The Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is designed to allow
undergraduate students to conduct in-depth research projects in their specific fields
of study with the assistance of faculty mentors. To be eligible to apply for these
funds, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25, 30 or more hours of credit toward
his/her degree at the time of funding, and the support of a faculty mentor. The student
must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien.
All types of Undergraduate research are eligible for support, and all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. In addition to the usual science, engineering and mathematics projects this program will support, for example, a philosophy major who is preparing a paper in the area of bioethics, or an art major who wants to sculpt a major project. Funds are provided for students to travel to conferences to present their accomplishments.
| Hours | 30 or more hours of credit towards their degree at the time of funding |
| Minimum GPA |
Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher at time of application |
| Mentor | Student must have faculty member agree to serve as mentor |
| Award |
The amount of the fellowship awarded to each recipient shall be as follows: $1,250 maximum award Student Stipend* *Student stipend- Spring only $ 625 maximum award |
| Length | One year. Students may compete for additional years, but no more than three years of funding for a student. |
| Period of Support | January 1st - October 31st |
| Residency | US. citizen or permanent residents. |
Tenured or full-time faculty members at all levels, including new faculty, are encouraged to apply. Temporary teachers, however, are not eligible. Mentor awards range up to $750.
All Arkansas public or private institutions of higher education offering two or more years of college study are eligible.
Institutions are strongly encouraged to provide or obtain some type of match to the grant. Sources which can be accessed, in addition to existing university funds, include the federal government, non-profit agencies, private corporations, individual citizens, etc.
All proposals will be reviewed by the Scholars Undergraduate Research Committee. This committee is appointed by the ACPA is presided over by the chairman of the committee. Additional reviewers will be used for certain proposals at the discretion of the committee.
In 1995 the SILO Advisory Council lost one of its most valued members, Mr. Mahlon Martin. Because of his lifetime work in the government, we will honor his memory by awarding fellowships for students majoring in public service field. These fields would include but not be limited to public administration, political science, sociology and social work. The Mahlon Martin Fellowship will require no institutional match, and will enable the student to be paid for additional research, as well as expanded travel budget. We encourage students with a diverse background to apply for the SURF program and the Mahlon Martin Fellowship.