? Would the proposed regulations be easier to understand
if they were divided into more (but shorter) sections? (A ``section''
is preceded by the symbol ``Sec. '' and a numbered heading; for
example, Sec. 662.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation
Research Abroad Fellowship Program?). (4) Is the description of the
proposed regulations in the ``Supplementary Information'' section of
this preamble helpful in understanding the proposed regulations? How
could this description be more helpful in making the proposed
regulations easier to understand? (5) What else could the Department do
to make the proposed regulations easier to understand?
A copy of any comments that concern how the Department could make
these proposed regulations easier to understand should be sent to
Stanley M. Cohen, Regulations Quality Officer, U.S. Department of
Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW. (room 5121, FB-10B),
Washington, DC 20202-2241.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
The Secretary certifies that these proposed regulations would not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The small entities affected would be small institutions of
higher education. The proposed regulations would not have a significant
economic impact on any of the entities participating in the programs
because the regulations impose minimal application and administrative
costs necessary to protect Federal funds.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Sections 662.21, 663.21, and 664.31 contain information collection
requirements. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3507(d)), the Department of Education has submitted a copy of
these sections to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its
review.
Collection of Information: Application for Grants under the
Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program
(Part 662), Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program
(Part 663).
Under the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad
(DDRA) and Faculty Research Abroad (FRA) Programs, individual scholars
and eligible institutions apply simultaneously for benefits under a
single grant. Individual scholars apply for fellowships; however grants
are made to the successful scholars' institutions. Respondents include
individuals and institutions of higher education. The data requested
are used in determining the academic qualifications and suitability of
the individual applicant, potential political sensitivity and
feasibility of the project in terms of the host country reaction,
research climate, and adequacy of the proposed budget.
The data requested are the minimum necessary to administer the
grant in compliance with program regulations. The annual reporting and
record keeping burden for: (1) student respondents is estimated to
average 30 hours for each response for 600 respondents, totaling 18,000
burden hours; (2) faculty respondents is estimated to average 8 hours
for each response for 70 respondents, totaling 560 burden hours; (3)
project directors is estimated to average 15 hours for each response
for 130 respondents, totaling 1,950 burden hours. Thus, the total
annual reporting and record keeping burden for this collection is
estimated to be 20,510 hours.
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program (Part 664)
Under these proposed regulations, institutions of higher education,
State departments of education, and private nonprofit organizations are
eligible to apply for grants to conduct educational projects abroad.
Teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty are selected
by grantees to participate in these projects. The proposed regulations
will be used to obtain the programmatic and budgetary information
needed to evaluate applications and make funding decisions. The data
requested are used in determining the need and academic worth of
specific projects, political sensitivity and feasibility in terms of
host country reaction, and adequacy of the proposed budget.
Advanced intensive language projects, which apply every three
years, do not have to submit full-blown proposals each year, only in
the initial year for multi-year projects. The annual reporting and
record keeping burden for this collection of information is estimated
to average 100 hours for each response for 95 respondents, including
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information. Thus, the total annual reporting and
record keeping burden for this collection is estimated to be 9,500
hours.
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid
OMB control
[[Page 33769]]
number. The valid OMB control numbers assigned to the collection of
information in these regulations will be displayed at the end of the
affected sections of the final regulations.
Organizations and individuals desiring to submit comments on the
information collection requirements should direct them to the Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, room 10235, New Executive
Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; Attention: Desk Officer for U.S.
Department of Education.
The Department considers comments by the public on these proposed
collections of information in--
* Evaluating whether the proposed collections of information
are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the
Department, including whether the information will have practical use;
* Evaluating the accuracy of the Department's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collections of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
* Enhancing the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
* Minimizing the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information technology; e.g., permitting
electronic submission of responses.
OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collections of
information contained in these proposed regulations between 30 and 60
days after publication of this document in the Federal Register.
Therefore, a comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect
if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. This does not affect
the deadline for the public to comment to the Department on the
proposed regulations.
Intergovernmental Review
These programs are not subject to the requirements of Executive
Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR part 79.
Assessment of Educational Impact
The Secretary particularly requests comments on whether the
proposed regulations in this document would require transmission of
information that is being gathered by or is available from any other
agency or authority of the United States.
Electronic Access to This Document
Anyone may view this document, as well as all other Department of
Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or
portable document format (pdf) on the World Wide Web at either of the
following sites:
http://gcs.ed.gov/fedreg.htm
http://www.ed.gov/news.html
To use the pdf you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader Program with
Search, which is available free at either of the previous sites. If you
have questions about using the pdf, call the U.S. Government Printing
Office toll free at 1-888-293-6498.
