Peer Review Mentoring Program

Program Description

The ASA, CSSA, SSSA Peer Review Mentoring Program is a small, selective program designed to provide hands-on peer review training over the course of six months. Accepted applicants will be paired with an experienced mentor in their field and will be guided through the process of reviewing for an ASA, CSSA, SSSA journal.

The program is free of charge, but mentees must be ASA, CSSA, and/or SSSA members at the time of application. Potential candidates are early-career professionals (PhD candidates or post-docs) with little to no prior peer-reviewing experience. Ideal candidates will have some experience with academic publishing from an author perspective.

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Interested in mentoring? Volunteer to be a mentor here.

Course Work

Prior to meeting with their mentor, mentees will be asked to complete two free peer review courses through Web of Science Academy. These courses (approx. 2 hours total) will give a broad overview of the peer review process.

After completing these courses, mentees and mentors will schedule multiple meetings over six months to complete the following recommended curriculum (note: this may be adjusted as needed):

• Session 1: Introductory meeting; mentor shares an example review and tips
• Sessions 2–4: Mentee completes practice reviews on example papers (provided by mentor) and receives feedback
• Session 5: Mentee and mentor conduct a mentored review on a new and unpublished paper for an ASA, CSSA, or SSSA journal

Recognition

Mentees can receive credit for mentored reviews through their Web of Science profile. Program graduates will:

• Be enrolled as peer reviewers in ASA, CSSA, or SSSA journals relevant to their expertise
• Receive a certificate of completion
• Be recognized through society outlets and at CANVAS
• Be considered for future early career board roles or journal awards

Code of Conduct

In addition to the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Statements of Ethics, participants must adhere to the Peer Review Mentorship Program Code of Conduct.

The Societies are committed to providing a safe and productive environment for everyone involved in this program. Meetings should be focused on constructive feedback and professional development. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and includes:

• Offensive comments related to identity, background, or appearance
• Unconstructive or antagonistic comments on a participant’s work
• Stalking, intimidation, or unwelcomed personal contact
• Any other inappropriate behavior

Anyone asked to stop inappropriate behavior is expected to comply immediately. Concerns should be reported to the Director of Publications, Matt Wascavage, who will work with staff to resolve the issue.

We value your participation in this program and want to make your experience as productive and supportive as possible.