VPCAT Application FAQs

--VPCAT Application FAQs--

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Is there a document detailing the program components, scholar/mentor responsibilities and expectations, and participation benefits?

• Yes. The Overview of Formal Participation in the VPCAT Program document provides an overview of participation in the VPCAT program and the formal agreement that all parties adhere to, including guidelines for service obligations, responsibilities, fixed costs, and potential benefits of participation.

Is there a handbook that outlines the program’s purpose, scholar/ mentor requirements, development and resource support, policies, and pre-award and grant management mentorship?

• Absolutely! The VPCAT Scholar Handbook is a great resource for all things VPCAT!

ELIGIBILITY

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the VPCAT Program?

• You can find the Applicant Eligibility Criteria and Program Requirements on pages 2-3 of the 2025-2026 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions. Please read through this before beginning your application.

Can I apply for the VPCAT Program if I’m not on the Tenure track?

• Absolutely! We accept applicants from clinical, research, and tenure tracks.

Approximately how many scholar positions are available each year?

• The VPCAT Program typically accepts 18-20 new scholars each year.

Can I apply if I am new to the University of Utah?

• Yes. As long as you have a faculty position by January of the cohort year, you are eligible to apply. Typically, accepted scholars have been at the University of Utah long enough to establish a strong relationship with their mentor(s).

FORMATTING

Should I include headers/footers (i.e., name, date, title, etc.) in my documents?

• No.

How is it best to save and submit my application?

• We require that the application document be saved as one PDF document, with all documents in the order they are listed in the 2025-2026 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions.

What is the page limit for this application?

• There is a 5-page limit for the Application Narrative. This limit does not include the Cover Letter, Applicant CV, References, Plan for Transitioning into a Funded Principal Investigator, Mentor(s) Letter of Support, Institutional Letter of Commitment, Mentor(s) Biosketch, and Mentor(s) Other Support Form.

The Application Narrative, Section F, requires a timeline. How would you like this timeline formatted? What information should it outline?

• This timeline should be a Gantt chart or table that provides a visual summary of your stated career and research activities, publications, and grant submissions during the program. You should consider designating time periods (e.g., quarters, months, etc.) and including start and completion periods for activities, including:
  • Career development activities (including those related to VPCAT-required activities, as appropriate)
  • Mentor meetings (including VPCAT mentor meetings, as appropriate)
  • Manuscript preparation
  • Conference presentations
  • Grant preparation

Can I see an example of a successful application?

• Yes; however, we have revised the 2025-2026 VPCAT Scholar Cohort RFA Instructions. Therefore, the examples of funded VPCAT applications and summary statements on the How to Apply website are older versions, and not all sections still apply. In addition, we highly encourage applicants to attend the VPCAT Application Workshop at the end of August in order to ask questions and gain insights into what reviewers are looking for. 
• Any questions regarding the application or its formatting can be emailed directly to Erin Wachs. 
   

DUE DATES

When does the application become available?

• The application will become available on Competition Space from the first to the second week of June.

When is the application due?

• Applications are due no later than 5:00 pm on the last Friday of September.
• You will need to submit your application via Competition Space.
   

NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE/REVIEW PROCESS

When will I receive notification of my acceptance?

• The review process will take place throughout the month of October.
• It is anticipated that notifications will be sent no later than early November.

If I am not accepted this year, can I apply again next year?

• Yes, absolutely! We strongly encourage applicants who were not accepted to apply again the following year. 
• We encourage applicants to review their summary statements and make an appointment to speak with the VPCAT Director regarding their application feedback.
• To make an appointment, you can email Erin Wachs.

Will I receive copies of the feedback from the reviewers?

• Summary Statements will be sent along with the notification.

Will I be able to find out who my reviewers were?

• No. Summary Statements are anonymized.

How are VPCAT Scholars chosen?

• A minimum of three reviewers will critique each application and will score based on the strengths and weaknesses of each section, as outlined on pages 12-13 of the 2025-2026 VPCAT Scholar Cohort Request for Application (RFA) Instructions.
• Applicants can also review the full Reviewer Instructions, Scoring Guide, and Review Criteria document for additional details.