Anyone may also view these documents in text copy only on an
electronic bulletin board of the Department. Telephone: (202) 219-1511
or, toll free, 1-800-222-4922. The documents are located under Option
G--Files/Announcements, Bulletins and Press Releases.
Note: The official version of this document is the document
published in the Federal Register.
List of Subjects
34 CFR parts 662 and 663
Colleges and universities, Education, Educational research,
Educational study programs, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Scholarships and fellowships.
34 CFR part 664
Colleges and universities, Education, Educational study programs,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Teachers.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 84.022 Fulbright-
Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship Program;
84.019 Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship Program;
and 84.021 Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program)
Dated: June 15, 1998.
David A. Longanecker,
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.
The Secretary proposes to amend Title 34 of the Code of Federal
Regulations by revising Parts 662, 663, and 664 to read as follows:
PART 662--FULBRIGHT-HAYS DOCTORAL DISSERTATION RESEARCH ABROAD
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Subpart A--General
Sec.
662.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research
Abroad Fellowship Program?
662.2 Who is eligible to receive an institutional grant under this
program?
662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?
662.4 What is the amount of a fellowship?
662.5 What is the duration of a fellowship?
662.6 What regulations apply to this program?
662.7 What definitions apply to this program?
Subpart B--Applications
662.10 How does an individual apply for a fellowship?
662.11 What is the role of the institution in the application
process?
Subpart C--Selection of Fellows
662.20 How is a Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research
Abroad Fellow selected?
662.21 What criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an
application for a fellowship?
662.22 How does the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
select fellows?
Subpart D--Post-award Requirements for Institutions
662.30 What are an institution's responsibilities after the award
of a grant?
Subpart E--Post-award Requirements for Fellows
662.41 What are a fellow's responsibilities after the award of a
fellowship?
662.42 How may a fellowship be revoked?
Authority: Section 102(b)(6) of the Mutual Educational and
Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), 22 U.S.C.
2452(b)(6), unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 662.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research
Abroad Fellowship Program?
(a) The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad
Fellowship Program is designed to contribute to the development and
improvement of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies
in the United States by providing opportunities for scholars to conduct
research abroad.
(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards fellowships, through
institutions of higher education, to doctoral candidates who propose to
conduct dissertation research abroad in modern foreign languages and
area studies.
[[Page 33770]]
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 662.2 Who is eligible to receive an institutional grant under
this program?
An institution of higher education is eligible to receive an
institutional grant.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Sec. 662.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?
An individual is eligible to receive a fellowship if the
individual--
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(b)(1) Is a graduate student in good standing at an institution of
higher education; and
(2) When the fellowship period begins, is admitted to candidacy in
a doctoral degree program in modern foreign languages and area studies
at that institution;
(c) Is planning a teaching career in the United States upon
completion of his or her doctoral program; and
(d) Possesses sufficient foreign language skills to carry out the
dissertation research project.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Sec. 662.4 What is the amount of a fellowship?
(a) The Secretary pays--
(1) Travel expenses to and from the residence of the fellow and the
country or countries of research;
(2) A maintenance stipend for the fellow and his or her dependents
related to cost of living in the host country or countries;
(3) An allowance for research-related expenses overseas, such as
books, copying, tuition and affiliation fees, local travel, and other
incidental expenses; and
(4) Health and accident insurance premiums.
(b) In addition, the Secretary may pay--
(1) Emergency medical expenses not covered by health and accident
insurance; and
(2) The costs of preparing and transporting a fellow or dependent
who dies during the term of the fellowship to his or her former home.
(c) The Secretary announces the amount of benefits expected to be
available in an application notice published in the Federal Register.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), and 2454(e)(1) and (2))
Sec. 662.5 What is the duration of a fellowship?
(a) A fellowship is for a period of not fewer than six nor more
than twelve months.
(b) A fellowship may not be renewed.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 662.6 What regulations apply to this program?
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part 662; and
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations
(EDGAR) (34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, and 81).
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 662.7 What definitions apply to this program?
(a) Definitions of the following terms as used in this part are
contained in 34 CFR Parts 77 and 80:
Applicant
Application
Award
EDGAR
Fiscal year
Grant
Secretary
(b) The definition of institution of higher education as used in
this part is contained in 34 CFR 600.4.
(c) The following definitions of other terms used in this part
apply to this program:
Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the aspects
of a society or societies, including the study of their geography,
history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and
languages.
Binational commission means an educational and cultural commission
established, through an agreement between the United States and either
a foreign government or an international organization, to carry out
functions in connection with the program covered by this part.
