USC Dornsife's worldwide summer research opportunity.

SURF is an opportunity for USC Dornsife students to pursue undergraduate research, in collaboration with Dornsife faculty, either on or off campus during the summer semester. Students are encouraged to conduct on-site research either at USC or under the direction of USC Dornsife faculty at many institutions across the nation and around the globe. Any student in good standing, with at least one USC Dornsife major, may apply for a research stipend of up to $3,000 to support a summer research project of their choosing.  This stipend may be used to pay for travel, equipment, living expenses, fees, or other costs related to the research effort.  Students participating in one of USC Dornsife's "Problems Without Passports" research courses may even use these funds for tuition.

Students interested in conducting research during the academic year (fall and spring) should take advantage of SOAR, our other research fund.

To find out about research projects or post your own, view the SURF Board.

Examples of Eligible Projects:

• Assisting a Dornsife faculty member with summer research, on or off campus
• Team research projects
• Research projects as part of a departmental honors program
• Internships at a consulting or research firm that involves independent research
• Dornsife College's Problems Without Passports (PWP) program, to help fund tuition and costs

We encourage you to seek funding for any summer undergraduate research project you are interested in, as applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. The selection committe will consider any legitimate research-related use for SURF funds.

Eligibility:

• At least 3.0 cumulative USC GPA
• A declared major in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
• Each student must have a USC Dornsife College Faculty sponsor who meet one of the following criteria:
  
    1. Tenured or Tenure-Track
    2. Non-Tenure Track with a research profile
    3. Professional School faculty member with a joint appointment in USC Dornsife

Funding Guidelines:

• The amount of the stipend is up to $3000 (but depends on the costs associated with the project).
• The primary purpose of the stipend is to cover expenses directly related to a research project, or tuition for a PWP program. This commonly includes research materials, equipment and equipment rental, travel, and personal expenses directly related to the research project.
• The funds may be used exclusively as time compensation only if all other research expenses are already covered by another source.
• A budget must be submitted before the research project begins (PWP participants should submit an estimate of costs in place of a budget, available from the instructor).
• The stipend will be provided as a single payment to the student's university account. Please note: this payment during the summer must be listed on the following year's financial aid application, and may affect financial aid awards. Please contact the Financial Aid office for more information.
• If the student fails to complete the project successfully or fails to meet research obligations as part of a faculty project, and final approval is denied by the student's faculty sponsor, the funds will be withdrawn from the student's account.

Steps to Apply for SURF Funding:

• Choose a faculty sponsor and confirm that their position falls within SURF faculty criteria. If you are applying for SURF to cover costs for Problems Without Passports (PWP), your sponsor is your PWP instructor.
• Print out and complete the application form. Get your faculty sponsor to sign the application.
• Draft a one page description (500 word maximum) of the research plan in collaboration with your faculty sponsor.
• Prepare a budget, or estimation of costs involved with your project or PWP experience.
• Ask your faculty sponsor to draft a letter of recommendation in support of your application, and if necessary, outlining your assisting role in their research project.
• Attach a current STARS report.

Submit your application as an attachment to Anna Miner via email at: aminer@dornsife.usc.edu.

If you prefer, you may submit your application in person to the Dornsife Office of the Dean, ADM 304.

APPLICATION FORM

Turn in a packet containing all these documents:

• Application form
• Project Description (500 words or less)
• Budget
• Letter of Recommendation
• STARS Report

Application Due Date:

May 1st, 2012

Please note: The SURF Committee will begin notifying students of decisions as early as April 2.

Questions:

Call (213) 740-2531, or email: aminer@dornsife.usc.edu.

All funds will be disbursed in accordance with customary policies and procedures of the university.