Summer Undergraduate Research Program A Proposal Writing Workshop

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

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

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

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

Proposal Elements ▫ Abstract �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

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. • jawyderko@wcu. edu or 828 -227 -2921

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

SURP Checklist Deadline: Monday, February 12, midnight • Online application • Proposal ▫ Formatting: 10 pt font or larger, no more than 8 pages ▫ PDF file, file name format: Lastname_Firstname_SURP 2018. 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_SURP 2018. pdf • Faculty mentor recommendation ▫ Name file Lastname_Firstname_Facultylastname_SURP 2018. pdf

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