Draft 2015 SDR Survey Mailing Materials

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Attachment D
Draft 2015 SDR Survey Mailing Materials
The 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) contact materials are consistent with materials utilized in
past cycles. The various materials used in outreach to the SDR sample members are listed below. All letters
will be printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead found on pages D-2 and D-3.
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Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2013 Cooperative (M_PN1)
Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2013 Nonresponse Retirees/2013 NIR/Partial Responders (M_PN2)
Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2015 New Cohort (M_PN3)
CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2013 Cooperative (C_PN1)
CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2013 Nonresponse Cases/2015 New Cohort (C_PN2)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Cooperative cases (W_IC1_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Cooperative Retiree cases (W_IC2_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Locating/2013 Nonresponse Cases (W_IC3_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Cooperative Green Appeal (W_IC5_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2015 New Cohort (W_IC6_u)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 2013 Cooperative cases (M_Quex1_1)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 2013 Cooperative Retiree cases (M_Quex1_2)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 2013 Nonresponse Retiree cases (M_Quex1_3)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for Refusals/NIR/Partial Responders (M_Quex1_4)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 2015 New Cohort cases (M_Quex1_5)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for Money Cooperative cases (incentive) (M_Quex1_10)
Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Cooperative cases (W_FN1_u)
Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Locating/2013 Nonresponse Cases (W_FN2_u)
Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice sent via USPS to 2013 Cooperative Green Appeal (W_FN3_u)
Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice sent via USPS to New Cohort (incentive) (W_FN10_u)
CATI Start Mode Prompting Message sent via USPS to Panel (C_PM_u)
CATI Start Mode Prompting Message sent via USPS to New Cohort (incentive) (C_PM2_u)
CATI and Web Start Modes First Questionnaire Cover Letter sent to 2013 Non-retired cases
(CW_Quex1_6)
CATI and Web Start Modes First Questionnaire Cover Letter sent to 2013 Cooperative Retiree cases
(CW_Quex1_7)
CATI and Web Start Modes First Questionnaire Cover Letter sent to New Cohort (CW_Quex1_10)
Mail, CATI, and Web Start Second Questionnaire Cover Letter to all sample member types (Quex2)
Mail Start Mode Second Questionnaire Cover Letter to New Cohort (incentive) (Quex2_10)
Postcard Text sent to all sample member types

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-1

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

SDR Letterhead text (front)

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-2

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

SDR Letterhead text (back)

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-3

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2013 Cooperative (M_PN1.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
In a few days, you should receive a questionnaire in the mail for the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
(SDR). Thank you for your past contribution to this unique study of doctorate holders, sponsored by
the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. The participation of
doctorate holders like you has provided governmental organizations, businesses, and academic institutions
with crucial information concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of fields.
The SDR has been conducted biennially since 1973 and is the only source of data on the careers of science,
engineering, and health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions. The value of the data obtained
over the years with the help of its participants is immeasurable, and your continued participation ensures
the validity and accuracy of the survey data. Aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study are
publically available at the NSF website listed below.
All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy
Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
NORC at the University of Chicago is the survey contractor conducting this survey on our behalf. If you do
not receive a questionnaire within two weeks or have any questions regarding this study, please contact
NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below. A secure, online version of the survey is also
available; please contact NORC for your unique survey PIN and password if you prefer to complete
the 2015 SDR online. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
I would greatly appreciate your continued participation in this significant effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-4

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2013 Nonresponse Retirees/2013 NIR/Partial Responders
(M_PN2.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
In a few days, you should receive a questionnaire in the mail for the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
(SDR), which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health.
The SDR has been conducted biennially since 1973 and is the only source of data on the careers of
science, engineering, and health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions. Analysis and reports
prepared using this survey data have provided governmental organizations, businesses, and academic
institutions with crucial information concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of
fields.
Your response is needed, regardless of your current employment status or occupation. Because you were
scientifically selected to represent a crucial segment of the population, we cannot substitute any other
person for you. Your involvement in this ongoing effort will help to ensure the validity and accuracy of the
survey data. Aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study are publically available at the NSF website
listed below.
All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy
Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
NORC at the University of Chicago is the survey contractor conducting this survey on our behalf. If you do
not receive a questionnaire within two weeks or have any questions regarding this study, please contact them
via the toll-free number or email address listed below. A secure, online version of the survey is also
available; please contact NORC for your unique PIN and password if you prefer to complete the 2015
SDR online. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in this significant effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-5

