I am Judith Sheppard, the AWM Travel Grant Program's independent evaluator, to whom you will e-mail the following form when you complete it. My role in this program is to gather as much information as possible about the opportunities and challenges our applicants encounter in pursuing their academic and professional goals as mathematicians. This survey is the first step.

This information is crucial for two reasons. First, the National Science Foundation provides the funds for these grants, and it requires continuous, objective assessment by an evaluator unconnected to either the program or organization awarding these grants. The information provided by you on this survey, and a later post-grant survey, will help satisfy that requirement.

Second, and just as important, the information aids AWM in its commitment to support the careers of women in mathematics by helping making this and other programs as useful and effective as possible. By providing the information on this survey - and a later survey that will be e-mailed after the grants have been awarded and completed - you may help demonstrate the need for, and the best use of, funding and support for women mathematicians.

In addition, though the information you provide will be compiled into an annual assessment report for both NSF and AWM, be assured that no identifying information will be included. I alone will see your form. Your name and identity will not be connected with your answers.

As you see, your assistance is needed even as you apply for much-deserved assistance via AWM grants! Thank you for your time and thoroughness in completing this form, and I look forward to hearing from you.