SSHRC 2010

[NorthernStar]

I'm sitting at 3 for 5. Got my thesis + committee approved, got into a conference (in Hawaii!), and got a perfect teaching assignment for fall. Now I just need to hear about SSHRC, and the more prestigious conference that I'm a long shot for.

I've been so good about not stressing this year, but now that it's mid-April I'm losing it.

Congrats! Hawaii definitely takes the cake here!

[homebrew]

In my previous experiences with SSHRC (being unsuccessful and being recommended but not funded) I was always first informed by email by the Grad Chair of the department, then received the snail-mail letter from SSHRC about a week later. Some grad chairs don't do this, though, so some of us will be hearing by snail mail first.

Let me know if anyone gets a call... err I mean email...

Edited April 16, 2010 by homebrew

[Phalène]

According to the Vanier thread, SSHRC Vanier letters were dropped in the mail today. I hope that means they'll start work on *these* awards next week!

Edited April 17, 2010 by Phalène

[wlwood]

Just got an email back from SSHRC -in response to my question re. when doctoral SSHRC notices would be sent out -it looks like they are now thinking "end of April/beginning of May"

Boo....pushed back again!

[Phalène]

^^ noooo!! darn it, I knew this would happen. *grumble, grumble, grumble*

[NorthernStar]

what a surprise...

I wouldn't be shocked if they keep pushing it even further into May. That's what happened last year.

The suspense is killing me!

[mudlark]

Just got an email back from SSHRC -in response to my question re. when doctoral SSHRC notices would be sent out -it looks like they are now thinking "end of April/beginning of May"

Boo....pushed back again!

Yes! My guess of April 28th for e-mails, May 6th for letters is looking good!

Honestly, I'd be happy to get the results in May. Not expecting them this week or next is going to do WONDERS for my ability to focus on my term papers. Not to mention check my e-mail without having a heart attack.

Good luck with the waiting, everyone.

[Phalène]

I haven't been able to focus on my last essay at all! I keep hoping that maybe, somehow, I will magically get a letter in my mailbox... I'm going to stick with my notify date of April 30, but I wouldn't be surprised if results come out later.

Anyone else jealous of the science and engineering people?? LOL

[NorthernStar]

Here's a possible explanation for delays:

On tonight's newscast (CTV), there was a segment about the urgent need to replace and upgrade government's computers system. Apparently, their equipment is so outdated (and as we could all see, REALLY old 80s computers) that collapses and other mishaps can cost people their tax refunds, IEs or pensions. They did not mention SSHRC specifically, but I bet SSHRC is using or tied to that same antiquated system...

[thepoorstockinger]

Here's a possible explanation for delays:

What delays? I don't think I heard about my MA sshrc last year until May 13ish. This all seems pretty par for the course.

[NorthernStar]

originally, the SSHRC results were due in April. Last year there was a mega delay, this year, thus far, it seems like another delay, perhaps not as great.

[homebrew]

remember the application deadline was later too! That might explain the changes.

[homebrew]

well back to writing. Look forward:P to hearing news though...

Edited April 21, 2010 by homebrew

[Phalène]

I was browsing last year's SSHRC thread (oh, the things a procrastinating grad student will do), and PhD results came out May 12, with letters being mailed May 26. MA acceptances were sent out earlier.

[RaaR]

What does it mean "results came out May 12th" and "letters were mailed May 26th" ? I am not sure I understood that. Dosn't an applicant get his/her results through the mail? (so that in last year's case 'may 26th' was the date to look at). Meaning, what does the 'May 12th' date mean? If the results are out 2 weeks before the letters are mailed, where is it possible to view them? Are they posted online or something?

Thanks!

[msjd]

What does it mean "results came out May 12th" and "letters were mailed May 26th" ? I am not sure I understood that. Dosn't an applicant get his/her results through the mail? (so that in last year's case 'may 26th' was the date to look at). Meaning, what does the 'May 12th' date mean? If the results are out 2 weeks before the letters are mailed, where is it possible to view them? Are they posted online or something?

Thanks!

To my understanding, SSHRC does not email applicants or have a website accessible to applicants with that information, and only mails results to individual applicants snail-mail style, as you indicated. However, it is also my understanding that they do have a secure website where they release applicant statuses to grad studies departments directly. Many grad students last year and in years past were notified directly by their program (admins, advisors, etc.), sometimes without prompting and sometimes in response to requests for information. Once students begin announcing in this thread that they have been notified, it will be a good idea to check in with your department, either incoming or outgoing, to see if you have been successful. The secure website is updated in advance of the official letters being sent out.

If you submitted your application to Ottawa directly and not through a university department, it might be possible to contact SSHRC directly once you know other students have begun receiving notice. Not sure if they are allowed to share that information over the phone or through email, but maybe an admin will take pity. Or these applicants may receive earlier notice, just to be fair? Not sure on that score.

ETA: Oh, duh, even those applying on their own will still have an incoming department to contact. /brainfart

Edited April 22, 2010 by msjd

[homebrew]

I was browsing last year's SSHRC thread (oh, the things a procrastinating grad student will do), and PhD results came out May 12, with letters being mailed May 26. MA acceptances were sent out earlier.

