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Requirements for Preparing for Off-Campus Research
Pre-Field Preparation Policy
Undergraduate Advising and Research requires specific forms of pre-field preparation. This is so students who do research off campus will have knowledge of or experience with the concepts germaine to their research.
More Stanford undergraduate students are undertaking research projects which take them into the field, either in the US or overseas. UAR requires students to pay attention to the preparation they receive for such work. Students planning to travel off campus to do research begin by assessing their readiness to take on such a project. The level and quality of pre-field preparation is a factor which counts heavily in assessing student research proposals and in allocating funds to support them.
Assessing Pre-Field Readiness (PDF)
The linked assessment tool contains a series of questions through which students can evaluate their own pre-field readiness. Students should ask themselves the questions, note places where they need to fill in their preparation, and follow the links that inform them about ways to obtain the necessary preparation.
Pre-field readiness is a critical component of the grant approval process.
See Assessing Pre-Field Readiness tool (PDF)
Pre-Field Preparation Requirements
Undergraduate Advising and Research requires students to demonstrate their preparedness in four areas:
- Awareness of cultural, safety and ethical issues involved in off-campus (domestic or international) research
- Methodological training
- Off-campus/overseas and Stanford contacts as required by project design
- Specific overseas documentation/certification
How students demonstrate preparedness for off-campus research depends on their research plan, academic background, previous research experience and schedules.
Cultural Awareness / Sensitivity
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Students need to be aware of cultural norms and research etiquette in the places where they travel for research. This requirement can be satisfied in one of two ways:
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Take a course that addresses issues of ethics, safety and cultural concerns in the area where student will study. A partial listing of appropriate courses includes: CASA 93B, HISTORY 299X, POLISCI 133. See complete list. Other courses taken to fulfill this requirement must be approved by the UAR. Describe such courses in the proposal. For questions or prior approval of courses used to fulfill this requirement, email Undergraduate Advising and Research
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Work with a faculty mentor to gain insight and awareness of the issues and norms in the geographical area of the research. If using this method, faculty mentor must address in the student’s letter of support.
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If working with human subjects in any way (interviews, surveys, experiments, etc), complete training for the handling of human subjects.
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If unsure about the need to complete the human subjects training, consult with research staff at the UAR or email questions directly to the Institutional Research Board (IRB).
Methodology Training
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Students must have Stanford training in the methodologies they will use in their research. Students are expected to be able to apply typical methods of their discipline, including project design, data collection, data analysis, and communication of research results. The listing here provides a guide to types of courses available. It is by no means exhaustive. Other courses may be substituted after consultation with research sponsor, undergraduate honors director, and UAR research staff.
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When student research involves interaction with other human beings, they must have specific training on the handling of human populations before, during and after research. This too is considered methodology preparation, as it helps students to develop particular approaches to interaction with others while engaged in research.
Off-Campus Research Contacts
Students need to be in contact with faculty who have done research specific to their geographic area. This helps to develop important networks and field contacts. Information about field contacts should be included in the proposal, describing the nature and extent of working relationship with the student or by faculty mentor discussion of field connections in the letter of support.
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Reviewers considering proposals will assess the relationships between the researcher and the field contact. A letter from the field contact will greatly strengthen the proposal.
Overseas Research Preparation
In addition to the items described above in Off-Campus Research Contacts, students travelling overseas to conduct research will have the strongest proposals with the following included:
Information Acceptable Documentation Language ability for overseas research Coursework or verified experience with language
Travel safety plan (based upon your review of State Department Consular information sheets) Incorporated into the proposal
Travel medical insurance (including medical treatment, evacuation, repatriation of remains) Proof of Cardinal Care insurance or letter from insurance carrier verifying each type of coverage
Copy of registration confirmation email from State Department
Consent for research in overseas location Letter from contact on location
Please note: Overseas research using Stanford grants is not permitted in countries where US government Travel Warnings are in effect.
Pre-Field Preparation Recommendations
- Travel Medicine. All students traveling to conduct research should consider the travel medicine recommendations compiled by Eric Weiss, Director of Travel Medicine at Stanford University Hospital. This includes discussions of malaria prevention, immunizations, diarrheal precautions and general travel advice. For further information
- Read Travel Medicine Recommendations (PDF)
Students are encouraged to also familiarize themselves with current government travel warnings and recommendations. For further information- Visit the Center for Disease Control website.
- Visit the State Department Travel website.