Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

URCA Grant

Who is eligible to apply?

Undergraduate student in good academic standing throughout the funding period

Engaged in a student initiated project during the academic year

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Application Components

• Online Data Form
• Abstract (100 words maximum)
• Project plan (two pages maximum; standard margins; font no smaller than 11)
• Budget (must use URCA Budget Form)
• Mentor’s support form

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Abstract

• Summary of the detailed project plan
• 100 words maximum
• May be edited repeatedly until the deadline

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Project Plan

• Specific Aims
• Research Design and Methods
• Background and Significance
• A Timeline

References are not required, but if included must remain within two page maximum

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Specific Aims

• State what you intend to do
• List overall objectives and describe concisely and realistically what the project is intended to accomplish
• Include any hypotheses to be tested
• Scripts for films/dramatic projects are NOT substitutes for a project plan

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Research Design and Methods

• Describe how you are going to do the work
• Include the means by which the applicable data will be collected, analyzed and interpreted
• Mention if you are seeking approval to use human subjects

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Background and Significance

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• Why is the work important?
• Relate specific aims to the broader goals of your education and field of study
• Why is the URCA Grant of significance to you?
• What experiences or courses have prepared you to undertake this project?

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Timeline

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• Indicate duration of research/creative activity

Budget

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• Must use URCA Budget Form (available on website)
• Listing of costs connected with the project
• Maximum award per project is $750
• Only valid, justifiable expenses will be considered
• Conference related expenses and travel will not be funded
• Your methodology section should be the basis of your budget
• Budget must be reviewed and endorsed by mentor

General Supplies

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General office supplies and consumables limited to $155 with cost maximums of:

• Office supplies & photocopying = $30
• Computer related supplies (ink & paper) = $40
• Binding of final report = $35
• Poster materials = $50

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Other Costs

Non-consumable services & other expenditures

• Rental of equipment
• Books not available at the library
• Duplication costs for paper surveys
• Fees for access to databases, online services, etc
• Cost to purchase film or music
• Payment of participants/subjects (Max. $75)
• Payment for services (cannot be via payroll; need invoice)

Will not provide funding for salary or for the purchase of equipment or computer hardware and software!

Travel

• Domestic travel only outside commuter area (Santa Barbara/Goleta)
• May not cover any costs connected with international travel (travel, lodging, & meals)
• Must be justifiable and MUST follow UC Travel Policies (consult with departmental Financial Officer PRIOR to the proposal submission and again PRIOR to actual trip)
• Will not approve multiple trips to same site - would rather see one week long trip than 3 or 4 weekend trips
• Mileage reimbursement is 56 cents/mile
• Airfare (economy rate only)

Preparing your Application

• Work with your mentor - EVERY DISCIPLINE IS DIFFERENT
• Try to have as much written out as possible before each meeting; at least an outline
• Send materials before the meeting (at least a few days)
• Edit promptly based on the advisor’s comments
• See what others have done

Anita Stahl, PhD

Program Director, URCA

anita@ucsb.edu

urca@ltsc.ucsb.edu

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Nectir #urca

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