University President John T. Casteen III announced the restoration of funds for summer undergraduate research fellowships last week, spurring a positive reaction from students and faculty alike.
The program's funding, which comes from both a private endowment and funding from the Provost's Office, was slashed earlier this year when the state portion was withdrawn due to budget cuts. Using funds from new private donors to make up for the lost state money, the program will be reinstated in its entirety.
"I am replacing the funds advanced with moneys provided by other donors who were alarmed when they thought that all undergraduate research funds had been cut," Casteen said.
Established two years ago, the undergraduate research fellowships distribute $25,000 among 10 second- and third-year students each summer, for research with a University professor. The students receive $2,250 specifically for research, and each supervising professor receives $250 as a stipend.
"We're very excited," said Nicole Hurd, director of the College Fellowship Office. "There is a large amount of interest in these programs."
Lauren Purnell, the vice chair of the Undergraduate Research Network, a student group interested in promoting undergraduate research opportunities, also expressed enthusiasm.
"The importance of undergraduate research cannot be understated," Purnell said. "It sparks good faculty [and] student work. It's what intellectual pursuit is all about."
Around 30 students a year apply for the 10 research fellowships, which can be used for exploration in any field. Students have used the research as a stepping stone to distinguished major theses, graduate work and prominent research programs such as the Rhodes scholarship.
Interested students must submit a research proposal along with the approval of a prospective mentor. Applications, available at the Fellowship Office's Web site, are due March 8.
Purnell said she thought the decision to reinstate the fellowship program was spurred by pressure from undergraduates.
"There was an outcry by undergraduates after the cut," Purnell said. "Due to pressure, I think President Casteen identified the importance of summer research."
Though Purnell said the URN was happy with the decision, it will continue to push for more support for research at the University.
"Compared to peer institutions, we are behind," Purnell said.
Hurd said the Fellowship Office is very interested in expanding programs and excited about the efforts of the URN. She encouraged interested students also to apply for the Dean Scholarship, which is used to fund research for second- and third-year students.
"We are very enthusiastic," Hurd said. "Students should be very excited that the president, deans and faculty all really believe in undergraduate research and want to provide as much opportunity as possible"
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