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter: New Cohort (M_PN3.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
In a few days, you should receive a questionnaire in the mail for the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
(SDR), which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health.
The SDR has been conducted biennially since 1973 and is the only source of data on the careers of
science, engineering, and health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions. Analysis and reports
prepared using this survey data have provided governmental organizations, businesses, and academic
institutions with crucial information concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of
fields.
You were scientifically selected to represent a crucial segment of the population of individuals earning a
research doctorate in the U.S. As such, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your involvement
in this ongoing effort will help ensure the validity and accuracy of the survey data. Aggregated results from
earlier rounds of the study are publically available at the NSF website listed below.
All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy
Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
NORC at the University of Chicago is the survey contractor conducting this survey on our behalf. If you do
not receive a questionnaire within two weeks or have any questions regarding this study, please contact them
via the toll-free number or email address listed below. A secure, online version of the survey is also
available; please contact NORC for your unique survey PIN and password if you prefer to complete
the 2015 SDR online. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
I would greatly appreciate your cooperation in this significant effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-6

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2013 Cooperative (C_PN1.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We will be calling you soon to request your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR).
Thank you for your past contribution to this unique study of doctorate holders, sponsored by the National
Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. The participation of doctorate holders like
you has provided governmental organizations, businesses, and academic institutions with crucial information
concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of fields.
The SDR has been conducted biennially since 1973 and is the only source of data on the careers of science,
engineering, and health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions. The value of the information
obtained over the years with the help of its participants is immeasurable, and your continued participation
ensures the validity and accuracy of the survey data. Aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study
are publically available at the NSF website listed below.
All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy
Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
NORC at the University of Chicago is the survey contractor conducting this survey on our behalf. The
interview should take about 25 minutes. If you do not receive a call within the next two weeks or have any
questions regarding this study, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below.
A secure, online version of the survey is also available; please contact NORC for your unique survey PIN
and password if you prefer to complete the 2015 SDR online. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
I would greatly appreciate your continued participation in this significant effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-7

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2013 Nonresponse /2015 New Cohort (C_PN2.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the
SDR 2015 letterhead as found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We will be calling you soon to request your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR),
sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. The SDR has
been conducted biennially since 1973 and is the only source of data on the careers of science,
engineering, and health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions. Analysis and reports
prepared using this survey data have provided governmental organizations, businesses, and academic
institutions with crucial information concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of
fields.
You were scientifically selected to represent a crucial segment of the population of individuals earning a
research doctorate in the U.S. As such, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your involvement
in this ongoing effort will help ensure the validity and accuracy of the survey data. Aggregated results from
earlier rounds of the study are publically available at the NSF website listed below.
All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy
Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
NORC at the University of Chicago is the survey contractor conducting this survey on our behalf. The
interview should take about 25 minutes. If you do not receive a call within the next two weeks or have any
questions regarding this study, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below.
A secure, online version of the survey is also available; please contact NORC for your unique survey PIN
and password if you prefer to complete the 2015 SDR online. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9
p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
We would greatly appreciate your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-8

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2013 Cooperative (W_IC1_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Thank you for your past participation in the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. Your responses, aggregated with
other participants’ responses, have provided data to governmental organizations, businesses, and academic
institutions concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of fields.
Please continue to participate by completing the 2015 SDR online. Because the survey is secure and
confidential, you’ll need to enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to access the survey after
going to the survey website.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

To ensure receipt, we are also sending you access to the survey to the email address we have on record
for you. The information you provide will be collected by NORC at the University of Chicago, the survey
contractor conducting SDR on our behalf. Your data will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in
accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency Act of 2002.
If you have any questions regarding the survey or would like to request a paper version of the survey, please
contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below. Staff members are available from 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for contributing to the SDR. We look forward to receiving your online survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-9

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2013 Cooperative Retiree (W_IC2_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Thank you for your past participation in the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. Your responses, aggregated with
other participants’ responses, have provided data to governmental organizations, businesses, and academic
institutions concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of fields.
Please continue to participate by completing the 2015 SDR online. Because the survey is secure and
confidential, you’ll need to enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to access the survey after
going to the survey website.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