Now thats not funny!! May 12th I don't have that much time to procrastinate on my writing. Ack. Need to stop checking this site,,,but I can't seem to do it. Its kind of a conspiritorial feeling to know others are out there lurking and doing the same...

[winwinwin]

I was told that:

1) The secure server isn't working and schools won't find out early.

2) Results will most probably be mailed late April, possibly early May.

[Hypatia]

Ok 19,000 page views--there have got to be more than just us 10 obsessive crazies...so since we likely have a couple weeks left, I have a few questions and I want all you lurkers to chime up if you have any insight!

I saw someone asked this before, but we didn't get too many responses: does anyone know if there are any differences (in size/envelope/thickness perhaps?) between the yes envelopes and the no envelopes? If you've gotten a doctoral SSHRC before, can you let us know whether there is maybe extra info in the envelope (a reply form we have to fill out to accept? an inflatable party hat?) that might make it ever so slightly identifiable before we open it? [Ok wow, just typing that out...I really am an obsessive crazy...oops].

Second, anyone know if they mail all the letters out together, or if (like with admissions sometimes) the yes letters go out a week ahead or anything?

Third, for fun, when you get it (OPTIMISM!) what will you do to celebrate????

Ready...GO!

[mudlark]

I was told that:

1) The secure server isn't working and schools won't find out early.

2) Results will most probably be mailed late April, possibly early May.

Ah, that's too bad. I have a friend who works in university admin and handles some SSHRC stuff. She said that this year there was no secure server access for the Vaniers, but she was hoping it'd be up for the main batch. Crappy that it won't be!

I saw someone asked this before, but we didn't get too many responses: does anyone know if there are any differences (in size/envelope/thickness perhaps?) between the yes envelopes and the no envelopes? If you've gotten a doctoral SSHRC before, can you let us know whether there is maybe extra info in the envelope (a reply form we have to fill out to accept? an inflatable party hat?) that might make it ever so slightly identifiable before we open it? [Ok wow, just typing that out...I really am an obsessive crazy...oops].

This is completely insane! Crazy lady! I will be ripping the letter open as soon as I see it. I doubt I'll have time to process the "ooh, a letter from SSHRC!" thought, let alone the "let's see... three random strangers on the internet said 8.5 by 11, but two others said it was legal size... if I do a weighted average...." That being said, I was forwarded but not funded last year, and the envelope was still huge. Like, folded in half to fit in my mailbox huge, if I'm remembering correctly.

Second, anyone know if they mail all the letters out together, or if (like with admissions sometimes) the yes letters go out a week ahead or anything?

All at once.

Third, for fun, when you get it (OPTIMISM!) what will you do to celebrate????

Honestly? Wait for my university's top-up award to come through and put several thousand dollars extra towards my mortgage. God, the thought of that is like better than sex...

[Canuckonomist]

Third, for fun, when you get it (OPTIMISM!) what will you do to celebrate????

Ready...GO!

Sadly, I have two requirements. I have to win SSHRC and pass comps before I get the coin. So, assuming both of those, then a trip somewhere. I have a friend in Belgium over the summer who wants me to come visit. I just might.

[groovy]

I saw someone asked this before, but we didn't get too many responses: does anyone know if there are any differences (in size/envelope/thickness perhaps?) between the yes envelopes and the no envelopes?

I had an MA SSHRC two years ago and the envelope was letter-sized, skinny with a single sheet of paper inside (folded in thirds). Also, I got my letter before my department let me know, but it's possible the grad studies department knew beforehand and it took a few days for the information to trickle out.

If I get a doctoral SSHRC I don't think I'll be celebrating exactly. If I get it, I'll have to decide whether or not to accept, decline, or defer because I have a complicated family situation -- but then again, who doesn't?

[Phalène]

Honestly? Wait for my university's top-up award to come through and put several thousand dollars extra towards my mortgage. God, the thought of that is like better than sex...

I would do the exact same thing! We've already prepaid about 5 years worth of payments and it feels great (only 33 years, 3 months left to go... sigh). Although I'm too paranoid to actively plan what I'd do with the money, lol!!

No one in my department has heard 'boo' about SSHRC, and they weren't surprised when I said it would likely be a few more weeks... we all know 'end of April' actually means 'mid-May'!

[hbaert]

Sadly, I have two requirements. I have to win SSHRC and pass comps before I get the coin. So, assuming both of those, then a trip somewhere. I have a friend in Belgium over the summer who wants me to come visit. I just might.

Sweet! I am from Belgium and Canada, but doing PhD in USA and also waiting for SSHRC... You so gotta go to Belgium! If you are interested in the War battles don't forget to visit the Canadian War museum, it is fantastic I will be going in August.

[hbaert]

I was wondering if anybody could explain to me the dates they have: may, sept, jan. If I choose May, does that mean they only start paying may of next year (2011) or May 2010? Or does it mean they pay over 3 times? Not sure if I understand it. If someone does I would love to hear from you all

Thanks!