The candidate must meet the majority of these criteria, with the most important criteria being funded research and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Assistant and associate professors who are approved will be called Fellows , and full professors who are approved will be called Senior Fellows . Kennedy Center Fellows have access to research support services supported by the Center's departmental budget from Peabody College. Application process is same as for Fellow status. Kennedy Center Scholars are established academics, clinicians, or administrators who have well-established histories of substantial contributions to the field of mental retardation, developmental disabilities, or other domains germane to th e Kennedy Center's mission but who, by virtue of their current professional commitments, do not meet all of the criteria for Fellow status within the Center.
Scholars typically are senior people in their fields.
Nomination, which may be made at any time d uring the year, consists of a letter outlining the nominee's contributions and a copy of the nominee's current vita. Scholars are encouraged to participate in Center committees, attend colloquia and lectures, and participate in other ways in Center activities. Application for Associate status, which may be submitted at any time during the year, consists of a letter from the applicant describing the applicant's relationship to the Center's mission and why the candidate is interested in an affiliation , co-signed by an Investigator or supported by an Investigator in a separate letter. Applications supported by a Kennedy Center will be submitted to the Kennedy Center Director for approval. The Membership Committee reviews applications for membership each semester but applications may be submitted at any time.