Deadlines are looming to complete online questionnaires for the National Research Council's ranking of research doctoral programs. Participating faculty must complete their online surveys by Feb. 22 to be involved in the next step of the process, which will determine how doctoral programs are ranked nationwide.

"The NRC is collecting data from over 200 doctoral-granting research institutions nationwide on such things as faculty productivity, student completion rates, and student financial support. Given the importance of this study, UC Davis' participation will be essential in raising the visibility of our campus's outstanding graduate programs," said Jeffery Gibeling, dean of graduate studies.

Last published in 1995, the NRC survey is considered the most authoritative ranking of doctoral programs. The results are likely to influence the reputation of research universities for years to come, affecting their ability to attract star graduate students, recruit faculty and raise research funds.

"Funding agencies, faculty, and students will rely on this data in making decisions about UC Davis," said Annik Hirshen, assistant dean of graduate studies.

The current survey is the most comprehensive the NRC has undertaken, including separate questionnaires for institutions, programs, faculty and students. Fifty-one of UC Davis' doctoral programs met the council's criteria for inclusion in the rankings. Within each of those programs, "core" faculty members were identified by the NRC from information supplied by the university, and invited to take part.

A number of graduate students in five programs selected by the NRC (English, economics, chemical engineering, physics and neuroscience) will also soon be invited to complete online surveys.

A sample of faculty members who complete their surveys by Feb. 22 will be selected as "raters" in the next step of the ranking process. Raters will examine the data collected by the program questionnaires, and decide how important they think different factors should be in deciding the final rankings. The collective opinion of all the raters at universities across the country will therefore shape the final rankings of the doctoral programs.

"We think that it's important for UC Davis to have as many raters as possible," said Yuhang Shi, director of analysis and information services for Graduate Studies.

Graduate Studies has tried to make the process as smooth as possible, Hirshen said. The office supplied initial information to the NRC, and has held workshops to explain the process and answer questions.

Program questionnaires were due in early February, and institutional and student questionnaires should be completed in March.

The National Research Council is part of the National Academies, congressionally chartered organizations that advise the nation on science issues.