Applying to Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Public Service (SURPS)

Applying for Admit Weekend (ASURPS) 2008

Students must apply to present their work at the Symposium by submitting the online application form through this website. The application deadline for ASURPS 2008 is Tuesday, April 15 at 5:00 p.m.

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Application Contents

In addition to basic student contact and academic information, applications must include the following:

  • Project Title. This will be printed in the SURPS program of presentations distributed to all SURPS audience members. Your title should state clearly the main idea of your project and should be understandable by more than specialists in your particular field.
  • Faculty Advisor(s). Research and creative presentations require endorsement by the faculty advisor. Public Service Fellowship and Community Service Work-Study presentations require endorsement by a Haas Center staff advisor. The UAR office will contact your advisor directly via email to solicit her or his endorsement for your participation in SURPS.
  • Abstract, Project Summary or Creative Statement. The center of your application materials (approximately 250-word statement) should present a succinct overview of your research, creative or public service project. Abstracts are generally used in the natural sciences, engineering and social sciences; summaries in the humanities; and creative statements in the creative arts. For public service projects, include the name and mission of the organization with which you worked. Also include the population you served and how you did so, and what the organization, community or you gained from the experience. Abstracts, summaries and creative statements will appear in SURPS print and / or online publications.
  • Statement of Project Origins. No longer than 350 words, this statement should describe the genesis of your project, including, but not limited to, the following:
  • The development of your initial interest in the topic
  • Your early preparation for carrying out the project
  • Affiliation with faculty advisor or community partner
  • The link between your project and your overall undergraduate program and future plans

This statement will appear in SURPS print and / or online publications.

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Selection Criteria

Applications will be judged for acceptance into the Symposium according to the following criteria:

  • For research and creative projects: evidence of a strong research question or focused area of inquiry, expressed in the abstract / summary / creative statement. Also sufficient background in the field of research or creative production
  • For public service projects: evidence of a mutually beneficial fit between your background and the organization and / or community needs
  • Clarity of expression and general organization of the abstract / summary / creative statement and the statement of project origins
  • Progress on the project to date (note that this criterion does not exclude works-in-progress)
  • Endorsement of participation submitted by the faculty research advisor or staff advisor for public service projects

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Resources for Applicants

Students applying to SURPS are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the resources available to them for developing a strong application.

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