Summer Research Partnerships

The Office of Undergraduate Research is pleased to be able to support the summer research program for 2012.

Summer Research Partnerships offer students the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and other students to pursue a research or creative project in a focused manner.  Projects should utilize the expertise of the faculty mentor to facilitate student engagement in discovery and creativity.  Collaboration with other students is highly encouraged.  Partnerships that blend scholarly research in collaboration with community agencies will receive special consideration. 

Ideally a research project will produce a tangible result (publication, presentation, creative work) for the student and the faculty mentor.  Participating students are expected to present their projects at Taste of Research on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 and Celebrating Student Achievement to be held Tuesday, April 17, 2012.

Students applying for summer stipends are required to attend a spring workshop for proposal development.  Members of the Undergraduate Research Committee will work with students to develop proposals that conform to format and meet criteria for proposal evaluation. The proposal workshop will be held Tuesday April 19, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in Harris 214.  

Criteria  

Research is a mode of critical thinking that generates new knowledge or creative interpretation of the world around us. 

Proposed projects should present evidence of the following:

• Synthesis of existing information related to project. Critical analysis of information that results in development of a clear question or hypothesis. Application of discipline based methodology to analysis of the question of hypothesis.
• Evaluation of importance of research to the body of knowledge related to the question or hypothesis.

Summer Research Partnership awards are merit-based and do not consider financial need.  Stipend payments for the summer of 2012 will range from $625 to $2500, with amounts determined by the depth and extent of the project.  A full award involves a commitment of 280 hours of work on the project.  The work can be done on a full-time basis of 35 hours a week for eight weeks, or it can be done part-time over a longer period.  The time commitment associated with partial awards will be in proportion to this standard. Students should view the stipend award as a work commitment. 

Research, in reality, is seldom an individual pursuit.  Collaboration is the norm in laboratories, offices, and studios.  Projects that involve student collaborations are highly encouraged.  Projects involving up to three students may submit a single application and project outline. Each student involved in the collaboration should outline their personal contribution to the project.  Individual stipends will depend on individual commitment to the project.  

Research can be conducted between May 1 and August 10, beginning as soon as payroll arrangements are finalized.  In addition to the time committed to research, student researchers must attend a minimum of four group discussions, present their results at “A Taste of Research” on September 28th, and assist with one Meredith-sponsored event involving research during the 2011-12 academic year. Students will also have the opportunity to present their work at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, Celebrating Student Achievement Day and/or other local and regional meetings.  

Student researchers are responsible for submitting payroll documents to the Human Resources office by April 30.   

If the Undergraduate Research budget allows, Summer Research Partners may be awarded up to $100 to cover research costs.  All nondisposable materials purchased for research become the property of the college as of August 31, 2011 unless otherwise specified.   Travel grants of up to $150 may also be available.    

Application 

The application includes five parts: 

____ Proposal Cover Sheet  (Please print, complete and sign this form.)

____ Proposal Narrative

____ Faculty Statement of Support

____ Timeline

____ Estimate of Expenses 

Click here to access the forms and instructions.  Submit one copy of the completed application forms to the Undergraduate Research Program, 106 Ledford, by Monday April 25 at 5:00 p.m. An electronic version of the narrative, timeline, and expenses should be submitted to research@meredith.edu.  Award notifications will be made by Thursday, April 28.   If you have questions, please email research@meredith.edu.  

Process

Student/faculty teams develop a research plan for summer 2011.Student researcher attends proposal workshop, Tuesday April 19, 4:30 p.m. Harris 214.  Student/faculty team completes the application and submits it to Undergraduate Research Program, 106 Ledford.  Place it in the envelope on the door as well as electronically to research@meredith.edu

DEADLINE:  Monday, April 25 5:00 p.m.

 The Undergraduate Research Committee reviews applications and makes funding recommendations.   Awardees will be notified by Thursday, April 28. After award notification, student researcher –

1. makes payroll arrangements with Ms. Kay Miller in Human Resources Department.  Guidelines are available on the door of 106 Ledford.  Paperwork and supporting documents (proof of citizenship) are due by April 30.  Please read and follow the guidelines carefully.
2. Returns the signed research contract to the director of Undergraduate Research

Student/faculty teams carry out their work between May and August 9.  Student researchers attend at least four group meetings.   Faculty mentors will provide a progress report to the director of Undergraduate Research by Wednesday, July 28.  This report should confirm that the student has made adequate progress.  It is required for processing of the August payroll check.   Student researchers present posters representing their work at “A Taste of Research,” on Wednesday, September 28th, 4:00pm-6:00pm.