UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH > ACADEMIC AFFAIRS FUNDING

Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Projects

In order to better support student research, scholarly, and creative projects at Wartburg, three programs have been established: the Fellowship Program, Small Research Grants, and Student Travel Grants. The purpose of the Fellowship Program is to provide students with a mentored research, scholarly or creative experience beyond that found in research or capstone courses. Fellowships may include student and faculty stipends, supplies, equipment, and/or travel for research. Small Research Grants are for supplies and equipment under $350 and cannot be used for stipends. Student Travel Grants provide funding for students to present research at conferences.

What is the difference between the programs?

Who is eligible?

• Fulltime students currently enrolled at Wartburg
• Career GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Must be returning to campus in the Fall to be eligible for a Summer Fellowship
• Must be 2Y, 3Y, or 4Y students in the year in which projects are conducted
• Must be sponsored by fulltime or emeriti faculty

What types of projects are eligible?
Projects may be research, scholarly or creative in nature and must contribute to the student's understanding of the field. In some disciplines this means the student may not be generating new knowledge in the field but may grow in his/her knowledge and understanding of an important concept in the discipline. Students may assist faculty in ongoing research or engage in student-initiated research with faculty guidance. Fellowship projects should be of such a quality as to be considered for publication or presentation either in the discipline or in undergraduate research journals and/or conferences. Projects must be under the guidance of a Wartburg faculty mentor. Off campus internships, etc., are not eligible.

Am I eligible for a Fellowship award if my project is part of a course I am taking?
No, students may not receive academic credit for projects funded by the Fellowship funds. Continuing projects begun in a credit course are eligible. Students in credit courses may apply for Student Travel Grant funding.

What if I received a Fellowship or Grant previously?
Previous recipients of awards are eligible to apply.

What expenses are eligible?
In order to keep the program flexible, funding is available for a variety of expenses related to the research. Project funding may be for:

• Student stipends (Fellowships only)
• Equipment
• Supplies
• Travel to present poster/paper research Apply online here.

Are faculty mentors eligible for funding?
Faculty mentors receive a stipend of up to $400 per Fellowship. Grant projects are not eligible for faculty stipends. Faculty stipends do not count toward the total for the project. Faculty mentors can also apply for travel funds (up to $600) to accompany the student(s) presenting at a meeting or conference on the Faculty Travel Funds Application page.

When do projects need to be conducted?
Projects may be either during the academic year or summer.

What are the funding caps?

• Summer Fellowships
  Projects are eligible for funding up to $2500 per student. Groups may apply. Summer stipends are higher to help offset the cost of living during the summer.
  
• Academic Year Fellowships
  Projects are eligible for funding up to $2000. Groups may apply.

• Small Research Grants
  Projects are eligible for funding up to $350 per student. Groups may apply.

• Student Travel Grants
  Student Travel Grants are limited to $700 per student; $1400 per project. Student Travel grants are on a first-come, first-served basis. When the funds are depleted the program is closed for the year. Apply online here.

What are the reporting requirements?
A final report for Summer Fellowships must be filed before the last stipend is paid. Academic Year stipends require both a mid-term update December 1 and a final report before the last stipend is paid.

How do I apply?
- Fellowship/Grants Application
- Travel Funds Application