Undergraduate Student Research Objectives and Criteria

The overall objectives of this process are to develop undergraduate student research projects and provide funding for faculty supervising projects. This is an educational opportunity for students and the research proposal is to be a student-generated effort. The student must be involved in all aspects of project design and proposal writing.  The proposal must be written by the student. 

Students and supervising faculty - Please note, that by signing the research proposal you attest that the proposal as written is an original student developed work and does not contain in-whole or in-part sections of written material from previously submitted grants, reviews, or published material that would constitute plagiarism.

Funds for the Undergraduate Student Research program are supported by a 2:1 match between the University/College and the academic unit. Project funding shall be appropriately awarded to students enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences, while other students will have research projects approved as funds permit.

Criteria for Participation:

• The student and supervising faculty member jointly develop the research for credit proposal (course numbers 296 and 496). The student must be registered for Independent Studies (296 or 496) before funds can be transferred if proposal is approved. 
  
  
• The unit leader must agree to meet the funding match to a total maximum of $1,500 (University/College 2 :: Unit 1). 

NOTE: Travel expenses will be considered for actual data collection only.  Funds for student wages or travel expenses to present research at meetings/conferences will be denied.

• The student may submit only one proposal per semester.
  
  
• The student must receive a grade for the work.
  
  
• Preserve academic integrity.
  
  
• The student and faculty adviser must prepare a "poster session" exhibit for the College and/or University Undergraduate Research Exposition(s), which are usually held in March.
  
  
• The proposal cover sheet and application form complete with all required signatures, must be submitted by the deadline to Denise Connelly, 101 Ag Administration Building.

Failure to complete the above requirements may result in approved funding for undergraduate research being withdrawn.

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Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle.  This principle will be held to a high standard and any arising issues will be dealt with accordingly.