University Scholars Program 2009
Overview
The purpose of the University Scholars Program is to introduce University of Florida undergraduate students to the exciting opportunities of working closely with UF faculty to pursue fundamental research and scholarly activities, thereby gaining valuable insight into how new knowledge is created and developed and how existing knowledge is focused on important problems.
This program will permit selected undergraduate students, who will be designated as University Scholars, to work one-on-one with a chosen faculty member on a research/creative project of mutual interest. From such interaction, the student will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method, an experience that will be invaluable in many career opportunities, including graduate and professional schools. Students in all areas of undergraduate studies are encouraged to apply.
Students participating in this program will receive a $2,000 stipend to support summer research efforts under the faculty mentor. This funded research will be conducted during the summer following selection, which will usually be the summer between the student’s junior and senior year. The research structure will be developed in consultation with the mentor.
Eligibility
Students must have at least a 3.3 upper division GPA or a 3.0 GPA for a minimum of 75 hours a completed coursework. Undergraduate students in the College of Education and in other colleges are eligible to complete a project with a College of Education faculty mentor.
How Do I Start?
Download an application form here. The application should include the completed form, a statement of two pages or less describing the (a) purpose of the project; (b) the rationale for the work; and (c) how the applicant hopes to benefit from the experience. A letter of endorsement from the faculty mentor who will supervise the work must also be included.
Applications should be submitted by March 2, 2009 to the Office of Student Services in G-416 Norman Hall.
Selection of recipients will be determined by a Faculty Committee. Criteria for selection will include (a) quality of the written proposal and scholarly contribution of proposed work, (b) fit between topic and mentor's area of research interests, (c) feasibility of conducting the study. It is unlikely that more than one project will be approved for a single faculty mentor.
Students will be notified of their selection in late March 2009 along with faculty mentors and department chairs.
Students interested in becoming a University Scholar through the College of Education may contact Ron Wright in the Office of Student Services, G-416 Norman Hall with any questions and visit the University Scholars Program page at www.scholars.ufl.edu for more information.
