URCA Funds Frequently Asked Questions

#1 Problem Area: Project Description

• Too little detail (much fewer words than the maximum allowed).
• Identical submissions from students working on the same project (note that PIs are permitted to submit the same wording in their sections when serving as the PI for multiple URCAs).
• The description isn’t scholarly (e.g., no references are included).
• No (or vague) description of the methodology of the research.
• There aren’t results or hypothesized results (if you don’t have results yet for a Travel URCA, explain your timetable for having results before the conference).
• It is not clear if the project makes a unique contribution to the field.
• The writing is too technical; it is not comprehensible to a general audience.

#2 Problem Area: Budget

• Not itemized as specifically as reviewers like
• Not added up
• Obvious errors (e.g., “gas” instead of mileage; incorrect per diem amounts)

#3 Problem Area: Writing errors

• Grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.  Consider visiting the KSU Writing Center for assistance.

#4 Problem Area(s): The PI Sections

• Written by the student, not the PI
• Very short or vague

Typically, funding URCAs have the following characteristics: 

• Clear, engaging, scholarly, well written description of the proposed research project, including how this research will make a unique contribution to the literature in this area.
• The results of the study are described in the project description, including implications or applications (in other words, why this research is important).
• Budget is itemized, totaled, and correct.
• The PI has indicated his/her interest and enthusiasm for mentoring students in general.
• The PI has indicated that students will learn a great deal from this project (e.g., making academic posters, networking, analyzing data, writing, public speaking, etc.).

The Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research will review applications with input from faculty experts.  URCA submissions are evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Quality of writing
• Scholarly merit
• Impact on undergraduate researcher
• PI track record (or potential track record for new PIs)
• Consideration will be given to feedback from end-of-year reports received by the Office of Undergraduate Research
• Consideration will be given to use of prior awarded funds and their deliverables from the Office of Undergraduate Research

Because the funding comes from the Office of Undergraduate Research, the funding can only cover undergraduate students. Contact The Graduate College for information on graduate student research funding.

Sometimes departments and colleges can help support student research; ask your PI, department chair, and/or dean for more details. In addition, several divisions in the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) offer funding - check here for more information. Finally, there are discipline-specific organizations that sometimes offer student funding; check with your PI for more information.

The application should be initiated by the student applicant. Once completed, the PI sections will be auto-routed to the PI for completion.

Students who wish travel support must show they have been accepted to make a formal presentation as an individual (team or group presentations are not supported).

**Please note: URCA funding cannot be used to support NCUR travel