Code of Ethics
The National Association of Fellowships Advisors suggests that you and your advisors should value the process above the result, in order to minimize misunderstandings and conflicts, and make the experience of applying for scholarships more valuable for your development. They provide clear guidelines for all parties involved in the application process, including this section for applicants, below.
Expectations of Applicants
Prior to application, candidates will:
- Engage in self-reflection, assess long-term goals, and search for appropriate programs and funding;
- Pursue fellowships that support those goals, not fellowships that they must bend their goals to fit;
- Be aware of the high level of competition and respect the value of the process.
During the applications process, candidates should:
- Ensure that all application materials, including but not limited to personal statements, resumes, proposals, essays, shall be the sole and original work of the applicant. Cite any sources quoted or paraphrased;
- Respond to campus and foundation communications in an honest and timely fashion;
- Apply only to those fellowships in which they have a genuine interest;
- Provide adequate and accurate information to recommenders in a timely fashion;
- Neither compose their own letters for faculty to sign (even at the request of faculty) nor ask faculty members to show them their own letters of recommendation;
- Make clear what information revealed to an advisor or recommender should remain confidential;
- Include resume and application response items that reflect an accurate and substantive contribution;
- Provide honest responses to questions in all practice and real interviews without aggrandizing accomplishments or providing deliberately misleading information to committee members;
- Treat other applicants with respect and courtesy.