Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant
About
The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant in the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University is provided to support opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in hands-on research or creative activities with faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences beyond the classroom. This grant is intended to recognize and foster academic excellence and potential.
Deadlines for Applications
- October 18 for spring disbursement
- February 17 for summer and fall disbursement
Applicant Eligibility
- Proposals from students and faculty in any discipline within the College of Arts and Sciences are welcome.
- Students funded to work with a faculty member for an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant must:
- Have a declared major or minor in a department or program within the College of Arts and Sciences,
- Have completed or be enrolled in at least 9 credit hours at WMU,
- Be enrolled during the semester (fall, spring, summer I, and/or summer II) for which they are requesting funds, and
- Be in good academic standing.
- Applications must also include a faculty mentor in the College of Arts and Sciences who will supervise the student’s research or creative activities.
Guidelines for Proposal Preparation
- A well-written 200-250 word abstract describing the project.
- A 1-page, single-spaced explanation of the student’s role in the project, including their involvement and responsibilities. This document should also clearly indicate whether the student’s work is part of an ongoing faculty project or is student-initiated work.
- A well-written personal statement from the student that is 200 words or fewer, describing their academic interests and goals.
- Up-to-date unofficial WMU transcript for the student.
- A detailed budget showing a breakdown of all expenses related to the work.
- Include all expenses, even if greater than the requested amount.
- Include all other planned sources of financial support for the project, including other internal WMU awards, departmental funds, and external funding (e.g., grants and contracts).
- Faculty letter of recommendation
- A copy of the human subjects, animal care or other compliance approval (if needed).
Funding may be used to:
- Provide up to $1500 for materials and supplies for research and creative activity.
- Student stipend (up to $1,500 can be used for hourly wages, using a rate of $12-15 per hour),
- Travel to conduct research or creative activity, or
- Other expenses related to carrying out the project.
- These funds may be used in conjunction with other internal WMU student awards.
- Recipients may request a renewal for one additional term after providing a progress report for their project.
- The number of qualified applicants, the types of awards requested, and the available funds will determine how many awards are made.
- Funds must be used following University procedures and in accordance with the submitted budget.
Fund Disbursement:
- Funds for this award will be disbursed to a departmental account under the supervision of the student’s faculty mentor and the department chair.
- Funds must be used in accordance with University procedures and for the purpose for which they were awarded.
- This award will be offered for the deadlines listed as long as funds are available.
All grant recipients must submit a final report that includes the following:
- A summary of what was accomplished during the grant period
- A description of what, if any, external grants, publications, presentations or other scholarly/creative works resulted with support from the grant.
- Failure to submit a report will make a recipient ineligible for future awards.
Final reports are due:
- May 1 for the previous fall grants.
- December 1 for the previous spring grants.
Application
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office with any questions or concerns.