Dependent means any of the following individuals who accompany the
recipient of a fellowship under this program to his or her training
site for the entire fellowship period if the individual receives more
than 50 percent of his or her support from the recipient during the
fellowship period:
(1) The recipient's spouse.
(2) The recipient's or spouse's children who are unmarried and
under age 21.
J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board means the
presidentially-appointed board that is responsible for supervision of
the program covered by this part.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456)
Subpart B--Applications
Sec. 662.10 How does an individual apply for a fellowship?
(a) An individual applies for a fellowship by submitting an
application to the Secretary through the institution of higher
education in which the individual is enrolled.
(b) The applicant shall provide sufficient information concerning
his or her personal and academic background and proposed research
project to enable the Secretary to determine whether the applicant--
(1) Is eligible to receive a fellowship under Sec. 662.3; and
(2) Should be selected to receive a fellowship under subparts C and
D of this part.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 662.11 What is the role of the institution in the application
process?
An institution of higher education that participates in this
program is responsible for--
(a) Making fellowship application materials available to its
students;
(b) Accepting and screening applications in accordance with its own
technical and academic criteria; and
(c) Forwarding screened applications to the Secretary and
requesting an institutional grant.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Subpart C--Selection of Fellows
Sec. 662.20 How is a Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research
Abroad Fellow selected?
(a) The Secretary considers applications for fellowships under this
program that have been screened and submitted by eligible institutions.
The Secretary evaluates these applications on the basis of the criteria
in Sec. 662.21.
(b) The Secretary does not consider applications to carry out
research in a country in which the United States has no diplomatic
representation.
(c) In evaluating applications, the Secretary obtains the advice of
panels of United States academic specialists in modern foreign
languages and area studies.
(d) The Secretary gives preference to applicants who have served in
the armed services of the United States if their applications are
equivalent to those of other applicants on the basis of the criteria in
Sec. 662.21.
(e) The Secretary considers information on budget, political
sensitivity, and feasibility from binational commissions or United
States diplomatic missions, or both, in the proposed country or
countries of research.
[[Page 33771]]
(f) The Secretary presents recommendations for recipients of
fellowships to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board,
which reviews the recommendations and approves recipients.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456)
Sec. 662.21 What criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an
application for a fellowship?
(a)(1) The Secretary uses the criteria in this section to evaluate
an application for a fellowship.
(2) The maximum score for all of the criteria is 100 points.
However, if priority criteria described in paragraph (c) of this
section are used, the maximum score is 110 points.
(3) The maximum score for each criterion is shown in parentheses
with the criterion.
(b) Quality of proposed project. (60 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine the quality of the research project
proposed by the applicant. The Secretary considers--
(1) The statement of the major hypotheses to be tested or questions
to be examined, and the description and justification of the research
methods to be used;
(2) The relationship of the research to the literature on the topic
and to major theoretical issues in the field, and the project's
originality and importance in terms of the concerns of the discipline;
(3) The preliminary research already completed in the United States
and overseas or plans for such research prior to going overseas, and
the kinds, quality and availability of data for the research in the
host country or countries;
(4) The justification for overseas field research and preparations
to establish appropriate and sufficient research contacts and
affiliations abroad;
(5) The applicant's plans to share the results of the research in
progress and a copy of the dissertation with scholars and officials of
the host country or countries; and
(6) The guidance and supervision of the dissertation advisor or
committee at all stages of the project, including guidance in
developing the project, understanding research conditions abroad, and
acquainting the applicant with research in the field.
(c) Qualifications of the applicant. (40 points) The Secretary
reviews each application to determine the qualifications of the
applicant. The Secretary considers--
(1) The overall strength of the applicant's graduate academic
record; (10)
(2) The extent to which the applicant's academic record
demonstrates a strength in area studies relevant to the proposed
project; (10)
(3) The applicant's proficiency in one or more of the languages
(other than English and the applicant's native language) of the country
or countries of research, and the specific measures to be taken to
overcome any anticipated language barriers; (15) and
(4) The applicant's ability to conduct research in a foreign
cultural context, as evidenced by the applicant's references or
previous overseas experience, or both. (5)
(d) Priorities. (10 points) (1) The Secretary determines the extent
to which the application responds to any priority that the Secretary
establishes for the selection of fellows in any fiscal year. The
Secretary announces any priorities in an application notice published
in the Federal Register.
(2) Priorities may relate to certain world areas, countries,
academic disciplines, languages, topics, or combinations of any of
these categories. For example, the Secretary may establish a priority
for--
(i) A specific geographic area or country, such as the Caribbean or
Poland;
(ii) An academic discipline, such as economics or political
science;
(iii) A language, such as Tajik or Indonesian; or
(iv) A topic, such as public health issues or the environment.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456(a)(2))
Sec. 662.22 How does the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship
Board select fellows?
