The University Scholars Program within the Bob Graham Center for Public Service serves as an exceptional capstone to the academic careers of UF students.
The program introduces undergraduate students at the University of Florida to the exciting world of academic research. In the program, students work one-on-one with UF faculty on selected research projects. Through this initiative, students will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method.
A competition is held each spring within participating colleges and centers for the University Scholars awards that includes a $1750 stipend. The program will consist of undertaking a full research project during the fall and spring semesters of the academic year, under the guidance of a faculty member.
Eligibility
- All undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 cumulative UF GPA.
- Research must have a public policy or civic focus.
- Students must meet eligibility requirements at the time of application.
- Note that in order to be eligible, you must not earn your bachelor’s degree before May 2021.
Requirements to Participate
- For the 2019-20 University Scholars Program, students will conduct research during the 2020-21 academic year.
- Upon completion of the project, students must write a properly formatted research paper which must be submitted to the UF Journal of Undergraduate Research (JUR) (opens in new tab) or other scholarly journal for publication.
- If selected, students must attend an orientation session at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- Upon completion of the program, students are also required to give an oral presentation on their research at the University Scholars Symposium.
- PLEASE NOTE: Askew Scholars cannot hold both awards unless they can clearly demonstrate two entirely different research subjects.
Applications
The application period is presently open.
Applications for the University Scholars Program for the Bob Graham Center for Public Service must be submitted by February 3, 2020 to Dr. Tim Karis, undergraduate coordinator.
In addition to your applicant and faculty advisor information, the following documents must be submitted with your application:
- A completed University Scholars Program application.
- A typed summary of your proposed research project, maximum one page
- A letter of support from the faculty mentor, stating that the mentor will agree to supervise this project and any other supporting information to assist that mentor’s college in choosing its funded projects
Students must submit their application and supplemental materials by February 3, 2020. Accepted students will be notified in March and must attend an orientation session at Undergraduate Research Symposium event April 2, 2020 at the O’Connell Center.
Steps to Apply
- Seek out and identify a faculty member that is conducting research in a policy area of interest that would be willing to mentor you during the fall and spring semesters.
- Prepare a 1-page summary of your proposed policy or civic-related research project with the assistance of the faculty member.
- Obtain a letter of support from the faculty member, stating that the mentor agrees to supervise the project and any other supporting information to assist the mentor’s department in choosing its funded projects.
- Prepare your most recent resume.
- Submit your University Scholars Application by the deadline.
Selection Process and Awards
- Applications will be reviewed and a selection will be made by the Bob Graham Center by the end of February 2020.
- Students, faculty mentors and departments will be notified of the awards in March 2020.
- Each scholar will receive a $1750 stipend disbursed in two phases: Early Sept. ($750) and Spring ($1000)
Once selected
- All students engaged in undergraduate research must be registered for 0-3 credit hours of IDS 4911.
- For more information on enrolling in IDS 4911 or for questions, please contact the Undergraduate Coordinator Dr. Tim Karis at tkaris@ufl.edu.
Questions?
If you’d like more information about the University Scholars Program, visit the Center for Undergraduate Research at http://www.scholars.ufl.edu. (opens in new tab)
Resources
Council of Undergraduate Research https://www.cur.org/ (opens in new tab)