Apply to PEL

As a prospective applicant, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the PEL Program to gain an understanding of the program.

Participants will be expected to commit 20 percent of their work time over the course of the year to program activities. Those selected must have the support and approval of their supervisor and unit in order to participate in this program.

Application Process

Announcements about the application process to select the 2010-2011 PEL cohort will be made in January 2010. Below is the process that was used to select the current cohort.

1. Nomination from a University Leader or Self-Nomination

A) Nomination from a University leader

University leaders* may identify and submit a letter to nominate a potential candidate for PEL. This letter should be submitted by March 27, 2009. Send your request to Marisa Douglas, PEL administrative assistant, at dougl204@umn.edu.

Download the Nomination Letter Guidelines (pdf)

B) Self-Nomination

If you have not received a nomination, you may submit an application on your own. Please ask a University leader* (someone who is not your supervisor) to write a letter of reference. The Letter of Reference Request Form describes the program, the information to be included in the letter of reference, and the process for submitting the letter.

Download the Self-Nomination Letter Guidelines (pdf)

* University leaders include, but are not limited to, individuals who serve in roles such as Dean, Assistant or Associate Dean, Vice President, Vice Chancellor, Chancellor, or Director.

2. Application and Essay

The application form includes a short essay (500-750 words). You may wish to prepare the essay and then copy and paste it into the online application.

PEL Application Form

3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Send your current resume or curriculum vitae to the PEL administrative assistant: Marisa Douglas, 200 Donhowe, 319 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. You may also send a fax to 612-625-2574 or send an e-mail to dougl204@umn.edu.

4. Supervisor's Endorsement

Use the link below to open and print the supervisor's endorsement form. Please ask your supervisor to sign the form, indicating his/her willingness to support your participation in all aspects of the Promising Talent Identification Program.

Download the Supervisor Endorsement Form (pdf)

Your supervisor should send the form directly to Marisa Douglas, PEL administrative assistant, at 200 Donhowe, 319 15th Ave SE., Minneapolis, MN 55455, or send by fax to 612-625-2574, or by e-mail to dougl204@umn.edu.

5. Senior Officer Endorsement

The senior officer responsible for the candidate's unit (e.g., senior vice president, vice president, chancellor, vice chancellor, or dean) should sign and submit this form to Marisa Douglas, PEL administrative assistant (see contact information above).

Download the Senior Officer Endorsement Form (pdf)

6. Conversation with a PEL Alumnus

Please have a conversation with a PEL alumnus. The purpose of this conversation is solely to help you understand what the program is like and what will be required of you; it will have no impact on the review of your application.

PEL Past Participants

7. Participation in an Interview

You will receive information on this step after your application and other materials have been received in the PEL office.

Review of Applications

After the application deadline, a selection committee will review all of the applications and select up to 25 candidates for participation in the program. Applicants will be notified by late June as to their status.