(a) The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board selects
fellows on the basis of the Secretary's recommendations and the
information described in Sec. 662.20(e) from binational commissions or
United States diplomatic missions.
(b) No applicant for a fellowship may be awarded more than one
graduate fellowship under the Fulbright-Hays Act from appropriations
for a given fiscal year.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456(a)(1))
Subpart D--Post-award Requirements for Institutions
Sec. 662.30 What are an institution's responsibilities after the award
of a grant?
(a) An institution to which the Secretary awards a grant under this
part is responsible for administering the grant in accordance with the
regulations described in Sec. 662.6.
(b) The institution is responsible for processing individual
applications for fellowships in accordance with procedures described in
Sec. 662.11.
(c) The institution is responsible for disbursing funds in
accordance with procedures described in Sec. 662.4.
(d) The Secretary awards the institution an administrative
allowance of $100 for each fellowship listed in the grant award
document.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Subpart E--Post-award Requirements for Fellows
Sec. 662.41 What are a fellow's responsibilities after the award of a
fellowship?
As a condition of retaining a fellowship, a fellow shall--
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress in the conduct of his or her
research;
(b) Devote full time to research on the approved topic;
(c) Not engage in unauthorized income-producing activities during
the period of the fellowship; and
(d) Remain a student in good standing with the grantee institution
during the period of the fellowship.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 662.42 How may a fellowship be revoked?
(a) The fellowship may be revoked only by the J. William Fulbright
Foreign Scholarship Board upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
(b) The Secretary may recommend a revocation of a fellowship on the
basis of--
(1) The fellow's failure to meet any of the conditions in
Sec. 662.41; or
(2) Any violation of the standards of conduct adopted by the J.
William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456, Policy Statements of the J.
William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, 1990)
PART 663--FULBRIGHT-HAYS FACULTY RESEARCH ABROAD FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Subpart A--General
Sec.
663.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellowship
Program?
663.2 Who is eligible to receive an institutional grant under this
program?
663.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?
663.4 What is the amount of a fellowship?
663.5 What is the duration of a fellowship?
663.6 What regulations apply to this program?
663.7 What definitions apply to this program?
Subpart B--Applications
663.10 How does an individual apply for a fellowship?
663.11 What is the role of the institution in the application
process?
[[Page 33772]]
Subpart C--Selection of Fellows
663.20 How is a Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellow
selected?
663.21 What criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an
application for a fellowship?
663.22 How does the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
select fellows?
Subpart D--Post-award Requirements for Institutions
663.30 What are an institution's responsibilities after the award
of a grant?
Subpart E--Post-award Requirements for Fellows
663.41 What are a fellow's responsibilities after the award of a
fellowship?
663.42 How may a fellowship be revoked?
Authority: Sec. 102(b)(6) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural
Exchange Act of 1961 (Fulbright-Hays Act), 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6),
unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 663.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad
Fellowship Program?
(a) The Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Program is designed
to contribute to the development and improvement of modern foreign
language and area studies in the United States by providing
opportunities for scholars to conduct research abroad.
(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards fellowships, through
institutions of higher education, to faculty members who propose to
conduct research abroad in modern foreign languages and area studies to
improve their skill in languages and knowledge of the culture of the
people of these countries.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 663.2 Who is eligible to receive an institutional grant under
this program?
An institution of higher education is eligible to receive an
institutional grant.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Sec. 663.3 Who is eligible to receive a fellowship under this program?
An individual is eligible to receive a fellowship if the
individual--
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States;
(b) Is employed by an institution of higher education;
(c) Has been engaged in teaching relevant to his or her foreign
language or area studies specialization for the two years immediately
preceding the date of the award;
(d) Proposes research relevant to his or her modern foreign
language or area specialization which is not dissertation research for
a doctoral degree; and
(e) Possesses sufficient foreign language skills to carry out the
research project.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Sec. 663.4 What is the amount of a fellowship?
(a) The Secretary pays--
(1) Travel expenses to and from the residence of the fellow and the
country or countries of research;
(2) A maintenance stipend for the fellow related to his or her
academic year salary; and
(3) An allowance for research-related expenses overseas, such as
books, copying, tuition and affiliation fees, local travel, and other
incidental expenses.
(b) The Secretary may pay--
(1) Emergency medical expenses not covered by the faculty member's
health and accident insurance; and
(2) The costs of preparing and transporting a fellow or dependent
who dies during the term of the fellowship to his or her former home.
(c) The Secretary announces the amount of benefits expected to be
available in an application notice published in the Federal Register.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), and 2454(e)(1) and (2))
Sec. 663.5 What is the duration of a fellowship?
