Provost's Undergraduate Research Initiative (Summer 2026)

The College of Social Science has funding for the Summer College of Social Science Provost’s Undergraduate Research Initiative (CSS-PURI).  This program supports summer undergraduate research with awards of up to $1,500 per student. Students supported by PURI Awards must be currently enrolled in a College of Social Science major (primary and second degree majors are acceptable, additional majors are not) with at least a 2.0 GPA.

The CSS-PURI program provides talented undergraduate majors in the College of Social Science with an opportunity to work closely with faculty on research projects.  Student researchers report that their experiences have been transformative.  Summer PURI funded students are required to present their work at the 2026 MID-SURE event on [JULY 22, 2026] (https://urca.msu.edu/mid-sure) or at the 2027 UURAF.

The College requests CSS-PURI proposals from faculty who wish to participate in this program.  Student researchers have usually worked either one-on-one with a faculty member or as members of a research team involving faculty and graduate students.  Both models are acceptable, but the maximum size of an undergraduate group working with a faculty member as part of a summer PURI award is two (2) students. However, the maximum awarded to any project is $3,000 (including the unit match).

Proposals are due on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

PROPOSAL

Faculty proposals must be submitted through the online form system on the CSS website.

Faculty must submit using the online form system. If the project involves more than one student, submit a separate application for each student (one application per student participant). Indicate on each application that this is a multi-student project.    

Elements of the application must include:

• A summary of the research project and the specific research tasks to be assigned to the undergraduate researcher(s). This summary must include the beginning and end date of each student’s involvement in the project and a description of the final research product to be delivered by each student.  Students are required to present their research at MID-SURE or UURAF so this commitment should be explicit in the application.
• A statement of student learning outcomes and how those outcomes will be assessed by the faculty mentor.
• Budget Proposal. A budget that states precisely how the funds will be spent (see below for guidelines).
• The name(s) of the student researcher(s). Proposals that name one or more specific undergraduates who have agreed to participate will be given priority. If your proposal involves more than one student, please submit separate forms for each student. Name both students in the narrative, and collect emails acknowledging participation from all students. Student duties and learning outcomes must be specified for each student researcher.

BUDGET GUIDELINES

CSS-PURI funds may be allocated as follows:

• Stipends for undergraduate research must make up at least 80% of the total budget
• No more than 20% can be used for supplies/equipment related to the research.

The sponsoring department or school will be responsible for the administration of funds, including ensuring proper allocation and expenditure. As in past years, Summer CSS-PURI awards require unit matching of 50%. Thus, an award that is for the maximum amount of $1,500 will require a $750 match from the unit. Please make sure to discuss funding with your Chair/Director prior to submitting a proposal.

PROPOSAL ASSESSMENT

Awards are made on a competitive basis. Proposals will be ranked based on:

• The extent to which projects help undergraduate majors in the College of Social Science develop advanced research skills.
• How strongly faculty are involved in the projects as research mentors.
• The clarity and appropriateness of the learning goals for undergraduate researchers.
• The likelihood that projects will generate impactful MID-SURE/UURAF presentations.

ELIGIBILITY

Student researchers must be currently enrolled in a College of Social Science major (primary and second degree majors are acceptable, additional majors are not) with a 2.0 GPA or better.  Faculty must hold an appointment (including joint appointments) in the College of Social Science. Priority will be given to students who will not graduate before December of 2026. Team projects that include multiple undergraduate researchers are eligible for consideration. However, the specific duties, research products, and learning outcomes must be stated for each student researcher individually.

REPORTING & PROGRAM ASSESSMENT DUE AUGUST 14, 2026

The CSS and the Office of the Provost require reporting and assessment. Every year it is a challenge to get these reports, so please mark your calendars. Each faculty and student participant must submit a written report to the Associate Dean of

Academic & Student Affairs detailing the research outcomes for the project, an assessment of student learning outcomes (proposed and achieved), and the

expenditure of funds (the latter provided by the faculty member).  Please ask your student researcher to submit their report to you and then forward both as a package.  

By August 14, 2026, the following information should be submitted to our office:

• Name of student(s) supported (no PID numbers).
• Detailed information on expenditures (a reporting form will be supplied).
  • Scholarships and stipends
  • Supplies and equipment
  • Other
• Assessment of the student’s achievement of learning objectives and an overall evaluation of the student’s contribution to the advancement of the research.
• Any presentations, abstracts or publications arising from the research (including citations if applicable and including anticipated conference presentations and publications).
• Other indicators of quality.
• A 250-word report from the student, summarizing their accomplishments and reflecting on the competencies gained from the experience.

Proposals are due on March 1, 2026

Decisions will be announced by March 16, 2026

End of term reports will be due on August 14, 2026

For more information, contact:

Emily Durbin
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Professor of Psychology

College of Social Science
Berkey Hall
Phone: 517-432-3598
cdurbin@msu.edu