Description

SRPS is designed to support expenses associated with senior research projects in 500 or 700 level courses. For AY 2023-24, the maximum reimbursement is $1,200. Please note that amounts awarded may be lower than the amount requested. Expenses are reimbursed or charged directly (see details below). We do not fund expenses that are incurred prior to our funding approval. Please contact uro@middlebury.edu with any questions or issues.

Projects must adhere to current college health and safety guidelines. If your project involves international travel, please review the travel-specific information below. 

Funding Amount and Deadlines

Up to $1,200 (Oct. 1, Jan. 24, or Apr. 15 deadlines) and up to $350 (reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year) as funding permits. Applications eligible for the Hoskin Research Fund and/or Padma Desai Fund (up to $3000 per project) should be submitted for these deadlines as well. 

Questions about the Middlebury Apply platform can be emailed to uro@middlebury.edu . 

Projects with expenses exceeding SRPS maximums need to provide information on additional funding sources (departments, programs, etc). 

Project Scope and Design

Students should work with their faculty advisors to develop projects that are feasible to complete in the time frame proposed and appropriate given the student’s academic and research experience. For projects involving technology not available through Middlebury, please contact Tom Woodward (twoodward@middlebury.edu) in DLINQ early in your planning and note that in your application.

Selection

Funding will be awarded on the basis of the quality of the application and the availability of funds. Preference will be given to students who do not have access to funds in their major departments. Please note: you may only be funded through SRPS once. If you have multiple senior work projects you must choose one. Students who will have senior status during their project dates may apply. If you have questions about your eligibility please contact us.

Faculty Endorsement

Students must have a statement of support from the faculty advisor for the project and be enrolled in the appropriate independent study and/or thesis course during the relevant semester(s) of work. The online application submission is also sent to your project advisor, who can then reply to uro@middlebury.edu with their endorsement. Faculty advisors will be asked to discuss project feasibility and student preparation.

How to Apply

To apply for SRPS funding, complete the online application in Middlebury Apply. Click on the Login button and select Middlebury SSO to sign in. Please email uro@middlebury.edu if you have difficulty with the online application platform.

Details of Key Online Application Components

Project Description: Describe in 750 words or less the senior research project for which you seek support (theses, essays, or other independent projects in your major or minor department or program). Key items to discuss include: your research question or creative topic; research methods and project activities, including a general timeline; IRB status if applicable; and an explanation of how your past academic, research and/or creative work has prepared you to implement this project.  All projects must conform to current college health and safety guidelines.

Hoskin and/or Desai Justification: If applicable, include an additional paragraph explaining how your target research country fits the country definition at the Hoskin Research Fund and/or  Padma Desai Fund.

Human Subjects: If your research involves human subjects, such as interviewing or testing, it must be reviewed by the Institutional Review Board. IRB review and approval is required before we can provide funding for your project.

Travel: Carefully review the travel page for specific details about types of travel expenses before submitting your budget. Travel plans must adhere to college travel policy and safety guidelines. For international travel, review the information at Global Ops. If you are traveling to a country with a Level 2 designation, you may need to have your travel plans approved by Global Ops. If you are traveling to a country with a Level 3 or 4 designation, you will  need to have your travel plans approved by Global Ops and submit a Level 3 or 4 travel waiver to us before with can provide you with funding. This review process can take up to 2 months, so you will need to plan well in advance and contact Global Ops with questions. You may also need a visa for proposed travel, which can also take time to secure. It is your responsibility to understand and manage the travel approval requirements and process for your travel destination, plan accordingly, and ask questions.

Additional Support: Indicate any other funding, including internal or external grants and/or departmental funds, which you may receive in support of this work, especially if the total project cost is greater than $1,200, to demonstrate the project will be adequately funded.

Budget Details: (uploaded file) Provide a brief description, along with an itemized budget, of the anticipated expenses associated with this project (travel, supplies, etc.). Indicate total project cost (not just items you are applying for SRPS support) and list other sources of funding. Please review the approved expenses list and tax information. Expenses incurred prior to the application approval will not be funded. Please contact us with questions.

URO Budget Template

Allowed SRPS Expenses

Supplies: Needed to conduct research. Most equipment purchased will remain the property of Middlebury College for future use by other students.

Travel to Conduct Interviews, Fieldwork, or Research: Save all travel related receipts and keep track of all mileage as we do not reimburse gas receipts.

Compensation of Research Subjects: Compensation as a gift certificate from a Middlebury facility (Grille, College Store) or a dining credit is preferred. However, arrangements can be made to pay small cash stipends (up to $10 each) with the appropriate documentation.

Photocopying Research Materials: A receipt must accompany reimbursement requests for photocopy expenses. We do not fund photocopy expenses for thesis proposals or completed theses.

Requests to Purchase Computer Software, Technological Resources, Books or Media: Students should first confirm that Middlebury does not already own or have license to use the materials, technology or software needed.

To identify if Middlebury has an item available see these resources.

For items not available through the college:

  • Requests for technological resources or computer software should be reviewed with Tom Woodward in DLINQ (twoodward@middlebury.edu).
  • Requests for books and journals can be made at go/requests.

All non-consumable resources will remain property of Middlebury and need to be turned in to Undergraduate Research at the completion of your project.

Not Conference Travel: Because they are limited, these funds are intended to support the conducting of research, rather than the presentation of research results. Students looking for funding to attend an academic conference should apply to the Academic Conference Travel Fund.

Please contact us if you have reimbursement needs that are not listed above.

Accessing Funding

Funding notification will be emailed approximately 3 weeks after the application deadline. Otherwise, rolling applications are reviewed weekly.

Reimbursement: Reimbursements for expenses incurred require itemized receipts (scanned or e-receipts) and a brief summary about your experience. To get reimbursed, return to your current application in the Midd Apply portal and complete the reimbursement task. You will only be reimbursed for activities that were approved in your SRPS application. Reimbursements take 2-3 weeks to receive payment.

Direct Charges: Materials can often be ordered directly through your department coordinator. Cash advances for human subjects are also available. All requests require at least 7 business days for processing.

Reimbursements for projects are due before the end of the academic year of the award or before you graduate. We are unable to provide reimbursement for project receipts submitted after these dates. It is your responsibility to adhere to URO’s reimbursement deadlines. Reimbursements take 2-3 weeks so if you are leaving campus or closing your bank account due to graduation, please plan accordingly. 

Concluding Your Project

At the conclusion of your project, please submit any remaining reimbursement requests and a brief project summary in the Midd Apply portal. We want to hear how your project went and any feedback you might have to share.

Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research
Davis Family Library, Suite 225
Middlebury, VT 05753