(a) A fellowship is for a period of not fewer than three nor more
than twelve months.
(b) A fellowship may not be renewed.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 663.6 What regulations apply to this program?
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part 663; and
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations
(EDGAR) (34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, and 81).
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 663.7 What definitions apply to this program?
(a) Definitions of the following terms as used in this part are
contained in 34 CFR Parts 77 and 80:
Applicant
Application
Award
EDGAR
Fiscal year
Grant
Secretary
(b) The definition of institution of higher education as used in
this part is contained in 34 CFR 600.4.
(c) The following definitions of other terms used in this part
apply to this program:
Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the aspects
of a society or societies, including the study of their geography,
history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and
languages.
Binational commission means an educational and cultural commission
established, through an agreement between the United States and either
a foreign government or an international organization, to carry out
functions in connection with the program covered by this part.
Dependent means any of the following individuals who accompany the
recipient of a fellowship under this program to his or her training
site for the entire fellowship period if the individual receives more
than 50 percent of his or her support from the recipient during the
fellowship period:
(1) The recipient's spouse.
(2) The recipient's or spouse's children who are unmarried and
under age 21.
J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board means the
presidentially-appointed board that is responsible for supervision of
the program covered by this part.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456)
Subpart B--Applications
Sec. 663.10 How does an individual apply for a fellowship?
(a) An individual applies for a fellowship by submitting an
application to the Secretary through the institution of higher
education at which the individual is employed.
(b) The applicant shall provide sufficient information concerning
his or her personal and academic background and proposed research
project to enable the Secretary to determine whether the applicant--
(1) Is eligible to receive a fellowship under Sec. 663.3; and
(2) Should be selected to receive a fellowship under subparts C and
D of this part.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 663.11 What is the role of the institution in the application
process?
An institution of higher education that participates in this
program is responsible for--
(a) Making fellowship application materials available to its
faculty;
[[Page 33773]]
(b) Accepting and screening applications in accordance with its own
technical and academic criteria; and
(c) Forwarding screened applications to the Secretary through a
request for an institutional grant.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Subpart C--Selection of Fellows
Sec. 663.20 How is a Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad Fellow
selected?
(a) The Secretary considers applications for fellowships under this
program that have been screened and submitted by eligible institutions.
The Secretary evaluates these applications on the basis of the criteria
in Sec. 663.21.
(b) The Secretary does not consider applications to carry out
research in a country in which the United States has no diplomatic
representation.
(c) In evaluating applications, the Secretary obtains the advice of
panels of United States academic specialists in modern foreign
languages and area studies.
(d) The Secretary gives preference to applicants who have served in
the armed services of the United States if their applications are
equivalent to those of other applicants on the basis of the criteria in
Sec. 663.21.
(e) The Secretary considers information on budget, political
sensitivity, and feasibility from binational commissions or United
States diplomatic missions, or both, in the proposed country or
countries of research.
(f) The Secretary presents recommendations for recipients of
fellowships to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board,
which reviews the recommendations and approves recipients.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456)
Sec. 663.21 What criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an
application for a fellowship?
(a)(1) The Secretary uses the criteria in this section to evaluate
an application for a fellowship.
(2) The maximum score for all of the criteria is 100 points.
However, if priority criteria described in paragraph (c) of this
section are used, the maximum score is 110 points.
(3) The maximum score for each criterion is shown in parentheses
with the criterion.
(b) Quality of proposed project. (60 points) The Secretary reviews
each application to determine the quality of the research project
proposed by the applicant. The Secretary considers--
(1) The statement of the major hypotheses to be tested or questions
to be examined, and the description and justification of the research
methods to be used;
(2) The relationship of the research to the literature on the topic
and to major theoretical issues in the field, and the project's
importance in terms of the concerns of the discipline;
(3) The preliminary research already completed or plans for
research prior to going overseas, and the kinds, quality and
availability of data for the research in the host country or countries;
(4) The justification for overseas field research, and preparations
to establish appropriate and sufficient research contacts and
affiliations abroad;
(5) The applicant's plans to share the results of the research in
progress with scholars and officials of the host country or countries
and the American scholarly community; and
(6) The objectives of the project regarding the sponsoring
institution's plans for developing or strengthening, or both, curricula
in modern foreign languages and area studies.