To ensure receipt, we are also sending you access to the survey to the email address we have on record
for you. The information you provide will be collected by NORC at the University of Chicago, the survey
contractor conducting SDR on our behalf. Your data will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in
accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency Act of 2002.
Our records show that you were retired when you last participated in the SDR. Your response is vital,
regardless of your employment situation. We want to hear from you whether you are retired and not working,
retired but working part time, or back to working full time.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email
address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for contributing to the SDR. We look forward to receiving your online survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-10

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2013 Locating/2013 Nonresponse (W_IC3_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.

[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health and is the only source of data on the careers of science, engineering, and
health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions.
Your response is needed whatever your current employment status or occupation. Because you were
scientifically selected to represent a crucial segment of the population, we cannot substitute any other
person for you. Your involvement in this effort will help ensure the validity and accuracy of the survey
results.
Please contribute to this research by completing the SDR online. Because the survey is secure and
confidential, you’ll need to enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to access the survey after
going to the survey website.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

To ensure receipt, we are also sending you access to the survey to the email address we have on record
for you. The information you provide will be collected by NORC at the University of Chicago, the survey
contractor conducting SDR on our behalf. Your data will be kept strictly confidential in accordance with the
Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
If you have any questions regarding the survey or would like to request a paper version of the survey, please
contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m.
to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for contributing to the SDR. We look forward to receiving your online survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-11

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2013 Cooperative Green Appeal (W_IC5_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Thank you for your past participation in the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. Your responses, aggregated with
other participants’ responses have provided data to governmental organizations, businesses, and academic
institutions concerning the availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of fields.
We are asking you to complete the 2015 SDR online rather than a paper questionnaire sent in the mail to
promote a more efficient and eco-friendly way to participate in the 2015 SDR. We hope you will support the
NSF's efforts to conserve resources.
Please continue to participate by completing the survey online. Because the survey is secure and
confidential, you’ll need to enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to access the survey after
going to the survey website.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

To ensure receipt, we are also sending you access to the survey to the email address we have on record
for you. The information you provide will be collected by NORC at the University of Chicago, the survey
contractor conducting SDR on our behalf. Your data will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in
accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency Act of 2002.
If you have any questions regarding the survey or would rather complete the paper version of the survey,
please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below. Staff members are available
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for contributing to the SDR. We look forward to receiving your online survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-12

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2015 New Cohort (W_IC6_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.

[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), sponsored by
the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. This survey of people who
have earned research doctorates in the United States has been conducted biennially since 1973, and provides
governmental organizations, businesses, and academic institutions with crucial information concerning the
availability of highly-educated personnel in a variety of fields. The SDR is the only source of this data.
You were scientifically selected to represent a crucial segment of the population of individuals earning a
science, engineering, or health doctorate in the U.S. As such, we cannot substitute any other person for
you.
Please participate by completing the survey online. Because the survey is secure and confidential, you’ll
need to enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to access the survey after going to the survey
website.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

To ensure receipt, we are also sending you access to the survey to the email address we have on record
for you. The information you provide will be collected by NORC at the University of Chicago, the survey
contractor conducting SDR on our behalf. Your data will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in
accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical
Efficiency Act of 2002.
If you have any questions regarding the survey or would like to request a paper version of the survey, please
contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address listed below. Staff members are available from 9
a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for contributing to the SDR. We look forward to receiving your online survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-13

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2013 Cooperative (M_Quex1_1.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Thank you for your past participation in the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). For over 40 years,
you and other SDR respondents have contributed to an irreplaceable collection of longitudinal data about
doctorate holders. Your responses, aggregated with other participants’ responses, help academic and
governmental organizations with decision-making, for instance, in the anticipation of personnel shortages
and funding needs for research and development. The information you provided has also proven valuable for
students who want to learn about the occupational potential of their graduate education.
At this time, we are asking for you to complete the enclosed 2015 SDR questionnaire. The study is being
conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and
the National Institutes of Health. Your response, regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the
creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are
working in or out of their field of study, are seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employmentrelated situations. We can only learn about how the career patterns of doctorate recipients change over time
from you. Again, aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study are publically available at the NSF
website listed below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to NORC.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you for your continued participation. We look forward to receiving your completed survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-14

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2013 Cooperative Retiree (M_Quex1_2.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.

