*** Next Deadline is April 10, 2018 ***
Overview
The Department of Psychology Undergraduate Research and Service Grant (URSG) program is designed to support undergraduate psychology majors who are exploring psychological research and psychological services as possible career paths. Students may apply for up to $500 to cover relevant expenses.
Eligible Research and Services Experiences
Students engaging in the following activities are eligible for URSG funding:
- Research with Department of Psychology faculty, through research internship (enrolled in PSYC 3591), independent study (PSYC 4591), as a research assistant paid with other funds, or through uncredited volunteer activities.
- Psychological research conducted by investigators outside of the Psychology department or the university, when coordinated through Psychology faculty via research internship (PSYC 3591), independent study (PSYC 4591), or through non-course learning plans (see below).
- Service placements coordinated by Department of Psychology faculty, through field internships (PSYC 3592) or CCAS service learning (CCAS 2154).
- Service placements within the Department of Psychology Meltzer Center, whether on a funded or volunteer basis.
Non-course learning plans: Some students may find opportunities for participating in psychological research projects being conducted outside the Psychology Department, but not wish to enroll in PSYC 3591 or PSYC 4591. These students can apply for URSG funding if they are able to find a member of the Psychology faculty willing to provide oversight of the experience. This would include helping the student develop a written learning plan with their research supervisors that outlines the commitments and responsibilities of both the student and the research team. It would also include the Psychology faculty member being available to help the student negotiate with the research team if problems arise.
Allowed Expenses
URSG funds may be used for any expense associated with participation in the research or service activity. These expenses can include travel to and from the performance site, materials and subject payments for research projects, or expenses associated with attending scientific or professional services conferences or trainings directly relevant to the student’s research or service experience, including presentation of posters or papers. It can also include costs of background checks required by some service settings. URSG funds may also be used for hourly wages of students who have a paid position under the work-study program as a research assistant with a Psychology Department faculty member or with the Meltzer Center.
Application Deadlines
There are three deadlines for 2018, corresponding to funding for activities during the spring, summer, and fall:
- 2018 Spring Semester: Friday, January 19, 2018.
- 2018 Summer: Tuesday, April 10, 2018
- 2018 Fall Semester: September 7, 2018
Application Materials
Applications need to include:
- Completed application form.
- Statement of support from the Psychology faculty member overseeing the experience
- Unofficial GW transcript (please provide a screen shot; no transcripts from GWEB).
Selection Process
The Psychology Department Selection Committee, which includes faculty members from the three department programs, will review applications and make decisions on funding. Recipients must let the Department know if they receive funding for the same activity from another source; the award may need to be reduced.
Final Report
Each recipient must submit a report at the end of the funding period explaining how the funds were used, and any activities or outcomes that the funds made possible.
Contact Carol Sigelman (carol@gwu.edu) for a copy of the application form.