(c) Qualifications of the applicant. (40 points) The Secretary
reviews each application to determine the qualifications of the
applicant. The Secretary considers--
(1) The overall strength of applicant's academic record (teaching,
research, contributions, professional association activities); (10)
(2) The applicant's excellence as a teacher or researcher, or both,
in his or her area or areas of specialization; (10)
(3) The applicant's proficiency in one or more of the languages
(other than English and the applicant's native language), of the
country or countries of research, and the specific measures to be taken
to overcome any anticipated language barriers; (15) and
(4) The applicant's ability to conduct research in a foreign
cultural context, as evidenced by the applicant's previous overseas
experience, or documentation provided by the sponsoring institution, or
both. (5)
(d) Priorities. (10 points) (1) The Secretary determines the extent
to which the application responds to any priority that the Secretary
establishes for the selection of fellows in any fiscal year. The
Secretary announces any priorities in an application notice published
in the Federal Register.
(2) Priorities may relate to certain world areas, countries,
academic disciplines, languages, topics, or combinations of any of
these categories. For example, the Secretary may establish a priority
for--
(i) A specific geographic area or country, such as East Asia or
Latvia;
(ii) An academic discipline, such as history or political science;
(iii) A language, such as Hausa or Telegu; or
(iv) A topic, such as religious fundamentalism or migration.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456(a)(2))
Sec. 663.22 How does the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship
Board select fellows?
The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board selects fellows
on the basis of the Secretary's recommendations and the information
described in Sec. 663.20(e) from binational commissions or United
States diplomatic missions.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456(a)(1))
Subpart D--Post-award Requirements for Institutions
Sec. 663.30 What are an institution's responsibilities after the award
of a grant?
(a) An institution to which the Secretary awards a grant under this
part is responsible for administering the grant in accordance with the
regulations described in Sec. 663.6.
(b) The institution is responsible for processing individual
applications for fellowships in accordance with procedures described in
Sec. 663.11.
(c) The institution is responsible for disbursing funds in
accordance with procedures described in Sec. 663.4.
(d) The Secretary awards the institution an administrative
allowance of $100 for each fellowship listed in the grant award
document.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Subpart E--Post-award Requirements for Fellows
Sec. 663.41 What are a fellow's responsibilities after the award of a
fellowship?
As a condition of retaining a fellowship, a fellow shall--
(a) Maintain satisfactory progress in the conduct of his or her
research;
(b) Devote full time to research on the approved topic;
(c) Not engage in unauthorized income-producing activities during
the period of the fellowship; and
(d) Remain employed by the grantee institution during the period of
the fellowship.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 663.42 How may a fellowship be revoked?
(a) The fellowship may be revoked only by the J. William Fulbright
Foreign Scholarship Board upon the recommendation of the Secretary.
[[Page 33774]]
(b) The Secretary may recommend a revocation of a fellowship on the
basis of--
(1) The fellow's failure to meet any of the conditions in
Sec. 663.41; or
(2) Any violation of the standards of conduct adopted by the J.
William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456, Policy Statements of the J.
William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, 1990)
PART 664--FULBRIGHT-HAYS GROUP PROJECTS ABROAD PROGRAM
Subpart A--General
Sec.
664.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program?
664.2 Who is eligible to apply for assistance under the Fulbright-
Hays Group Projects Abroad Program?
664.3 Who is eligible to participate in projects funded under the
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program?
664.4 What regulations apply to the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects
Abroad Program?
664.5 What definitions apply to the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects
Abroad Program?
Subpart B--What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist Under This
Program?
664.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?
664.11 What is a short-term seminar project?
664.12 What is a curriculum development project?
664.13 What is a group research or study project?
664.14 What is an advanced overseas intensive language training
project?
Subpart C--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?
664.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
664.31 What selection criteria does the Secretary use?
664.32 What priorities may the Secretary establish?
664.33 What costs does the Secretary pay?
Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?
664.40 Can participation in a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad
be terminated?
Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 664.1 What is the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program?
(a) The Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program is designed to
contribute to the development and improvement of the study of modern
foreign languages and area studies in the United States by providing
opportunities for teachers, students, and faculty to study in foreign
countries.
(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards grants to eligible
institutions, departments, and organizations to conduct overseas group
projects in research, training, and curriculum development.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.2 Who is eligible to apply for assistance under the
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program?
The following are eligible to apply for assistance under this part:
(a) Institutions of higher education;
(b) State departments of education;
(c) Private non-profit educational organizations; and
(d) Consortia of institutions, departments, and organizations
described in paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.3 Who is eligible to participate in projects funded under
the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program?
An individual is eligible to participate in a Fulbright-Hays Group
Projects Abroad, if the individual--
(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States; and
(b)(1) Is a faculty member who teaches modern foreign languages or
area studies in an institution of higher education;
(2) Is a teacher in an elementary or secondary school;
(3) Is an experienced education administrator responsible for
planning, conducting, or supervising programs in modern foreign
languages or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or
postsecondary level; or
(4) Is a graduate student, or a junior or senior in an institution
of higher education, who plans a teaching career in modern foreign
languages or area studies.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.4 What regulations apply to the Fulbright-Hays Group
Projects Abroad Program?
