Each of the six undergraduate degree-granting colleges has a process for receiving proposals from their students.
- Share your idea with a faculty member of your choosing; if your idea is validated, complete and submit 10 copies of an application with the faculty member’s signature to your college office by December 2, 2008.
- The results will be announced in March 2009.
Some of your fellow NIU students researched the state of HIV and AIDS in Kenya. Some studied landscape archeology in Sicily. One visited botanical sites in England. Another observed the art of Thailand. Many of last year's USOAR recipients journeyed overseas.
Examples of successful USOAR proposals, are available online.
Vice Provost Earl Seaver, who coordinates the USOAR program, says the grants provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate students at NIU: "This is the type of experience that represents a life change for many of the students. The enrichment of their academic careers goes far beyond that of most students. I would hope that all students would want to have this type of experience as an undergraduate."
The university allocates $25,000 annually. Students whose projects are selected are granted up to $2,500, which means at least 10 proposals are supported each year.
Students whose projects are selected can begin work March 1 or anytime during the 12 months afterward. You are responsible for expenses beyond $2,500. Your work should come under the direct supervision and evaluation of members of the regular faculty. After your project is completed, you will owe a report.
Get all the information you need to put together a winning proposal
Download the 2008-2009 USOAR Brochure (PDF)
More questions?
Call 753-0494