Chancellor's Undergraduate Research Fellowships
The Chancellor's Undergraduate Research Fellowship is intended to support student involvement in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. Ten $600 fellowships, administered by the University Honors College (UHC), are offered to encourage the enrichment of the students' experience in defining objectives and selecting methodologies appropriate to original research in their chosen field of study. The fellowships are available for one term, either fall or spring.
Deadlines
- October 31 for the following spring term
- April 15 for the following fall term
Who may apply
Undergraduate students who are sponsored by and working with a full- or part- time faculty member during the upcoming fall or spring term may apply. Students also must be registered for courses during the term for which the fellowship is awarded.
How to apply
The student and the sponsoring faculty member must make joint application according to the guidelines listed below. Application materials must be received by the University Honors College (3600 Cathedral of Learning) by the date specified above.
A review committee established by UHC will evaluate the proposals. All applicants will be notified of the committee's decision shortly after the application deadline specified above.
Projects for which awards are made
A successful proposal will show evidence that the project includes a well-defined role for the student in the research endeavor as well as indicating the specific objectives of the student's research. The proposal should clearly indicate that the student will retain some independent responsibility for some appropriate aspect of the project.
The awards
Each Chancellor's Undergraduate Research fellow will be awarded $600 for participation in the proposed project. The funds are directly credited to the fellow's student account by the financial aid office as a stipend; therefore, a student must be registered for courses during the term for which the fellowship is awarded.
A maximum of 10 awards will be made each term. At the discretion of the faculty member's department or school, academic credit also may be awarded. Most departments and schools have an independent study mechanism that can be used for this purpose.
Application materials
- Cover sheet: Print and fill out the applicant data sheet (PDF).
- Student: The applicants must submit a two- or three-page letter regarding the proposed project. It should emphasize their own interests and goals, and what they hope to gain from participating in the project.
- Faculty advisor: The sponsoring faculty members must submit a one- or two-page nomination of the students who will work with them on the project. This nomination letter should describe the students' role in the research project as well as the faculty members' assessment of the students' academic performance and ability to carry out their individual role in the proposed research project.
- Transcript/academic record: The applicant must submit a current transcript (it may be unofficial) or academic record.
Note: The fact that a student is interested in participating in a faculty member's research project itself is not sufficient to earn a fellowship. The awards committee will be looking for originality, creativity, past and current academic performance, and clear evidence that educational benefit will accrue to the student from the project.
It is the applicant's responsibility to include all materials mentioned above as a complete application package. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Please remember
Application materials are due in the Honors Center, University Honors College (3600 Cathedral of Learning), on or before the date specified above. For more information, please contact David Hornyak at 412-624-6884.
Students are welcome to discuss their proposals with UHC advising staff prior to the formal submission.