The following regulations apply to this program:
(a) The regulations in this part 664; and
(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations
(EDGAR) (34 CFR Parts 74, 75, 77, and 81).
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1), 2456(a)(2))
Sec. 664.5 What definitions apply to the Fulbright-Hays Group
Projects Abroad Program?
(a) Definitions in EDGAR. The following terms used in this part are
defined in 34 CFR Part 77:
Applicant
Application
Award
EDGAR
Equipment
Facilities
Grant
Grantee
Nonprofit
Project
Private
Public
Secretary
State
State educational agency
Supplies
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
(b) Definitions that apply to this program: The following
definitions apply to the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program:
Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the aspects
of a society or societies, including the study of their geography,
history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and
languages.
Binational commission means an educational and cultural commission
established, through an agreement between the United States and either
a foreign government or an international organization, to carry out
functions in connection with the program covered by this part.
Institution of higher education means an educational institution in
any State which--
(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of
graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the
recognized equivalent of such a certificate;
(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of
education beyond secondary education;
(3) Provides an educational program for which it awards a
bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is
acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;
(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and
(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or
association.
J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board means the
presidentially appointed board which is responsible for supervision of
the program covered by this part.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456)
[[Page 33775]]
Subpart B--What Kinds of Projects Does the Secretary Assist Under
This Program?
Sec. 664.10 What kinds of projects does the Secretary assist?
The Secretary assists projects which are designed to develop or
improve programs in modern foreign language or area studies at the
elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level by supporting overseas
projects in research, training, and curriculum development by groups of
individuals engaged in a common endeavor. Projects may include, as
described in Secs. 664.11 through 664.14, short-term seminars,
curriculum development teams, group research or study, and advanced
intensive language programs.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.11 What is a short-term seminar project?
A short-term seminar project is--
(a) Designed to help integrate international studies into an
institution's or school system's general curriculum; and
(b) Normally four to six weeks in length and focuses on a
particular aspect of area study, such as, for example, the culture of
the area or a portion of the culture.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.12 What is a curriculum development project?
(a) A curriculum development project--
(1) Is designed to permit faculty and administrators in
institutions of higher education and elementary and secondary schools,
and administrators in State departments of education the opportunity to
spend generally from four to eight weeks in a foreign country acquiring
resource materials for curriculum development in modern foreign
language and area studies; and
(2) Must provide for the systematic use and dissemination in the
United States of the acquired materials.
(b) For the purpose of this section, resource materials include
artifacts, books, documents, educational films, museum reproductions,
recordings, and other instructional material.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.13 What is a group research or study project?
(a)(1) A group research or study project is designed to permit a
group of faculty of an institution of higher education and graduate and
undergraduate students to undertake research or study in a foreign
country.
(2) The period of research or study in a foreign country is
generally from three to twelve months.
(b) As a prerequisite to participating in a research or training
project, participants--
(1) Must possess the requisite language proficiency to conduct the
research or study, and disciplinary competence in their area of
research; and
(2) In a project of a semester or longer, shall have completed, at
a minimum, one semester of intensive language training and one course
in area studies relevant to the projects.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Sec. 664.14 What is an advanced overseas intensive language training
project?
(a)(1) An advanced overseas intensive language project is designed
to take advantage of the opportunities present in the foreign country
that are not present in the United States when providing intensive
advanced foreign language training.
(2) Project activities may be carried out during a full year, an
academic year, a semester, a trimester, a quarter, or a summer.
(3) Generally, language training must be given at the advanced
level, i.e., at the level equivalent to that provided to students who
have successfully completed two academic years of language training.
(4) The language to be studied must be indigenous to the host
country and maximum use must be made of local institutions and
personnel.
(b) Generally, participants in projects under this program must
have successfully completed at least two academic years of training in
the language to be studied.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6))
Subpart C--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant?
Sec. 664.30 How does the Secretary evaluate an application?
(a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a Group Project
Abroad under the criteria in Sec. 664.31.
(b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 95 possible points for
these criteria. However, if priority criteria are used, the Secretary
awards up to 110 possible points. The maximum possible points for each
criterion are shown in parentheses.
(c) All selections by the Secretary are subject to review and final
approval by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
(d) The Secretary does not recommend a project to the J. William
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board if the applicant proposes to carry
it out in a country in which the United States does not have diplomatic
representation.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456)
Sec. 664.31 What selection criteria does the Secretary use?
