Last Update: 12/22/2006 Printer Friendly Printer Friendly   Email This Page Email This Page  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Extramural Associates (EA) Program

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Is my university eligible to submit a grant application?

If your university or institution has 50 percent of its student enrollment comprising minority groups or women, then it is eligible to apply for the EA Program.

Who is eligible at my university to submit a grant application?

Faculty members in the biomedical, behavioral, or physical sciences, or science administrators with similar backgrounds can apply for the EA Program.

When will the grant be awarded?

The EA Research Development Award (EARDA) is typically awarded after completion of the EA's residency period, and upon return to the university.

Do EAs have a choice of the curriculum during the residency?

The residency curriculum includes a partially standard component and partially tailored component; the latter provides choices and allows the work to apply specifically to the EA and to the institute's implementation plan.

Will my position be available when I return to my university?

As part of the EA Program, your parent institution should hold your position until you have completed the residency training. However, you need to work out this issue with the institution's administration prior to accepting the appointment to the EA Program.

Will I be able to return to my university during the residency?

Recipients of the 10-week EARDA cannot, except at their own expense, or at the expense of the parent university.

In order to receive the EARDA, do I have to return to the same university that is indicated in my application?

Yes, you do. All EAs must return to the sponsoring institution identified in the grant application to receive the EARDA.

Is it permitted for the university to replace an EA or provide a substitute on the grant after the EARDA is awarded?

In general, this practice is discouraged. However, under certain extreme conditions, the EA Program staff will consider such a replacement; this consideration will be given on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.

What are the housing arrangements for participants in the EA Program?

The EA Program staff provides EA candidates with a few options for housing, including the housing list from the National Institutes of Health. Candidates may also work out their own housing arrangements.

Are there any arrangements for family members of EA Program participants?

Some of the arrangements available through the EA Program include accommodations for family members that are negotiated with the housing unit. However, candidates may need to make arrangements for family members on their own.