Research Opportunities
Honors Summer Undergraduate Research Program details
Research projects
Research projects cover a broad range of disciplines and students may apply to a maximum of three projects.Program dates
HSURP will be held June 4 to July 31, 2012. All participants are expected to be available for eight weeks and to attend all program-related activities including workshops, seminars, social events and any other associated activities.
Eligibility
- Students must be in good standing with The Honors College
- Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have at least one semester remaining at VCU may apply
- Students cannot be under any disciplinary action with the university
Requirements
Upon receiving an offer from HSURP, students sign an agreement to fulfill the following requirements:
- To devote full effort to conducting the HSURP project (Students must disclose plans to take summer courses, hold jobs or involvement in activities that may conflict with HSURP.)
- To submit progress reports and time sheets signed by their mentors
- To submit a personal statement
- To submit a written technical report approved by the mentor
- To participate in workshops, weekly meetings, etc.
- To give an oral presentation on one of the scheduled closing ceremony days
- To participate in VCU’s annual poster symposium for undergraduate research and creativity
The interview
A vital part of the application process is the interaction between student and mentor. This is the best time to find out more information about the project, mentor expectations and your role as a researcher. During the interview, you should discuss what you would like to gain from the research experience including if the project is suitable for you to meet your presentation requirement (e.g., undergraduate research conferences sponsored by VCU, National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Colonial Academic Alliance, or the National Collegiate Honors Council).
Stipend
A $2,000 stipend is provided to each student in three installments over the eight week program. The stipend is to help with the cost of meals and incidental expenses.
Housing
HSURP will cover the cost of students residing in Gladding Residence Center. However, HSURP will not cover the expense of other on-campus residence halls or off-campus housing. With respect to off-campus housing, students who reside off-campus are expected to attend all program activities and living off-campus is not an acceptable excuse for not fully participating in HSURP.
Health insurance
Health insurance is not provided by HSURP, but students may purchase their own plan.
Meal plan
Although a meal plan is not provided by HSURP, students may purchase a VCU meal plan on their own.
Funding
The Honors Summer Undergraduate Research Program is possible through the generous support of the Virginia Commonwealth University Office of the Provost.
Social activities
A variety of activities may be offered through VCU Recreational Sports (e.g., rock climbing, canoeing, pool party), the University Student Commons (e.g., bowling, pool) or off-campus excursions to museums, parks, baseball games, etc.