Sigma Zeta Student Research Awards

Sigma Zeta colleagues: At the March 2011 Sigma Zeta National Convention a proposal was approved to begin offering student research awards to help fund undergraduate student research projects beginning in the 2011-2012 year. These awards are to be funded by the increase in membership fee from $25 to $35. Below are the guidelines for submission of proposals for this first year of funding, and based on feedback from this first year, modifications may be made for future years.

The Application Process

1. Eligible applicants - must be a current undergraduate Sigma Zeta member

2. Awardees are strongly encouraged to present their research project at the spring 2012 or spring 2013 National Convention, but if this is not possible, presentation at another meeting or within their department is a requirement. The research process is not complete until the results have been shared with others.

3. Four part application must include:

• One-page narrative of the proposed project to include title of project, applicant's and mentor's names and contact information
• Expected timeline of project (not to exceed 12 months)
• Budget of expenses for which funding is requested. Note: travel expenses will not be funded by these awards.
• One-page letter of support from the research mentor.
  

4. The application must be submitted electronically to the Sigma Zeta National Office at: jhall@lake.ollusa.edu

Please note: the narrative, timeline and budget are to be submitted by the student, but the research mentor's letter of support is to be submitted directly from the mentor's email address.

5. Deadline for submission of all four parts of application: October 20, 2011

Proposal Review Process Criteria and Timeline of Awards and Reports

1. Up to $2500 is available during 2011-2012 for student research awards

2. The awards will each range from $250 to $500

3. The proposals will be voted on by the National Officers and advisors attending the November 12, 2011 Officers/Advisors meeting, with up to three at-large advisors to ensure that there is an appropriate representation of all disciplines.

4. Criteria for award decisions:

• Clarity of goals, hypothesis and/or research question
• Feasibility of completion based on methodology and timeline proposed
• Justification of expenses
• Strength of letter of support from research mentor
  

5. Award announcement no later than December 9, 2011

6. Progress report on use of research award to include status of project and future plans if project not yet completed -- must be submitted to Sigma Zeta National Office by March 23, 2012 for discussion at the 2012 National Convention.

7. Final report on research project must be submitted by December 9, 2012.