Research and Travel Funding
Each semester, SDUR opens applications for funding for research and travel. Fall applications typically open in September or October and close in mid to late October. Fall funds are intended for Spring research or travel. Spring applications typically open in March or April, close in late April, and are intended for Fall research or travel.
Each application requires a letter of reference from a faculty mentor. Letters are due to SDUR@ksu.edu on the application's due date.
Please note that all awards will be applied to a student's KSIS account in the same manner as a scholarship. If a student has a balance on their account, the award will be applied to the balance. If a student has utilized maximum loan amounts, the award will be applied as loan reduction. If no balance exists, the excess funds will be distributed directly to students in the form of a check or direct deposit. SDUR encourages students to check their KSIS settings to ensure that awards are applied appropriately. (i.e., check mailing addresses and direct deposit information)
Any questions related to these awards can be directed to SDUR@ksu.edu.
Research Awards
Fall 2024 applications for Spring 2025 research are now open! Applications and letters of reference are due by noon on Friday, November 1.
These funds are strictly for students who plan to engage with mentored research in the Spring 2025 term. The maximum award amount is $500.00, but final amounts are subject to change.
Students will be required to address the following in their application:
- Personal information
- Title and abstract for proposed research project
- Name and email address of proposed mentor
- Short answer essays (50 words or less) related to the impact of research on their professional development, the work they plan to do, and how the funds will be utilized
Mentors, in your letter of reference, please address the following:
- Brief description of your relationship to the applicant
- Description of the student's role and involvement with research
- Strengths and weaknesses of the student as a potential researcher
Travel Awards
Fall 2024 applications for Spring 2025 travel are now open! Applications and letters of reference are due by noon on Friday, November 1.
The maximum award amount is $500.00 and award amounts will be determined by a points system:
Maximum points possible- 30 pts.
Minimum points possible- 13 pts.
Conferences outside of a 150-mile radius of Manhattan- 16pts
Conferences within 150 miles of Manhattan- 10 pts
Conferences within 50 miles of Manhattan- 8 pts
Students who are presenting at a conference- 10 pts
Students attending, but not presenting- 7 pts
An additional 4 points can be earned by answering two short answer questions.
| 30 pts | $500.00 |
| 27 pts | $450.00 |
| 24 pts | $400.00 |
| 21 pts | $350.00 |
| 18 pts | $300.00 |
| 15 pts | $250.00 |
| 13 pts | $200.00 |
Mentors, in your letter of reference, please address the following:
- Brief description of your relationship to the applicant
- Description of the student's role and involvement with research
- Confirmation of the conference title, dates, location, and if the student is attending or presenting
Undergraduate Research Amplification Project
The Undergraduate Research Amplification Project, funded by Student Governing Association, will offer 10 undergraduates $2,000.00 to support their unfunded, student-directed research project for one academic year.
With this funding, SDUR hopes to amplify researchin areas of study which are traditionally under-funded, and where the student is the primary researcher. Students with a lack of access to research opportunities are welcome to consult with SDUR prior to apply for assistance with generating a proposal. Students are encouraged to identify a faculty mentor to guide them through their research project, but SDUR staff will assist with this process if needed.
Students are expected to engage in 6-10 hours per week of research-related activities, to regularly engage with SDUR staff for advising, and to present their findings in the Spring Campus-Wide Undergraduate Research Symposium.
The application for the 2024-2025 cohort is closed.
URAP Benefits
- $1,000.00 per semester, $2,000.00 for the year, to support research efforts
- Amplification of research projects which lack access to funding
- Faculty mentorship
- Advising opportunities with SDUR staff
Requirements
- Must be a student in good academic standing
- Have shown efforts to secure funding
- Have attempted to secure a research mentor OR consulted with SDUR on mentorship
- Participate in 6-10 hours of research-related work per week
- Present findings at the Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Scheduled for April 15, 2025
- Projects must be student led
- Projects applied for cannot be for a faculty-led lab, research experience, etc.
Reflect on your experience
Have you received funding from SDUR for your research or travel needs? Please respond to this brief survey.