[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Thank you for your past participation in the Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). For over 40 years,
you and other SDR respondents have contributed to an irreplaceable collection of longitudinal data about
doctorate holders. Your responses, aggregated with other participants’ responses, help academic and
governmental organizations with decision-making, for instance, in the anticipation of personnel shortages
and funding needs for research and development. The information you provided has also proven valuable for
students who want to learn about the occupational potential of their graduate education.
At this time, we are asking for you to complete the enclosed 2015 SDR questionnaire. The study is being
conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and
the National Institutes of Health. Our records show that you were retired when you last participated in the
SDR. Your response, regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture
of the doctorate population. We can only learn about the extent to which retirement decisions change or
remain stable over time from you. Again, aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study are publically
available at the NSF website listed below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to NORC.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you for your continued participation. We look forward to receiving your completed survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-15

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2013 Nonresponse Retiree
(M_Quex1_3.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health and is the only source of data on the careers of science, engineering, and
health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions.
Our records show that you were retired during a previous round of the SDR. Your response, regardless of
your current employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate population.
We can only learn about the extent to which retirement decisions change or remain stable over time from
you. Aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study are publically available at the NSF website listed
below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to NORC at the
University of Chicago.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your participation. We look forward to receiving your completed survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-16

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: Refusals/NIR/Partial Responders
(M_Quex1_4.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health and is the only source of data on the careers of science, engineering, and
health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions.
Your response, regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the
doctorate population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are working in or out of their field of
study, are seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employment-related situations. We can only learn
about how the career patterns of doctorate recipients change over time from you.
Your data will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974
and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. The data collected will be
aggregated and used to prepare scientific reports, articles, and statistical summaries, but any information
released publicly will maintain the confidentiality of all participants. Results from earlier studies are
available at the NSF website listed below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to NORC.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your participation. We look forward to receiving your completed survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-17

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2015 New Cohort (M_Quex1_5.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health.
As mentioned in our previous correspondence, you were scientifically selected to represent a crucial segment
of the population and as such, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your response, regardless of
your employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate population.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to NORC at the
University of Chicago—or complete an online survey by using the access information below. Because the
survey is secure and confidential, you’ll need to enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to
access the survey after going to the survey website.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
We would greatly appreciate your cooperation in this significant effort. We look forward to receiving
your completed survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-18

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: Money Cooperative (M_Quex1_10.docx)
*NEW LETTER*
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health and is the only source of data on the careers of science, engineering, and
health doctorate holders from U.S. academic institutions.
Please find a $30 honorarium enclosed to thank you for your past contribution and in advance for
your 2015 SDR participation. Your response, regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the
creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are
working in or out of their field of study, are seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employmentrelated situations. We can only learn about how the career patterns of doctorate recipients change over time
from you.
Your data will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974
and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002. The data collected will be
aggregated and used to prepare scientific reports, articles, and statistical summaries, but any information
released publicly will maintain the confidentiality of all participants. Results from earlier studies are
available at the NSF website listed below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to NORC.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your participation. We look forward to receiving your completed survey.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-19

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice - USPS: 2013 Cooperative (W_FN1_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We would like your help in completing the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The SDR is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health.
Your participation helps to ensure that SDR information and statistics are valid and complete. Because
you were scientifically selected for the SDR, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your response,
regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate
population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are working in or out of their field of study, are
seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employment-related situations.
Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you would rather complete this survey on the telephone or via a paper questionnaire, please let us know by
contacting the study’s toll-free number or email address listed below. For your convenience, this information
has also been sent to the email address we have on record for you.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC where staff members are available
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2015 survey, thank you so much for your time!
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-20

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice - USPS: 2013 Locating/2013 Nonresponse (W_FN2_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We would like your help in completing the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The SDR is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health.
Your participation helps to ensure that SDR information and statistics are valid and complete. Science,
engineering, and health doctorate holders are highly trained and mobile, moving from one country to another
to take advantage of opportunities in their fields. We want to gather information on the productivity and
career paths of individuals like you, wherever you may live or work. Because you were scientifically selected
for the SDR, we cannot substitute any other person for you.
Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you would rather complete this survey on the telephone or via a paper questionnaire, please let us know by
contacting the study’s toll-free number or email address listed below. For your convenience, this information
has also been sent to the email address we have on record for you.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC where staff members are available
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2015 survey, thank you so much for your time!
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-21

