Research Scholars Program

The UROP Research Scholars Program is intended for returning students who wish to deepen their UROP research experience and participate in advanced-level research or creative projects. Students build on the knowledge gained from their previous UROP experience to further explore various written and oral methods of communicating their research or creative projects. They will have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to scholarly discussions about research with peers across disciplines and programs at U-M.

The Research Scholars Program is open to currently enrolled U-M undergraduates who meet the following criteria:

1. Have participated in any UROP Programs (Traditional Program, Entering Research, Community Engaged Research, Changing Gears) or any UROP summer programs.
   
2. Have participated in the Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS). 
   
3. Will be enrolled in undergraduate course work at the U-M-Ann Arbor Campus for the entire academic year.
   
4. That a mentor will work with you during the academic year on either a mentor-led project or an independent project.
5. Will commit to participating in the Research Scholars Program for the Fall and Winter semesters.
   

Oral and Written Final Projects:  In conversation with a mentor, all Scholars will choose and complete one written and oral final project. 

Examples of a written product are: 

• An academic writing product with the appropriate sections within your discipline/area of study  
• A comprehensive literature review
• A comprehensive research proposal and plan
• A summary of the creative project and significance to your discipline and scholarly area
• A mentor-approved alternative written product

Examples of an oral product are:

• Oral presentation or creative project at the annual UROP Spring Research Symposium 
• Creation of a podcast based on your research inquiry and experiences
• Mentor-approved and accepted oral presentation a scholarly conference (individual or as a group)
• Research presentation or talk at a community meeting or panel discussion

Seminar and Workshops (ALA 380, Tuesdays 5:30-7:00 pm): Students will participate in small (about 20 students), bi-weekly seminars designed to equip them with the skills needed to disseminate their research findings and expose them to academia. For some students, this might involve submitting a manuscript to an undergraduate or professional journal. For others, it could mean writing an op-ed piece, hosting an exhibition, creating a video talk, maintaining a blog, developing a website, or delivering a formal oral presentation. Throughout the year, students will be required to share their research progress with their peers and will have the opportunity to provide and receive peer feedback.

Peer Facilitator Meetings:  Students are required to attend individual monthly meetings per semester with their assigned Peer Facilitator. These meetings provide an opportunity for students to get one-on-one support from their Peer Facilitator. 

Application Process & Timeline

Talk with your current UROP mentor about how you can extend your research or creative project or how to develop an independent project based on the work you have completed.

Complete the Online Application.

You may start an application and save it. Keep a copy of your work for your records. Once you submit your application, you cannot change it.

Once you submit the application, your Peer Facilitator and UROP mentor will be emailed links to their recommendation forms. Please make sure you notify them about the process so they can look for the link. 

Your Peer Facilitator and UROP mentor will have 2 weeks from your submission to complete their recommendation.  If recommendations are missing after this date, you will be notified to send a reminder to your recommenders. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that recommendations are submitted properly.

All Research Scholars are required to participate in seminar and other professional development events on Tuesdays 5:30–7:00 pm. 

Please note that when we have guest speakers the seminar will end at 7:00 p.m. and you are expected to plan accordingly. The current seminar schedule is included below and any changes will be reflected on the canvas site.