UNIVERSITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM

University Scholars commit 8-10 hours per week on a research project under the guidance of UF faculty. Registration for research credit in the department of the faculty mentor is expected for each semester of the program. The University Scholars Program serves as an exceptional capstone to the academic careers of UF students. Each spring semester, participating colleges and academic centers review applications. Students from all disciplines are selected through a competitive process to participate in this program.

Awards

$1750 for Students after successful completion of all the program requirements in recognition of their efforts.
$500 for Mentor,
In recognition of your efforts mentoring USP students, faculty mentors will receive $500 USP faculty mentor award.

Eligibility

May not graduate before May of the following year
Additional eligibility requirements are determined by each college

UNIVERSITY
SCHOLAR
PROFILES

CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

UNIVERSITY
SCHOLAR
PROGRAM 2024

CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

ORIENTATION

Each University Scholar is required to attend USP orientations. Orientation is a way for CUR staff to get to know the students and for the students to be able to have an open forum for questions. During this orientation all details of the program requirements will be covered. To accommodate all schedules, several dates and times are available. See the Dates and Deadlines below for more information.

PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Each University Scholar is required to make a presentation at the University of Florida Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium by presenting a poster or an original creative work. You will be sent directions on how to submit your abstract and the required format before the deadline. Your abstract and poster must be approved by your mentor before submission.

PAPER REQUIREMENTS

Every University Scholar is required to meet the publication requirement. Scholars must submit by 11:59 pm on April 1st or will forfeit the final stipend. Mentors decide the option most suitable for the scholar, and their approval is required for all publication submissions.

OPTION 1: CO-AUTHOR ON A PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL ARTICLE

The best option is to be a co-author with your advisor and/or research team on a paper submitted to a professional journal. Talk to your advisor early to determine if this is a possibility for you.

OPTION 2: Journal of Undergraduate Research(JUR)

If you will not be a co-author on a professional publication by the end of the calendar year, you must submit a research paper to JUR, by JUR deadline. No late papers will be accepted. You must follow all of JURs deadlines and format requirements. Papers that do not meet their submission guidelines will not be accepted. Submitting to JUR may preclude later submission to a professional journal but as each has their own regulations about previously submitted/published work, you and your research mentor will have to determine if there is a conflict. CUR and JUR staff cannot answer that as each journal has their own guidelines.

OPTION 3: Research Paper without Publication

This is a good option to preserve your data for future publication or if you and your mentor determine that the project did not progress to the point of meriting a journal article. To meet this requirement, you will write a research paper in JUR format and submit it to the USP Canvas.

APPLICATIONS BY COLLEGE

Most students to apply to the University Scholars Program through the college of your research mentor. Students doing research with an Artificial Intelligence component in any discipline can apply through the AI Scholars application portal. UF Online students doing research in any discipline can apply through the UF Online application portal.

Eligibility requirements are determined by each college. Check the college requirements of your mentor’s college to determine the requirements and deadlines you must meet. Students must submit their application and supplemental materials by the college deadline.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences