Circular dichroism spectra are reported for poly {bis(hydroxyethyl)-L-glutamine}. Its conformation is predominantly that of a statistical coil at or above ambient temperature in water. It becomes partially helical upon cooling. The helix-forming potential of this polypeptide in water is between that of poly(hydroxyethyl-L-glutamine) and poly(hydroxypropyl-L-glutamine). The polypeptide has a large helix content when the solvent is rich in trifluoroethanol.