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice - USPS: 2013 Cooperative Green Appeal (W_FN3_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We would like your help in completing the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The SDR is
being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and the National Institutes of Health.
Your participation helps ensure that SDR information and statistics are valid and complete. Because
you were scientifically selected for the SDR, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your response,
regardless of your employment situation or location, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the
doctorate population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are working in or out of their field of
study, are seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employment-related situations.
Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

We are asking you to complete the survey online in an effort to make the SDR a more sustainable and
environmentally-friendly program. If you would rather complete this survey on the telephone or via a
paper questionnaire, please let us know by contacting the study’s toll-free number or email address listed
below. For your convenience, this information has also been sent to the email address we have on record for
you.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC where staff members are available
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2015 survey, thank you so much for your time!
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-22

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up notice - USPS: New Cohort (W_FN10_u.docx)
*NEW LETTER*
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Please find a $30 honorarium check enclosed to thank you in advance for participating in the 2015
Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR).
Your participation helps to ensure that SDR information and statistics are valid and complete. Because
you were scientifically selected for the SDR, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Doctorate holders
in science, engineering, and health are highly trained and mobile, moving to take advantage of opportunities in
their fields. Understanding the productivity and career paths of individuals like you is important no matter
where they live and work.
Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you would rather complete this survey on the telephone or via a paper questionnaire, please let us know by
contacting the study’s toll-free number or email address listed below. For your convenience, this information
has also been sent to the email address we have on record for you.
NORC has been contracted to conduct the 2015 SDR by the National Science Foundation. If you have any
questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC, where staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9
p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2015 survey, thank you so much for your time!
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-23

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prompting Message - USPS: Panel (C_PM_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We recently attempted to reach you by telephone to complete the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients
(SDR). The SDR is being conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago on behalf of the National
Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. We regret that we have been unable to reach
you.
Your participation helps to ensure that SDR information and statistics are valid and complete. Because
you were scientifically selected for the SDR, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your response,
regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate
population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are working in or out of their field of study, are
seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employment-related situations.
The data you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy Act of
1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
We are offering three different ways by which you may participate.
1. Paper:
To request a paper version of the survey, please call 1-800-685-1663.
2. Telephone: If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.
3. Online:
If you prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the following URL and
enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the
survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

For your convenience, we are also sending you access to the online survey to the email address we have on
record for you. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number
or email address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-24

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prompting Message - USPS: New Cohort (C_PM2_u.docx)
*NEW LETTER*
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Please find a $30 honorarium check enclosed to thank you in advance for participating in the 2015
Survey of Doctorate Recipients. We recently attempted to reach you by telephone to complete the survey
and regret we have been unable to reach you. The SDR is being conducted by NORC at the University of
Chicago on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health.
Your participation helps to ensure that SDR information and statistics are valid and complete. Because
you were scientifically selected for the SDR, we cannot substitute any other person for you. Your response,
regardless of your employment situation, is vital to the creation of an accurate picture of the doctorate
population. We want to learn how many doctorate holders are working in or out of their field of study, are
seeking employment, are retired, or are in other employment-related situations.
The data you provide will be kept strictly confidential and safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy Act of
1974 and the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.
We are offering three different ways by which you may participate.
1. Paper:
To request a paper version of the survey, please call 1-800-685-1663.
2. Telephone: If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.
3. Online:
If you prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the following URL and
enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the
survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]
Password: [WEBPWD]
For your convenience, we are also sending you access to the online survey to the email address we have on
record for you. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number
or email address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-25

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2013 Non-retirees
(CW_Quex1_6.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients, conducted by NORC at the
University of Chicago on behalf of the survey sponsors, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National
Institutes of Health. Recently, we tried to contact you by email and telephone but have not received your
completed questionnaire.
Whether you are working in or out of your doctoral field of study, seeking employment, retired, or in
another employment-related situation, your response is vital. We can only learn about how the career patterns
of doctorate recipients change over time from you. This study is conducted every two years and takes an average
of 25 minutes of your time. Results from earlier studies are available at the NSF website below.
For your convenience, we are offering three different ways by which you can participate.
1. Paper:
2. Telephone:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.

