The program will have two components, as described below. An award will be made annually or bi-annually to a distinguished Gallaudet faculty member. The award provides funds for release-time support so that the faculty member can devote concentrated effort to a significant project. Summer support is negotiable.
Funds are also available to support costs in addition to the faculty member's salary.
The Gallaudet Research Institute coordinates support for the Schaefer Professor and administers the Professorship in collaboration with the appropriate department of instruction. Final appointment of the Professor is by the Provost upon recommendation of the committee via the Dean of the Graduate School and Professional Programs. The Dean and Provost act on the committee's recommendation as soon as possible in order to permit appropriate arrangements within the department. Formal announcement of the Professorship is made at commencement. Depending on the field of study, the recipient might also be expected to have received grants or other external awards in the past.