2019 SDR Survey Mailing Materials

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Attachment E
Draft 2019 SDR Survey Mailing Materials
The 2019 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 2019 letterhead.
































Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2017 Cooperative (M_PN1)
Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2017 Nonresponse Retirees/2015 NIR/Partial Responders (M_PN2)
Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2019 New Cohort (M_PN3)
CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2017 Cooperative (C_PN1)
CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter for 2017 Nonresponse Cases/2019 New Cohort (C_PN2)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2017 Cooperative cases (W_IC1_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2017 Cooperative Retiree cases (W_IC2_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2017 Nonresponse Cases (W_IC3_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2017 Cooperative Green Appeal (W_IC5_u)
Web Start Mode Initial Notice sent via USPS to 2019 New Cohort and 2017 Panel Locating Problems
(W_IC7_u)
Web Start Mode Enclosed InfoCard - USPS: 2019 New Cohort and 2017 Panel Locating Problems (InfoCard)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 2017 Cooperative cases (M_Quex1_1)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 20175 Cooperative Retiree cases (M_Quex1_2)
Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter for 2017 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 2019 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 2017 Cooperative cases (W_FN1_u)
Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice sent via USPS to 2017 Locating/2015 Nonresponse Cases (W_FN2_u)
Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice sent via USPS to 2017 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 2017 Non-retired cases (CW_Quex1_6)
CATI and Web Start Modes First Questionnaire Cover Letter sent to 2017 Cooperative Retiree cases
(CW_Quex1_7)
CATI and Web Start Modes First Questionnaire Cover Letter sent to New Cohort (CW_Quex1_10)
Mail Start Second Questionnaire Cover Letter to all sample member types (Quex2)
Mail Start Mode Second Questionnaire Cover Letter to New Cohort (incentive) (Quex2_10)
CATI and Web Start Survey Request Letter: Panel except Locating Problems (CW_InfoCard_letter_for_SMs)
CATI and Web Start Survey Request Letter: New Cohort and Panel Locating Problems
(CW_Letter_with_Graphic_not_InfoCard)
Postcard Text sent to all sample member types

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-1

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2017 Cooperative (M_PN1.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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
publicly 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.
[Contractor TBD] 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 [contractor TBD]
via the toll-free number or email address listed below. A secure, online version of the survey is also
available; please contact [contractor TBD] for your unique survey PIN and password if you prefer to
complete the 2019 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-2

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2017 Nonresponse Retirees/2017 NIR/Partial
Responders (M_PN2.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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 publicly 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.
[Contractor TBD] 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 tollfree number or email address listed below. A secure, online version of the survey is also available; please
contact [contractor TBD] for your unique PIN and password if you prefer to complete the 2017 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

ID: [SDR ID]

National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-3

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode Prenotice Letter: New Cohort (M_PN3.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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 publicly 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.
[Contractor TBD] 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 [Contractor TBD]for your unique survey PIN and password if you prefer to complete
the 2019 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-4

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2017 Cooperative (C_PN1.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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 publicly 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.
[Contractor TBD] 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 [Contractor TBD] via the toll-free number or email address listed below. A
secure, online version of the survey is also available; please contact [Contractor TBD] for your unique
survey PIN and password if you prefer to complete the 2017 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-5

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prenotice Letter: 2017 Nonresponse /2019 New Cohort
(C_PN2.docx) This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the
SDR 2017 letterhead.
[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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 publicly 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.
[Contractor TBD] 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 [Contractor TBD] via the toll-free number or email address listed below. A
secure, online version of the survey is also available; please contact [Contractor TBD] for your unique
survey PIN and password if you prefer to complete the 2019 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-6

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2017 Cooperative (W_IC1_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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, 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.
Please continue to participate by completing the 2019 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.
html web site - tbd
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 [Contractor TBD], 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 [Contractor TBD] 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-7

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2017 Cooperative Retiree
(W_IC2_u.docx) This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019
letterhead.
[DATE], 2019
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, 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.
Please continue to participate by completing the 2019 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 link forthcoming
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 [Contractor TBD], 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 [Contractor TBD] 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-8

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2017 Nonresponse
(W_IC3_u.docx) This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR
2017 letterhead.
[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study
is sponsored by 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 site forthcoming
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 [Contractor TBD], 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 the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-9

