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 NOT a report

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 Read them again Highlight, tab, underline Make a checklist

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

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: 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

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