01-31283. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this section. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting OMB clearance of this collection for no longer than 3 years.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be received by February 19, 2002, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments regarding the information collection and requests for copies of the proposed information collection request should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Suzanne Plimpton on [phone] or send e-mail to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: The Evaluation of the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program.

OMB Control No.: 3145-0183.

Expiration Date of Approval: May 31, 2002.

Abstract: This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) Program, funded since 1993 by The PEW Charitable Trust, the National Science Foundation, and an anonymous donor. PFF is designed to change the culture of graduate education in order to produce faculty for colleges and universities who are fully prepared for teaching and service responsibilities as well as the research role.

Data will be collected using Web-based surveys and conducting institutional site visits for six selected case studies. Titles of the survey instruments and interview protocol for the PFF Evaluation are as follows:

• PFF Partner Faculty Survey
• PFF Graduate Faculty Survey
• PFF Participant Survey (Graduate Students)
• PFF Site Visit Protocol (for case studies)

NSF will use this collection to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the Preparing Future Faculty Program on graduate education and the development of future professors.

Expected Respondents: The expected respondents are project directors, deans, and graduate student participants at PFF grantee institutions as well as faculty associated directly with the PFF program at both graduate institutions and partner institutions.

Burden on the Public: The remaining elements for this collection represent 734 burden hours for a maximum of 3840 participants over two years, assuming an 80-100% response rate. The burden on the public is negligible; the study is limited to project participants that have directly received funding from or otherwise have benefited from participation in the PFF program.

Dated: December 14, 2001.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

NSF Reports Clearance Officer.