1. Summer Undergraduate Research Program: A Proposal Writing Workshop
Alison Krauss and Pan Riggs
Office of Research Administration

2. What IS research? Requires creative inquiry Answers a focused question
Builds on prior knowledge
Uses reliable data from multiple sources
Uses reliable methods
Pursues realistic outcomes, results
Produces new, generalizable knowledge
NOT a report

3. General Tips for Proposal Writing
Write for a wide audience
Be persuasive
Make reading easy for reviewers
Edit, take a break, and edit again
Follow all directions

4. Where to Begin? Proposal Guidelines (the devil’s in the details)
Read them
Read them again
Highlight, tab, underline
Make a checklist

5. Proposal Elements Abstract Statement of Goals
In paragraph form
Statement of Goals
1-2 sentences on each goal. Be concise, realistic, and measurable.
Background and Significance
Significance of the research, scholarly, or creative endeavor
Why is this important? What research has been done and where are the gaps?
Plan
Explain how you will achieve your goals
8-Week Timeline
Approximates when the work will be accomplished
Bibliography
Include foundational and current literature
Previous Research
Let the reviewers know that you are up to the task

6. Compliance Requirements
If your project involves human subjects, animal subjects, or biological specimens you may need committee approval!
Contact Jennie Wyderko in the Office of Research Administration if you think your project involves research that would require approval. or

7. What Happens AFTER You Submit
Review for Compliance
Does the proposal meet guidelines?
Technical Review
Interdisciplinary review panel will review and score the proposal
Decision
Awardees will be notified by mid-March

8. SURP Checklist Deadline: Monday, February 12, midnight
Online application
Proposal
Formatting: 10pt font or larger, no more than 8 pages
PDF file, file name format: Lastname_Firstname_SURP2018.pdf
7 proposal sections: Abstract, Statement of the goals, Background and significance, Plan, 8-Week timeline, Bibliography, and Previous Research
Unofficial WCU transcript
Name the PDF file as Lastname_Firstname_SURP2018.pdf
Faculty mentor recommendation
Name file Lastname_Firstname_Facultylastname_SURP2018.pdf

9. Remember! Follow directions Be persuasive Avoid jargon Ask for help
Allow extra time for revisions