3. Online:

If you prefer to complete this survey online, please go to the following URL and enter your
unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email address
listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you for your help with this important effort. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-26

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2013 Cooperative Retiree
(CW_Quex1_7.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.

[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We are requesting your participation in the 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients, conducted by NORC
at the University of Chicago on behalf of the survey sponsors, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and
the National Institutes of Health. Recently, we tried to contact you by telephone but have been unable to
complete the interview.
Whether you are retired and not working, retired but working part time, or back to working full time,
your response is vital. We can only learn about the extent to which retirement decisions change or remain
stable over time from you. Aggregated results from earlier rounds of the study are publically available at the
NSF website listed below.
For your convenience, we are offering three different ways by which you can participate.
1. Paper:
Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
2. Telephone: If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.
3. Online:
If you prefer to complete this survey online, please go to the following URL and
enter your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the
survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email
address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you for your help with this important effort. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-27

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: New Cohort (CW_Quex1_10.docx)
*NEW LETTER*
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
I hope you received the $30 honorarium check recently mailed to you for the 2015 Survey of Doctorate
Recipients (SDR). We are requesting your participation in this important study, which is sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. We have not yet received your
completed questionnaire and hope you will contribute to 2015 SDR.
Whether you are working in or out of your doctoral field of study, seeking employment, retired, or in
another employment-related situation, your response is vital. We can only learn about how the career
patterns of doctorate recipients change over time from you. This study is conducted every two years and
takes an average of 25 minutes of your time. Results from earlier studies are available at the NSF website
below.
For your convenience, we are offering three different ways by which you can participate.
1. Paper:
Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
2. Telephone: If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.
3. Online:
If you prefer to complete this survey online, please go to the following URL and enter
your unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email
address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you for your help with this important effort. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-28

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail, CATI, and Web Start Second Questionnaire Cover Letter: All (Quex2.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We recently mailed you a 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) questionnaire and have not yet
received your completed survey. Your participation greatly influences the accuracy, usefulness, and overall
success of the survey and its results and will take about 25 minutes of your time.
Your response is needed wherever you live and whatever your employment status is. Please take a few
minutes to complete this important survey. For your convenience, we are offering three different
participation options.
1. Paper:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.

2. Telephone:

If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.

3. Online:

If you prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the following URL and enter your
unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email
address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort, which is sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-29

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Mail Start Second Questionnaire Cover Letter: New Cohort (Quex2_10.docx)
*NEW LETTER*
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2015 letterhead,
images of which can be found on pages D-2 and D-3.
[DATE], 2015
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We recently mailed you a 2015 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) questionnaire and have not yet
received your completed survey. Your participation greatly influences the accuracy, usefulness, and overall
success of the survey and its results and will take about 25 minutes of your time.
Please find a $30 honorarium enclosed to thank you in advance for participating in the 2015 SDR.
Your response is needed wherever you live and whatever your employment status is.
Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey. For your convenience, we are offering three
different participation options.
1. Paper:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.

2. Telephone:

If you prefer a telephone interview, please call 1-800-685-1663.

3. Online:

If you prefer to complete the survey online, please go to the following URL and enter your
unique and case-sensitive PIN and password to securely access the survey:
https://websurvey.norc.org/2015sdr
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact NORC via the toll-free number or email
address listed below. Staff members are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Central Time) to assist you.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this important effort, which is sponsored by the
National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health.
Sincerely,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page D-30

SDR OMB Package for the 2015 Cycle

Postcard Text: All (Thank_you_Postcard_text.docx)
Last week you should have received a survey in the mail from NORC at the University of Chicago
on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. Many
thanks if you have already completed the survey, we look forward to receiving it shortly. If you
have not completed the survey, we hope you will complete it as soon as you can.
If you did not receive the materials, or if you would like to complete the survey online or over the
telephone, please contact NORC via email at [email protected] or toll-free at 1-800685-1663 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (U.S. Central Time).
Your participation is important for the success of this study.
With appreciation,

John R. Gawalt, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page D-31