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2017 Cooperative Green Appeal
(W_IC5_u.docx) This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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, 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.
We are asking you to complete the 2019 SDR online rather than a paper questionnaire sent in the mail to
promote a more efficient and eco-friendly way to participate in the 2019 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 site forthcoming
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 [Contractor TBD], 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 [Contractor TBD] 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-10

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Initial Notice - USPS: 2019 New Cohort and 2017 Panel Locating
Problems (W_IC7_u.docx)

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR), sponsored
by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health. The SDR collects career
outcome information from a highly educated and important population – individuals who have earned a
science, engineering, or health doctorate degree from a U.S. academic institution.
Please complete this important survey online using the access information below. Your PIN and
password are unique, and, for your convenience, we are sending this same information to the email address
we have on record for you.
https site forthcoming
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

Your response will help us better understand the career and employment patterns of the U.S. trained
doctorate population. Your response is needed regardless of your present employment situation, whether
you are working, retired, or looking for a job. We also understand that highly-trained individuals like
yourself are mobile, and we want to hear from you, wherever you currently reside.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact [Contractor TBD] 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 look forward to receiving your online survey.
Sincerely,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-11

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2017 Cooperative (M_Quex1_1.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 SDR questionnaire. The study is
sponsored by 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 employment-related situations. We can only learn about how
the career patterns of doctorate recipients change over time from you. Aggregated results from earlier rounds
of the study are publicly available at the NSF website listed below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to [Contractor TBD].
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-12

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2017 Cooperative Retiree
(M_Quex1_2.docx) This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 SDR questionnaire. The study is
sponsored by 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
how the career patterns of doctorate recipients change over time from you. Aggregated results from earlier
rounds of the study are publicly available at the NSF website listed below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to [Contractor TBD].
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-13

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2019 Nonresponse
Retiree (M_Quex1_3.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study
is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health and an
irreplaceable collection of longitudinal 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 publicly available at the NSF website listed
below.
Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope to [Contractor
TBD].
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-14

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 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 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health and is an
irreplaceable collection of longitudinal 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 [Contractor TBD].
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-15

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2019 New Cohort (M_Quex1_5.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
sponsored by 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 [Contractor
TBD]—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.xxxx/2019sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password: [WEBPWD]

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-16

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: Money Cooperative (M_Quex1_10.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The study is
sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health and is an
irreplaceable collection of longitudinal data on the careers of science, engineering, and health doctorate
holders from U.S. academic institutions.
Please find a $30 token of our appreciation enclosed to thank you for your past contribution and in
advance for your 2019 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
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 [Contractor TBD].
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-17

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice - USPS: 2017 Cooperative (W_FN1_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The SDR is
sponsored by 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 complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https website forthcoming
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 the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD],
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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2019 survey, thank you so much for your time!
ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-18

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice - USPS: 2017 Locating/2017 Nonresponse (W_FN2_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The SDR is
sponsored by 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 complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https website forthcoming
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 the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD],
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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2019 survey, thank you so much for your time!
ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-19

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up Notice - USPS: 2015 Cooperative Green Appeal (W_FN3_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.
[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). The SDR is
sponsored by 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 complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https website forthcoming
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 the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD],
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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2019 survey, thank you so much for your time!
ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-20

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Web Start Mode Follow-up notice - USPS: New Cohort (W_FN4_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 token of our appreciation enclosed to thank you in advance for participating in
the 2019 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 complete this important survey online using the access information below.
https website forthcoming
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.
The 2019 SDR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of
Health. The information you provide will be collected by [Contractor TBD], the survey contractor
conducting the SDR on our behalf. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact
[Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
P.S. If you have already completed the 2019 survey, thank you so much for your time!
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-21

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prompting Message - USPS: Panel (C_PM_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate
Recipients (SDR). The SDR is sponsored by 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:
2. Telephone:
3. Online:

To request a paper version of the survey, please call [TBD]
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call [TBD].
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: website forthcoming
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 the survey contractor,
[Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]-113

Page E-22

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI Start Mode Prompting Message - USPS: New Cohort (C_PM2_u.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 token of our appreciation enclosed to thank you in advance for participating in
the 2019 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 sponsored by 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:
2. Telephone:
3. Online:

To request a paper version of the survey, please call [TBD]
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call [TBD]
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:// website forthcoming
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 the survey contractor,
[Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

ID: [SDR ID]

Page E-23

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2017 Nonretirees (CW_Quex1_6.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients, sponsored by 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:
3. Online:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call [TBD].
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://survey.xxxx/2019sdr
PIN: [WEBPIN]
Password: [WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
ID: [SU_ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-24

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: 2015 Cooperative Retiree
(CW_Quex1_7.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients, sponsored by 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 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 publicly available at the
NSF website listed below.
For your convenience, we are offering three different ways by which you can participate.
1. Paper:
2. Telephone:
3. Online:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call [TBD].
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:// website forthcoming
PIN: [WEBPIN]
Password: [WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
ID: [SU_ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-25

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Mode First Questionnaire Cover Letter: New Cohort (CW_Quex1_10.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 token of our appreciation recently mailed to you for the 2019 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 2019 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 [TBD].
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:// website TBD
PIN: [WEBPIN]
Password: [WEBPWD]
If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
ID: [SU_ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-26

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Second Questionnaire Cover Letter: All (Quex2.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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 complete
this important survey. For your convenience, we are offering three different participation options.
1. Paper:
2. Telephone:
3. Online:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call [TBD].
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 website forthcoming
PIN: MPMUK
Password: [WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
ID: [SU_ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-27

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Mail Start Second Questionnaire Cover Letter: New Cohort (Quex2_10.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
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 2019 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 token of appreciation enclosed to thank you in advance for participating in the
2019 SDR. Your response is needed wherever you live and whatever your employment status is.
Please complete this important survey. For your convenience, we are offering three different participation
options.
1. Paper:
2. Telephone:
3. Online:

Please fill out the enclosed questionnaire and return it using the enclosed envelope.
If you prefer a telephone interview, please call [TBD].
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 website forthcoming
PIN: MPM2IR
Password: [WEBPWD]

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the survey contractor, [Contractor TBD], 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,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
ID: [SU_ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-28

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Survey Request Letter: Panel except Locating Problems
(CW_InfoCard_letter_for_SMs.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2017 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]

Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
We have not yet received your completed 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) and are
requesting your participation. Your participation will enhance the accuracy, usefulness, and overall
success of the survey and will help us better understand the career and employment patterns of doctorate
holders like you.
Your response is important wherever you live worldwide and whatever your employment status. Enclosed
you’ll find a card that provides additional information about the SDR and contains an attached bookmark.
To complete the 2019 SDR online, go to the following URL and enter your unique PIN and password:
https:// website forthcoming
PIN:

[WEBPIN]

Password:

[WEBPWD]

If you prefer a telephone interview or a mailed paper questionnaire, contact [Contractor TBD] via email or
telephone using the information listed below. Staff members can assist you from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (U.S.
Central Time).
Sincerely,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation
SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-29

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

CATI and Web Start Survey Request Letter: New Cohort and Panel Locating Problems
(CW_Letter_with_Graphic_not_InfoCard.docx)
This letter will be sent to sample members printed on the SDR 2019 letterhead.

[DATE], 2019
Dr. [FIRST NAME] [MIDDLE INITIAL] [LAST NAME]
[ORGNAME]
[STREET ADDRESS 1]
[STREET ADDRESS 2]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP CODE]
Dear Dr. [LAST NAME],
Please participate in the 2019 Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR). Your participation helps us to
accurately continue to report on the career outcomes of U.S.-trained doctorate recipients.
To complete the survey online, please go to the following secure URL and enter your PIN and password:
https:// website forthcoming
PIN: [WEBPIN]

Password: [WEBPWD]

Thank you in advance for your participation in the 2019 SDR,

With appreciation,
Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

SDR ID: [SDR ID]

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-30

SDR OMB Package for the 2019 Cycle

Postcard Text: All (Thank_you_Postcard_text.docx)

Last week you should have received a survey in the mail from [Contractor TBD], who has been
contracted to conduct a survey sponsored by 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 [Contractor TBD] via email at NSFstudy@[TBD] or toll-free at
[TBD] between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (U.S. Central Time).
Your participation is important for the success of this study.
With appreciation,

Emilda Rivers, Director
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics
National Science Foundation

Survey of Doctorate Recipients

Page E-31