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Learn how to apply for an URCA grant by developing a research project with a faculty mentor for academic year 2015-2016. Submit a proposal online by November 6, 2015, with components including an abstract, project plan, and budget.
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URCA Grant Proposal Workshop October 2015
Who is Eligible to Apply? To be eligible for an URCA grant, an applicant must be: • an undergraduate student in good academic standing and remain so throughout the funding period AND • engaged in a student initiated project during the 2015-2016 academic year
Development of a Project • Develop a research topic • Find a Faculty mentor • Develop Project Plan • Develop Project Budget • Identify and apply to all appropriate funding agencies
Mentor • Must be a ladder track faculty member or a lecturer with appointment for at least the current academic year • Be a member of the Academic Senate (view the list here: https://senate.ucsb.edu/about/membership/) • Be available for consultation for duration of the project • Mentor must submit a letter of endorsement online in the URCA Grant System as a PDF by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015.
Proposal Proposal instructions and forms found http://www.duels.ucsb.edu/research/urca Proposal submitted electronically using the URCA Grant System, https://urca.apps.duels.ucsb.edu/ Will need UCSBnet ID and password to access system May access and update proposal on system until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015
Proposal Components • On-line Data Form • Abstract of no more than 100 words • Project plan limited to two pages standard margins font size no smaller than 11 points • Budget (must be on URCA Budget Form) • Mentor’s endorsement letter All items are submitted online on the URCA Research Proposal Submission System (1-4 by the student and 5 by the mentor): https://urca.apps.duels.ucsb.edu/
Abstract • Summary of the detailed project plan • 100 words maximum • May be edited repeatedly until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2015 • The system keeps only the latest version uploaded
Project Plan Should Address The two-page plan should include: • Specific Aims • Research Design and Methods • Background and Significance • A Timeline • References are not required, but if included must remain within two page maximum
Specific Aims • State what you intend to do • List the overall objectives and describe concisely and realistically what the project in your application is intended to accomplish • Include any hypotheses to be tested • Scripts for films or dramatic projects are not substitutes for a project plan
Research Design and Methods • Describe the research design and the procedures to be used • How are you going to do the work • Include the means by which the applicable data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted • Provide tentative sequence or timetable for project • Mention if you are seeking approval to use human subjects
Background and Significance • Why is the work important? • Relate specific aims to the broader goals of your undergraduate education and field of study (major/minor) • Why is the award of significance to you? • What experiences or courses have prepared you to undertake this project?
Timeline • Indicate duration of research or creative activity (two quarters, one year, etc.)
Human Subjects Projects involving the use of human subjects must comply with the University guidelines for the use of human subjects. Details found at: http://www.research.ucsb.edu/compliance/human-subjects/ Please speak with your mentor as soon as possible regarding this matter.
Budget • Must use URCA Budget Form (available on website) • Listing of costs connected with the project • Maximum award per project is $750 • Only valid, justifiable expenses will be considered • Conference related expenses will not be funded • Your methodology section should be the basis of your budget • For projects costing in excess of $750, list all costs on the budget form and indicate how remaining costs will be covered in order to bring the entire project to successful completion • Budget must be reviewed and endorsed by mentor
Budget Components • General supplies • Other Costs • Domestic travel
General Supplies General office supplies and consumables limited to $150 with cost maximums of: • Office supplies & photocopying = $30 • Computer related supplies (ink & paper) = $40 • Binding of final report = $30 • Poster materials = $50
Other Costs Non-consumable services & other expenditures --Rental of equipment --Laboratory supplies--Books --Duplication costs for paper surveys --Fees for access to databases, online services, etc --Cost to purchase film, music, or stage props --Payment of subjects (cash payment or drawing) --Payment for services (cannot be via payroll) Will not provide funding for salary or for the purchase of equipment or computer hardware and software!
Payment of Subjects • Test Subjects: We will fund $5-$30 per subject • Questionnaire or Survey Participants: will fund $1-$10 per participant • Interviews: We will fund up to $20 per interviewee • Incentive for a large pool in any case: The value of the prize may not exceed 10% of the total grant funding. (e.g., a grant of $750 would allow for a prize of $75) • Only one prize of 10% can be offered, but two prizes of 5% would be acceptable
Travel • Domestic travel only outside commuter area (Santa Barbara/Goleta) • May not cover any costs connected with international travel (travel, lodging, & meals) • Must be justifiable and MUST follow UC Travel Policies (consult with departmental Financial Officer PRIOR to the proposal submission and again PRIOR to actual trip) • Will not approve multiple trips to same site - would rather see one week long trip that 3 or 4 weekend trips • Mileage reimbursement is 54 cents/mile • Airfare (economy rate only)
Financial aid • Disclaimer: Receiving an URCA grant may affect your financial aid/student loans. • Please consult with a financial aid officer before accepting a grant.
Mentor Letter of Support • Provide mentor with “Instructions for Mentor’s Support Letter” form • Letter must be signed on department letterhead • Proposals missing support letter will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed • Letters to be submitted online in the URCA Grant System as a PDF by November 6, 2015. • A link will be sent to your mentor when you submit your proposal application with his/her email address included.
A Good Proposal • Clearly describes the project • Contains all components and all information requested (Follow instructions & use forms supplied) • Justifies use of proposed funds (Methodology versus budgeted items) • Has a project schedule/timeline (That is adequate to bring the project to a successful completion) • Indicates the depth of the Mentor/Student relationship (Proposal and Letter will show quantity and depth of communication)
Timeline • Application deadline: Friday, Nov. 6, 2015 • Review of proposals and budgets • Award decisions to be made by December 7 • Award decisions to be sent to your U-mail account. No award decisions will be given out in person or over the telephone! Please check email account frequently during the quarter break
LabRATS – Sustainability Program • Offering the Surplus Chemical Program in partnership with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) • Allowing labs across campus to swap excess chemicals • Free to lab group receiving the chemicals and will be delivered at no cost by EHS to the lab group • Details available at: http://www.sustainability.ucsb.edu/labrats/
Questions? URCA Walk Ins 2110 North Hall Monday-Friday 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-4:00 urca@ltsc.ucsb.edu Eden Slone: Program Coordinator Jacob LaViolet: Program Assistant