Waiver-Eligibility

The "Advance Social Science Archive Journal" (ASSAJ) recognizes the financial constraints faced by some researchers, particularly those from developing countries or working in underfunded fields. To support accessibility and encourage diverse contributions, ASSAJ offers waivers on publication fees for eligible authors. This policy outlines the criteria for determining waiver eligibility.

1. Eligibility Categories:

The following categories of authors may be eligible for a waiver on publication fees:

• Early-career researchers: Scholars within five years of completing their PhD or equivalent terminal degree.
• Researchers from developing countries: Individuals affiliated with institutions located in countries designated by the World Bank as low- or middle-income economies.
• Unaffiliated researchers: Independent scholars or those without institutional support for publication costs.
• Financially disadvantaged researchers: Individuals experiencing exceptional financial hardship, regardless of affiliation or career stage.

2. Application Process:

Authors requesting a waiver should submit a written request alongside their manuscript. The request should include:

• A brief explanation of the applicant's eligibility category (e.g., early-career status, country of affiliation, financial hardship).
• Documentation supporting the claim (e.g., copy of PhD completion certificate, institutional affiliation letter, evidence of financial hardship).
• A justification for why a waiver would be beneficial (e.g., limited research funding, importance of publication for career advancement).

3. Evaluation Criteria:

The ASSAJ editorial board will evaluate waiver requests based on the following criteria:

• Strength of the submitted manuscript: The research should be rigorous, original, and relevant to the journal's scope.
• Demonstrated need for a waiver: The applicant's circumstances should meet the established eligibility criteria.
• Availability of waiver funds: The journal maintains a limited budget for waivers, and decisions will be made based on available resources.

4. Notification and Appeal Process:

Applicants will be notified of the decision regarding their waiver request within two weeks of submitting their manuscript.

If a request is denied, the applicant may appeal the decision by submitting a written explanation to the editorial board within one week of receiving the notification. The board will review the appeal and issue a final decision.

5. Ethical Considerations:

ASSAJ is committed to fair and unbiased evaluation of manuscripts and waiver requests. Decisions will be based solely on the academic merit of the research and the applicant's eligibility, without regard to race, gender, nationality, or any other personal factors.