Honors College Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
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Introduction
The Honors College Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) promotes participation by Honors College students in faculty-mentored research projects across all disciplines. Since Honors College students complete a thesis, practicum or creative project in their senior year, this program in particular invites students to apply who need assistance to complete or prepare for these projects. UROP grants are designed to cover unusual expenses of the sort that would not normally be incurred over the course of a typical class (e.g. necessary research travel, scientific equipment not already in the lab, certain kinds of computer software, etc). Books, paper, ink, and most computer software and hardware do not fall into this category. (However, we do invite all Honors College seniors writing theses to stop by the Honors College offices to pick up a copy card which is designed to assist with printing costs.)
The Honors College UROP thus offers grants to students for supplies, travel and other eligible expenses for up to $300 per award. Students who are seeking financial support for their research projects may apply for funds by submitting an application. A letter of support from the faculty mentor must accompany every application. Applications are reviewed by the Honors College UROP committee.
Eligibility, Deadlines and Requirements for Fall 2012 - Spring 2013
The Honors College UROP is open to all Honors College students at UVM. All students receiving funding must have a designated UVM faculty mentor. In addition, if the money will be used to fund thesis or senior project research, the proposal for that project must have received final approval by the candidate’s home School or College.
There are three competitions throughout the year. Deadlines for those competitions are:- December 10, 2012
- February 15, 2013
- May 10, 2013
If funded, students are required to present their work at a university-wide research event to be held in April 2013 (or April 2014 if project is completed in the next academic year.)
Funding Information
Proposals are reviewed by a committee composed of faculty from various departments. Budget requests may include supplies, funding for travel and other eligible expenses. The Honors College UROP does not fund wages for the candidate, human subjects compensation, computer hardware or software that is available for free through an existing UVM site license.
Awards are generally made directly to the student and must be used within 12 months or by the date of graduation (whichever comes first). Use of funds shall be reported back to the Honors College. A full documentation of spending is required (all itemized receipts, etc) for this report. Any unspent funds must be returned.
Supplies
Applicants must include the quantity and costs of supplies in a detailed, line item budget as part of their application (take a look at the sample budgets below). Line items must be as specific as possible and should include any necessary shipping charges. Examples of appropriate budget items include specific chemical reagents, published materials that are not available otherwise, copying services or small electronic components. Applicants must provide a brief written justification for the budget they have developed, including supporting statements addressing the nature and cost of the requested supplies as they relate to the project objectives and methodology.
Travel
Travel may be funded if it is intrinsic to the project, i.e. for research purposes or to present research findings at a professional conference.
Application Instructions
All students must submit the appropriate application form and obtain a letter of support from the faculty mentor by the relevant deadlines. Applications must be received at the Honors College by the relevant deadline.
If it is appropriate, provide supporting information, such as approval letters or conference participation confirmations. Preference will be given to students who have not previously received an award.
While it is understood that the faculty mentor will review and advise in the writing of the proposal, it must be clear that the student has written the proposal and understands the project. Proposals are judged on their strength and the student’s role in the project must be clear.
Students who are turned down are encouraged to reapply in a subsequent competition. Please note however that unsuccessful applications will not automatically be considered in a subsequent competition. Students must resubmit materials in order to be reconsidered.
Please contact Associate Dean Lisa Schnell with any questions (lisa.schnell@uvm.edu, 656-8209).
Last modified August 20 2012 12:08 PM