FAQ

When are you accepting applications?

The current application deadlines for Fall or Spring cycle can be found under: http://www.idrsociety.org/membership/application/

What are the different types of membership and what are the differences?

Full Membership
To qualify for IDR full membership, an individual must a) have completed a minimum of 12 course credit hours, b) have a cumulative GPA that is higher than or equal to 3.7, and c) have demonstrated sincere belief in the society and its mission by pursuing interdisciplinary research.

Associate Membership
To qualify for IDR associate membership, an individual must a) demonstrate sincere belief in interdisciplinary research, and b) provide significant contribution to the local IDR chapter.

If I have not yet performed interdisciplinary research but my research is planned to be interdisciplinary, can I still apply for Full Membership?

No, the requirements for Full Membership are for work that you have done or are currently doing.

What are the academic requirements for Full Membership?

G.P.A. equals or exceeds 3.7, completed 12 graded credit hours (research hours, courses taken as audit, and courses taken for pass/fail are NOT graded credit hours); and you are not currently under review by the Virginia Tech Honor System.

What are the academic requirements for Associate Membership?

What if I don’t agree with my academic record being examined?

Your application will be considered incomplete and incomplete application packages will not be reviewed.

Other than academic record review, what is the application review process?

The essays are reviewed in a double-blind review process. What this means is that your essays will be reviewed by three randomly selected IDR Honor Society members. These reviewers will determine whether your essays meet the guidelines as set forth below. Reviewers will not be provided with applicants’ identities at the time of the review. Similarly, the identities of the reviewers will not be disclosed to the applicants.

Are the reviewers going to be familiar with my discipline or my research area?

No, your essay should clearly demonstrate the interdisciplinarity of your research to reviewers who may be unfamiliar with your area of expertise.

Are there any other requirements for acceptance into IDR?

Yes. Once your application has been emailed, you will receive an acknowledgement email and be asked to contact an IDR Member to discuss your participation in or preparation for an IDR event. This is the last requirement to complete your application.

What exactly do you want in a Full Member Application Personal Statement?

Please share with us why you are interested in undertaking interdisciplinary work and joining the IDR Honor Society. The two questions that we ask you to answer are: How do you plan to contribute to the goals outlined in the Mission Statement of the Society? Why does the work that you have done, or are doing, qualify you to be a part of the Honor Society? After reading our Mission Statement, paying particular attention to our definition of “interdisciplinarity,” please explain how your personal and professional objectives are in line with those of the Honor Society. Feel free to share any pertinent information that might help us understand your application. Finally, while you can mention the interdisciplinary work that you have done or are doing in your Personal Statement, please refrain from providing too much detail in this document, as you will have ample opportunity to do so in the second document. This is an opportunity to tell us about you and your interdisciplinary aspirations and compatibility.

 

What exactly do you want in a Full Member Application Demonstration of Interdisciplinary Work/Research essay?

This essay is intended to help you share your previous or current interdisciplinary work/research with the Review Board of the Honor Society. Please concisely and clearly detail the unique process of intentional integration that you have pursued in your work. These are the two key conditions to an accepted application. Your essay should clearly demonstrate the interdisciplinarity of your research to reviewers who may be unfamiliar with your area of expertise. Your essay should present only the work that you have personally designed and/or conducted. If you are only one part of an interdisciplinary project this does not qualify your application for full membership. Your personal work must be interdisciplinary.

Please keep descriptions of projects as brief as possible and focus the bulk of your writing on the process of integration, as this is important for our review of your application. Please make sure you understand the difference between “multidisciplinary” and “interdisciplinary” work. Multidisciplinary means that the work you do crosses disciplinary boundaries. Interdisciplinary requires the additional work of integrating the methodologies, techniques, or practices of all of the different disciplines that you are utilizing. We are well aware that for every project, the ways that this integration occurs will vary, and this is exactly what we need you to explain on this form—the unique process of intentional integration that you have pursued in your work. The Honor Society, while understanding the importance of multidisciplinary work, was founded with a deep conviction that the difficult work of integrating disciplinary insights is what sets interdisciplinary apart as a rigorous and valuable pursuit worthy of such a prestigious organization. If you have engaged in more than one interdisciplinary project, please explain each of these separately.

 

 

Do I need to discuss this application with my research advisor?

Yes, if you are applying for Full Membership, you are required to share the Honor Society’s definition of interdisciplinarity with your advisor. Your advisor should read your essay and sign the Advisor Certification in acknowledgement that you have put sufficient effort into the process of integration.

 

If accepted at the Associate Membership level, can I later apply for Full Membership?

Yes, once you meet the academic qualifications and the requirements for full membership. You will not need to pay another membership fee but you will receive an updated plaque.

 

If I only want to apply for an Associate Membership, can I?

What do you want in an Associate Membership application personal statement?

Please share with us why you are interested in undertaking interdisciplinary work and joining the IDR Honor Society. The two questions that we ask you to answer in this document are: How do you plan to contribute to the goals outlined in the Mission  Statement of the Society? Why does the work that you have done, are doing, or planning to do qualify you to be a part of the Honor Society? After reading our Mission Statement, paying particular attention to our definition of “interdisciplinarity,” please explain how your personal and professional objectives are in line with those of the Honor Society. Feel free to share any pertinent information that might help us understand your application. Simply put, the Personal Statement should be an opportunity to tell us about you and your interdisciplinary aspirations and compatibility.

 

What do you want in an Associate Membership application statement of contribution?

In this statement you share your previous or current participation in IDR. Please be very detailed in describing your contributions to making IDR a success. Please identify any current members of IDR with whom you have worked.

 

What types of activities qualify as contributions to the Society?

IDR is a vibrant society with many ongoing activities. Please contact any of the current IDR Board Members for a multitude of venues for contribution.

 

Is there a page or word limit on the essays?

Yes, the limitation is based on the space available within the actual statement form.

 

What if I fail to sign my application?

What if I am unable to get my advisor’s certification?

Are there membership fees?

What if I cannot afford the membership fee?

Can I bring a guest to the induction ceremony?

Yes, you will be asked in a confirmation email if you will attend and if you are bringing a guest.

 

Will anyone from my department/program be aware of my acceptance in IDR?

Yes, your college dean, department/program head, and your advisor will be notified of your acceptance and invited to the induction ceremony.

 

If I am a professional and not a student, can I still apply for membership?

Yes, professionals can apply for Associate Membership, however, they cannot apply for Full Membership.

 

If I am an undergraduate student, can I still apply for membership?

Yes, the Society does not differentiate between undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students can apply for either Full or Associate Membership.

 

If I am working on an interdisciplinary project, does this prove that I am pursuing interdisciplinary research?

No, if you are only one part of an interdisciplinary project this does not qualify your application for full membership. Your personal work must be interdisciplinary.

 

 

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