Frequently Asked Questions About the IEEE Fellows Program
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Learn more about several aspects of the IEEE Fellows Program by reviewing the frequently asked questions answered below.
If you have a question that is not addressed, email fellows@ieee.org.
If you have a question that is not addressed, email fellows@ieee.org.
How flexible is the 1 March deadline?
The 1 March deadline is not flexible. All forms (nomination, reference, and endorsement) must be received no later than 1 March.
How many new IEEE Fellows may be recommended each year?
According to IEEE Bylaw I-305.5, "The total number of Fellow recommendations in any one year must not exceed one-tenth of one percent of the IEEE voting membership on record as of 31 December of the year preceding."
As a nominator, what are my responsibilities, and are there samples of how to start a nomination?
As a nominator it is essential that you read the How to Write an Effective Nomination document (PDF, 190 KB) carefully so that the nomination is not put at risk.
If I'm an IEEE Fellow/Life Fellow, why doesn't my name appear in the IEEE Fellow Directory?
Only active IEEE Fellows and IEEE Life Fellows are listed in the IEEE Fellow Directories. To change your status, please notify the Contact Center.
Can I serve as a reference if I'm nominating an individual but don't yet have enough references?
No, the nominator may not serve as a reference.
Where can I find my references' member numbers or additional references to support my nominee?
Please use the IEEE Fellow Directory to contact those persons you wish to use as Reference supporters of your nominee. Send them an email asking if they agree to serve as a Reference for your nominee, and at the same time ask for their IEEE membership number. Click on the IEEE Fellow Name, then use the "Send message" button.
When are the newly elevated IEEE Fellows announced?
Newly elevated IEEE Fellows are announced shortly after the fourth quarter IEEE Board of Directors meeting, normally scheduled in late-November/mid-December.
What are the qualifications for being nominated an IEEE Fellow?
The nominee must meet the following three basic qualifications: have accomplishments that have contributed importantly to the advancement or application of engineering, science, and technology, bringing the realization of significant value to society; hold IEEE Senior member or IEEE Life Senior member grade at the time the nomination is submitted; and have been a member in good standing and has completed a minimum of five full years (consecutive or not) of IEEE membership in any grade preceding 1 January of the year of elevation.
Note: IEEE Society affiliation membership does not apply.
How do I access the Fellow Nomination Process?
To access the Fellow Nomination System, an IEEE Primary Web Account must be used. If you need assistance, contact the IEEE Support Center. You can reach the Global Offices directly online at www.ieee.org/contactcenter or by telephone at +1 732 981 0060 worldwide, or +1 800 678 4222 US and Canada.
How do I begin the Fellow Nomination Process?
The Fellow Nomination Process is started with a nominator. He/she will need to log in with an IEEE Primary Web Account.
Who can and when can I check the status of a nomination?
The nominator will be permitted to check the status and/or resend reminders to those references and endorsements who have not responded, up to the deadline of 1 March.
How is the nominator notified? Is the nominee notified as well?
IEEE Fellows Staff notifies successful nominees and their nominators via e-mail.
Nominators of unsuccessful nominees will be notified via email.
IEEE Fellows Staff will use the preferred email address listed on the Fellow Nomination Form for the nominator and the preferred e-mail address on file in the IEEE membership database for the nominee.
Nominators of unsuccessful nominees will be notified via email.
IEEE Fellows Staff will use the preferred email address listed on the Fellow Nomination Form for the nominator and the preferred e-mail address on file in the IEEE membership database for the nominee.
How are the references and endorsers notified?
Once a nomination is submitted, the references and endorsements listed on the form will automatically be notified.
How can an IEEE Fellow order a replacement Fellow Pin or Certificate?
IEEE Fellows may complete the The IEEE Fellow Pin and/or Certificate Order Form and email Fellow Staff.
What is the difference between a reference and an endorsement form?
A reference is a required part of the nomination process as it cites specific evidence of the nominee's special qualities and impact of the nominee's contributions. An endorsement may strengthen a nomination but is not required.
Can I nominate myself for IEEE Fellow grade?
No, self-nomination is NOT permitted.
Can I view copies of the nomination forms?
Yes, you can view any of the forms and use them as reference guides/to draft your response.
View the nomination, reference, and endorsement forms
Can I print the nomination form?
The nomination form can be printed up to the deadline of 1 March by clicking on the Printer icon at the top right of the Nomination Form.
Can I print my completed/drafted forms?
Yes. Use the print option in your browser.
How/when can I change the Nomination Form?
Modifications will be permitted up to the deadline of 1 March. This will include updating core text and email addresses of supporters of the nomination. Adding and deleting a reference and endorsement name, or removing a nomination, will also be permitted.
What is the deadline for submission of the Fellow nomination forms?
All forms (nomination, reference, and endorsement) must be received by 1 March (11:59 p.m. ET). NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.
What browsers best support the Fellow Nomination Process?
The IEEE Fellow Online Nomination Process is supported by the following browsers:
- Internet Explorer 9, 10
- Chrome, latest version
- Firefox/Safari, latest two versions
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Contact the IEEE Fellow Activities Staff
E-mail: fellows@ieee.org
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