The Secretary uses the criteria in this section to evaluate
applications for the purpose of recommending to the J. William
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board projects for funding under this
part. The criteria are weighted and may total 105 points:
(a) Plan of operation. (Maximum 25 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to
determine the quality of the plan of operation for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) High quality in the design of the project;
(ii) An effective plan of management that insures proper and
efficient administration of the project;
(iii) A clear description of how the objectives of the project
relate to the purpose of the program;
(iv) The way the applicant plans to use its resources and personnel
to achieve each objective; and
(v) A clear description of how the applicant will ensure that
project participants who are otherwise eligible to participate are
selected without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age,
or handicapping condition.
(b) Quality of key personnel. (Maximum 15 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information to
determine the quality of key personnel the applicant plans to use on
the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The qualifications of the project director;
(ii) The qualifications of each of the other key personnel to be
used in the project;
(iii) The time that each person referred to in paragraphs (b)(2)
(i) and (ii) of this section will commit to the project; and
(iv) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its
nondiscriminatory employment practices, will ensure that its personnel
are selected for employment without regard to race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or handicapping condition.
(3) To determine the qualifications of a person, the Secretary
considers evidence of past experience and training in fields related to
the objectives of the
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project as well as other information that the applicant provides.
(c) Budget and cost effectiveness. (Maximum 10 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows that the project has an adequate budget and is cost effective.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The budget for the project is adequate to support the project
activities; and
(ii) Costs are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the
project.
(d) Evaluation plan. (Maximum 10 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows the quality of the evaluation plan for the project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the methods
of evaluation are appropriate for the project and, to the extent
possible, are objective and produce data that are quantifiable.
(e) Adequacy of resources. (Maximum 5 points).
(1) The Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows that the applicant plans to devote adequate resources to the
project.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows that the
facilities, equipment, and supplies that the applicant plans to use are
adequate.
(f) Specific program criteria. (Maximum 30 points).
(1) In addition to the general selection criteria contained in this
section, the Secretary reviews each application for information that
shows that the project meets the specific program criteria.
(2) The Secretary looks for information that shows--
(i) The potential impact of the project on the development of the
study of modern foreign languages and area studies in American
education. (Maximum 15 points).
(ii) The project's relevance to the applicant's educational goals
and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign
languages and area studies. (Maximum 5 points).
(iii) The extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to
achieve the project's objectives and the effectiveness with which
relevant host country resources will be utilized. (Maximum 10 points).
(g) Priorities. (Maximum 15 points) The Secretary looks for
information that shows the extent to which the project addresses
program priorities in the field of modern foreign languages and area
studies for that year.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6); 2456(a)(2))
Sec. 664.32 What priorities may the Secretary establish?
(a) The Secretary may establish for each funding competition one or
more of the following priorities:
(1) Categories of projects described in Sec. 664.10.
(2) Specific languages, topics, countries or geographic regions of
the world; for example, Chinese and Arabic, Curriculum Development in
Multicultural Education and Transitions from Planned Economies to
Market Economies, Brazil and Nigeria, Middle East and South Asia.
(3) Levels of education; for example, elementary and secondary,
postsecondary, or postgraduate.
(b) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application
notice published in the Federal Register.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456(a)(2))
Sec. 664.33 What costs does the Secretary pay?
(a) The Secretary pays only part of the cost of a project funded
under this part. Other than travel costs, the Secretary does not pay
any of the costs for project-related expenses within the United States.
(b) The Secretary pays the cost of the following--
(1) A maintenance stipend related to the cost of living in the host
country or countries;
(2) Round-trip international travel;
(3) A local travel allowance for necessary project-related
transportation within the country of study, exclusive of the purchase
of transportation equipment;
(4) Purchase of project-related artifacts, books, and other
teaching materials in the country of study;
(5) Rent for instructional facilities in the country of study;
(6) Clerical and professional services performed by resident
instructional personnel in the country of study; and
(7) Other expenses in the country of study, if necessary for the
project's success and approved in advance by the Secretary.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2454(e)(1))
Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee?
Sec. 664.40 Can participation in a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects
Abroad be terminated?
(a) Participation may be terminated only by the J. William
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board upon the recommendation of the
Secretary.
(b) The Secretary may recommend a termination of participation on
the basis of failure by the grantee to ensure that participants adhere
to the standards of conduct adopted by the J. William Fulbright Foreign
Scholarship Board.
(Authority: 22 U.S.C. 2452(b)(6), 2456, Policy Statements of the J.
William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, 1990)
[FR Doc. 98-16266 Filed 6-18-98; 8:45 am]
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