This 2018-2019 Academic Year, we announce the availability of funds for undergraduate students who wish to conduct their own independent research studies, under the mentorship of a faculty member. Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, November 30th, and awards are expected to be announced in mid December. Please see the information below on eligibility and the application process.
Purpose
The undergraduate student grant fund was established as part of a strategic initiative to support undergraduate research at Abilene Christian University. The intent of the program is to provide support for undergraduate students to complete novel, student-led research/creative scholarship. The financial resources and number of applicants within a given fiscal year determine the number of grants awarded. It is expected that awards will range between $1,000-2,000, though this will vary depending on these factors.
Selection
Full-time ACU undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Grants will be awarded, based on a competitive selection process, to proposals that demonstrate potential for serious research and creative activity. The Undergraduate Research Council considers the proposals submitted and approves those judged best according to the following criteria:
- Worth and value to the discipline, researcher, or the university.
- Clear goals, objectives, and outcomes.
- Use of sound, clearly explained methodology and procedures.
- Clear writing that is precise, detailed, and understandable to a lay audience.
- Expected outcome of project (e.g., a book, article, paper, presentation, video).
- Likelihood of successful completion in a reasonable time.
Goals
Undergraduate Student Grants are intended to support scholarly activities including:
- quantitative research studies,
- qualitative research studies,
- technological innovations, and
- developmental and innovative research activity related to musical compositions or artistic production.
Furthermore, this program seeks to:
- Increase student involvement in research
- Encourage novel, student-led research and scholarly activity
- Promote research presentation and publication by ACU undergraduates
Budget
The following budget categories are allowable:
- Training Stipend. Students may request a training stipend up to $500/semester working on the project. Students should work with their faculty mentor to complete a student internship packet.
- Expenses related to the research. This amount is limited to essential and necessary materials, supplies, equipment, participant and consultant support which is directly connected with the research project.
Ineligible expenses include clerical work, office supplies, telephone, computer equipment, and travel that is not essential to the conduct of the research.
Outcomes
Projects should be completed during a single fiscal year and must produce a tangible, scholarly product. Examples of acceptable outcomes include presentation at a professional conference, a juried performance, an article submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal, etc.
A final report detailing the progress made and the scholarly product completed is due by April 31 following the project period. Awardees will receive an email from OUR in the Spring semester with further details on how to complete the report.
Certifications
Every individual who receives a grant must agree to the ACU Intellectual Property Agreement. The applicant agrees to certain rights and claims against copyrights and patents resulting from university support. Funds cannot be released to any grantee without this acknowledgement of the agreement. The Intellectual Property Agreement may be found on the ORSP website.
Every grantee is assigned a budget for expenses if any are awarded. Stipends are awarded through the Office of Undergraduate Research following completion of the Internship paperwork. All budgets must be cleared and accounted for by April 1 of the final project year. Grantees without proper accounting forms are liable for the expenses incurred.
All grantees must have completed EthicsCORE Responsible Conduct of Research training (requirement currently on hold). Training instructions may be found in the ORSP Classroom. If the project involves research with human subjects, IRB approval must be obtained prior to conduct of the research. Likewise, animal research requires IACUC approval.
To apply, please complete the Student Grant Application and Student Budget Application Forms below and email to uresearch@groupmail.acu.edu or orsp@acu.edu by 5pm on Friday, November 30th. Please be sure to indicate who is the Faculty Mentor who will be advising the student on the project.
student budget application form
For Information on how the applications will be judged, please see an example of the rubric below.